Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Virginia

What changed for fall 2026?

Virginia’s 2026–27 Fuel Assistance application window opened October 13 and ends November 13. This is the action to take now if you pay to heat your home. State guidance says approved winter help is set up later in the year, so call your provider about any bill due sooner.

Summer Cooling Assistance has ended. The current state page lists its closing date as August 17, 2026; some local pages still say August 15. Dominion’s EnergyShare now lists up to $700 for heating season (October 1–April 30), compared with the older amounts in this article. Both limits and funds should be checked when you apply.

Where to start in Virginia

Choose the first program by the problem you need to solve. You can use more than one path, but each program has its own application and rules.

Quick utility help reference

Virginia Energy Assistance Program

The Energy Assistance Program is run by the Virginia Department of Social Services. Fuel, Crisis, and Cooling Assistance generally require a household heating or cooling expense and gross monthly income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.

Apply through CommonHelp, by calling 855-635-4370 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., or through your local DSS office.

2026 income reference

The table below shows 150% of the 2026 federal poverty guidelines for Virginia. It is a screening reference, not a final eligibility decision. VDSS decides which income counts, the household size, and how figures are rounded.

The table uses the state’s 2026 income reference (150% of the federal poverty level). For example, the state lists $2,705 gross monthly income for a household of two and $4,125 for four. Income, household and expense rules still need a DSS review. Do not assume that paying rent with utilities included qualifies you for every part of Energy Assistance.

PIPP for Dominion and Appalachian Power customers

The Percentage of Income Payment Program helps eligible Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power households manage electric costs. It is available to customers with an active account and household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.

• The required payment is 10% of gross household income when electricity is the primary heat source.
• The payment is 6% of income when the home uses another primary heating source.
• When the PIPP amount is paid fully and on time, one-twelfth of the old balance is forgiven each month.
• Income must be reverified each year, and household or income changes must be reported.

A missed or partial payment means you do not get that month’s PIPP credits. Two missed PIPP payments in a row may lead to disconnection. Renew PIPP every 12 months. The state says you must report changes within five days; ask your worker what to report and how. Check with the electric company before changing other billing plans.

Apply through CommonHelp or send a paper application to local DSS. Have your current electric bill, Social Security numbers for household members, and proof of the last 30 days of income for adults. DSS says the decision may take up to 30 days; call your local office if you have not heard back. An application is not a shutoff hold.

Utility-company hardship funds

Private funds may help when state assistance is closed, insufficient, or already used. These programs are limited and may require service to be off or threatened with termination.

Dollar Energy Fund says hardship grants are not automatic. A family may need to apply for open public programs first, show income, and use a residential account in a household adult’s name. Some funds require a recent payment. Dollar Energy grants cannot pay deposits or reconnection fees. If the award is too small to stop the shutoff, the fund may deny the request. Ask the provider what other payment is needed and whether money remains available.

For Appalachian Power, Dollar Energy lists a recent payment effort of $100 during the prior three months for most applicants and a balance of at least $100. For Virginia American Water, the utility lists a $50 payment effort in the past 90 days and income at or below 150% of the poverty limit. Each fund has its own rules. Do not use one company’s limits for another company.

Water, phone, internet, and weatherization

Water and wastewater bills

Water assistance often depends on the provider. Virginia American Water offers payment plans and H2O Help to Others. Its posted program may pay up to $500 per year for eligible customers; a recent payment effort of $50 in the past 90 days and other eligibility rules apply. Call 1-800-452-6863 before service is cut off. Ask for the current income limits, since some posted provider tables may lag yearly federal poverty updates.

If service comes from a city, county, town, or authority, call that provider. Ask about a hardship plan, leak adjustment, deposit help, local charity fund, and appeal or complaint process. Do not assume the SCC regulates every municipal account.

Phone and internet

The federal Lifeline program can reduce qualifying phone, internet, or bundled service. The standard benefit is up to $9.25 per month, and only one benefit is allowed per household. Qualification may be based on income or participation in programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or certain housing assistance.

The Affordable Connectivity Program ended in 2024. ASMOM’s phone and internet guide explains other low-cost options.

Weatherization

Virginia’s Weatherization Assistance Program can install cost-effective measures such as air sealing, insulation, ventilation, duct repairs, efficient lighting, and heating or cooling system repairs. It does not pay a current utility bill.

Apply through the provider serving the location of the home. Renters may qualify, but the provider may need owner permission. A home can be deferred when serious repair or safety problems prevent weatherization work.

Documents and information to gather

Start the application even when one document is missing. Ask what substitute proof is accepted and save confirmation that each item was submitted.

ASMOM’s documents checklist can help you organize bills, notices, screenshots, and call notes.

What to do if help is denied or delayed

1. Get the reason in writing. Find out whether the issue is income, household information, a closed window, missing proof, utility coverage, or exhausted funds.
2. Correct missing information. Ask where to send it and whether the current application can remain open.
3. Track the deadline. Keep the notice, envelope, confirmation number, screenshots, and worker names.
4. Use the appeal process. The Energy Assistance page includes state appeal forms. Follow the instructions and date on your notice.
5. Keep working with the utility. A state appeal does not automatically stop collection or disconnection.

For a regulated utility complaint, contact the utility first. If the problem is not resolved, use the SCC utility office or call 804-371-9611 or 1-800-552-7945. The SCC can review regulated-utility actions but cannot promise that assistance funds will be available.

ASMOM’s benefits problem guide can help organize the notice, deadline, and evidence. The Virginia legal guide lists civil legal-help paths.