Virginia Fuel Assistance applications are open October 13 through November 13, 2026. Submit the application by the deadline, rather than only saving a draft in CommonHelp. The state manual distinguishes a started application from a submitted one.
Official information checked October 22, 2026.
Quick Summary
Fuel Assistance helps with home heating expenses. Apply online through CommonHelp, by phone at 855-635-4370 or through your local social services office. The state sends eligibility notices in late December. Heating emergencies follow a separate Crisis Assistance schedule.
What counts as meeting the deadline?
The City of Norfolk's winter 2026-2027 notice gives October 13-November 13, matching the state's second-Tuesday-in-October to second-Friday-in-November window.
The VDSS Energy Assistance Manual, Applications section says applications and verifications dropped off, postmarked, faxed or submitted online on the deadline date count as timely. A CommonHelp application begun before the deadline but submitted afterward does not normally count; the manual provides an exception for documented technical issues preventing submission.
For paper applications, sign the form and use your local department's correct return address. Keep your submission confirmation or mailing evidence. If a technical problem prevents submission, document it and contact the agency promptly; do not assume a saved draft secures your filing date.
Who should apply?
The current state EAP page requires a heating expense and gross monthly income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. Household composition and living arrangements also matter. The application asks whether heat is paid separately, included in rent or connected to subsidized housing, so describe your actual arrangement.
Prepare the details the application asks for
Use the Fuel Assistance form currently linked by VDSS as a checklist:
- Service and mailing addresses, contact details and household members.
- Each person's income sources, gross monthly income and payment frequency.
- Main heating equipment and fuel type, plus the heating company's name and address.
- Heating account name, number and the person responsible for payment.
- A current electric or gas bill if you heat with electricity or natural gas.
The form states that an electric or natural gas Fuel Assistance payment requires a balance owed on that bill. It also asks about a disconnection notice, low prepaid balance or low fuel supply. Provide those details accurately; the local agency can request supporting verification.
Choose your application route
- Online: visit Virginia CommonHelp and choose the benefit application that includes heating and cooling assistance.
- Phone: the state EAP page lists 855-635-4370, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Paper: obtain the current form from VDSS and return it to your local Department of Social Services. Norfolk residents can obtain or drop off paper forms at 741 Monticello Avenue; that address is for Norfolk applicants.
After submitting
CommonHelp offers a Check benefits option for application status and case information. Keep the confirmation and respond to requests from your local office. The state says Fuel Assistance eligibility notices are sent in late December, so an October submission is not a promise of an immediate payment.
If the problem is an emergency
The state separates Crisis Assistance from regular Fuel Assistance. Equipment and security-deposit applications run November 1-March 15; primary heating fuel and utility-bill crisis requests begin the first workday in January. Tell your local office immediately about no heat, unsafe equipment or a shutoff notice so it can identify the appropriate available response.
Disclaimer
Statewise Apply Guide is an independent informational website. It is not a government agency, benefits office, law firm, financial advisor, or official application portal. We do not process applications, determine eligibility, issue payments, or provide legal, tax, financial, or benefits advice. Program details, deadlines, eligibility rules, and application links may change. Always confirm information with the official agency before applying.