WILLIAMSBURG — As temperatures begin to climb, state officials are preparing to open a program that helps low-income households stay cool during the hottest months of the year.
The Virginia Department of Social Services will accept applications for its Cooling Assistance Program from June 15 through Aug. 17, providing eligible residents with help covering cooling-related expenses during the summer. Applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to available funding.
Residents may apply through their local department of social services, including James City County Social Services at 5249 Olde Towne Rd. in Williamsburg. Applications also may be submitted online through CommonHelp or by phone through the Enterprise Customer Service Center at 855-635-4370, available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The program can help pay for the repair or purchase of cooling equipment, such as air conditioners and fans, and may also assist with electricity costs needed to operate cooling systems.
To qualify, applicants must be Virginia residents who apply in the locality where they live, be responsible for a cooling or heating expense and have at least one vulnerable household member. Vulnerable household members include adults age 60 or older, individuals with disabilities and children younger than 6. Households also must meet gross monthly income limits, including $1,995 for a one-person household and $4,125 for a household of four.
The Cooling Assistance Program is funded through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps eligible households manage energy costs including electricity, natural gas, oil, kerosene, propane and wood, as well as related service fees.
