Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Virginia

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.

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.

Missing or partial payments can lead to removal. Dominion also states that PIPP customers cannot use some other billing arrangements at the same time. Ask how enrollment affects budget billing, extensions, deposits, late charges, and payment plans before accepting the program.

Apply through CommonHelp or send a paper application to local DSS. Common documents include the current electric bill, Social Security numbers for household members, and proof of the last 30 days of income for adults.

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 participating customers generally must apply for open federal or state programs first, provide income proof, and have a residential account in an adult household member’s name. Some programs also require a recent good-faith payment. A grant may be denied when the maximum award will not stop termination or restore service.

Water, phone, internet, and weatherization

Water and wastewater bills

Water assistance is often provider-specific. Virginia American Water offers payment arrangements and H2O Help to Others. The current program can provide up to $500 per year to qualifying customers with a shutoff notice or disconnected service. It also requires a recent payment effort and income at or below the program limit.

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.