VDSS can help pay your heating expenses

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) - You have now until Friday, November 12, to apply for fuel assistance through Virginia's Department of Social Services (VDSS).

Families and individuals must apply at their local department of social services CLICK HERE TO LOCATE YOURS .

"No Virginian should have to face the cold winter months without heat," said VDSS Commissioner Martin D. Brown. "The federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, helps keep our most vulnerable residents warm in the winter and cool in the summer. We encourage those who think they may qualify - including those who have never sought assistance before - to submit their applications as soon as possible."

Fuel Assistance is a supplemental program intended to help households pay for heating costs. To qualify for Fuel Assistance, a one-person household's maximum gross monthly income cannot exceed $1,174.00.

For a household of four, the maximum gross monthly income level is $2,389.00.

While called Fuel Assistance, the program assists with various types of energy sources, including electricity, natural and liquid propane gas, oil, kerosene, coal and wood.

Last year, nearly 143,000 households received assistance.

For more information on the Energy Assistance Program, pre-screening tool and application, CLICK HERE .