To help keep you warm as the temperature drops this winter, a federal program is available to help pay your heating bills.
Right now, federal energy assistance funds are available under LIHEAP or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
The program provides assistance to low and fixed-income residents, including senior citizens.
The average Virginia household got $306 in 2012. That only covers a portion of the household energy bill, but it can help keep the heat on in the winter.
To apply for LIHEAP, call your local Social Services office now. We have posted the numbers below.
The application period begins next Tuesday, Oct. 13 and it ends on Friday, Nov. 13. In North Carolina, applications will be taken Dec. 1 through Jan. 31 or until funds are exhausted.
Virginia:
Accomack Department of Social Services
(757) 787-1530
Charles City Department of Social Services
(804) 652-1708
Chesapeake Department of Social Services
(757) 382-2000
Franklin City Department of Social Services
(757) 562-8520
(757) 516-6683
Franklin County Department of Social Services
(540) 483-9247
Gloucester Department of Social Services
(804) 693-2671
Hampton Department of Social Services
(757) 727-1800
Isle of Wight Department of Social Services
(757) 365-0880
James City County Department of Social Services
(757) 259-3100
New Kent Department of Social Services
(804) 966-1853
Newport News Department of Human Services
(757) 926-6300
Norfolk Department of Human Services
(757) 664-6000
Northampton County Department of Social Services
(757) 678-5153
Petersburg Department of Social Services
(804) 861-4720
Portsmouth Department of Social Services
(757) 405-1800
Southampton County Department of Social Services
(757) 653-3080
Suffolk Department of Social Services
(757) 514-7450
Sussex Department of Social Services
(434) 246-1068
Surry Department of Social Services
(757) 294-5240
Virginia Beach Department of Human Services
(757) 437-3200
Williamsburg Human Services
(757) 220-6161
North Carolina:
Bertie County Department of Social Services
(252) 794-5320
Camden County Department of Social Services
(252) 331-4787
Chowan County Department of Social Services
(252) 482-7441
Dare County Department of Social Services
(252) 475-5500
Gates County Department of Social Services
(252) 357-0075
Hertford County Department of Social Services
(252) 358-7830
Northampton County Department of Social Services
(252) 534-5811
Pasquotank County Department of Social Services
(252) 338-2126
Perquimans County Department of Social Services
(252) 426-7373
If an individual has used up the amount they were allocated through LIHEAP or does not qualify to receive the LIHEAP benefit, they can apply for supplemental programs or emergency charitable assistance. These charitable funds are last resort emergency funds with limited resources and limited times of operation.
- Columbia Gas of Virginia Heatshare: Funded by customer and company contributions and administered by the Salvation Army, Heatshare is an emergency fund to help households with energy bills. To find out if you qualify for a grant, call the Universal Services department at 1-800-537-7431.
• Dominion Virginia Power EnergyShare: EnergyShare is a heating and cooling assistance program in Virginia. Heating assistance applies to any heat source - oil, gas, kerosene, wood and electricity. EnergyShare is supported by donations from utility stockholders, employees and customers, businesses, churches, and civic groups. In addition, matching funds and administrative costs are paid by the utility. Apply at a EnergyShare agencies near you or call 1-866-366-4357.
• Virginia Natural Gas EnergyShare: Beginning in January, help with energy payments may be available if all alternatives available through social services have been exhausted. Call The Salvation Army to make an appointment. Walk-ins are not accepted. In South Hampton Roads, call 757-543-8100; in Suffolk, call 757-539-5201; on the Peninsula, call 757-838-4875.
