Struggling with Heating Bills? Virginia’s Fuel Assistance Program Open Until Nov. 14

If your heating bill has you muttering at the thermostat, here’s some welcome relief. The Virginia Department of Social Services is accepting applications for fuel assistance now through November 14, 2025. If you live in Williamsburg, James City County, or nearby Hampton Roads and you’re responsible for your household’s heating or cooling costs, you may qualify based on income. This is part of the Energy Assistance Program funded by LIHEAP, and it’s designed to help households keep the lights on and the heat running when costs spike.

Let’s talk eligibility in plain English. You must be a resident of the locality where you apply, you must be responsible for your home’s heating or cooling expenses, and your gross monthly household income has to fall within program limits. For a one-person household, the maximum gross monthly income is $1,956. For a household of four, the maximum is $4,018. If you’re close to those numbers, it’s still worth checking—eligibility is based on gross income and household size, and a quick application will give you a definitive answer.

Applying is simple and can be done three ways. First, online through the Commonwealth’s CommonHelp portal at commonhelp.virginia.gov, which is the fastest route for many families juggling work and school schedules. Second, by phone through the Enterprise Customer Service Center, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 855-635-4370. Third, in person at your local office. For James City County residents, Social Services is at 5249 Olde Towne Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188. If you’re in Yorktown, Newport News, Toano, Hampton, or Poquoson, check your locality’s Social Services office for in-person help.

What does fuel assistance actually cover? More than you might think. LIHEAP funds can help with common home energy sources like electricity, natural gas, liquid propane, heating oil, kerosene, coal, and even wood. Depending on your situation, assistance may also be available for delivery and installation charges, plus connection or reconnection fees. That can be a game changer if your service was interrupted or you’re staring down a big minimum-delivery bill before the first real cold snap.

If Spanish is easier for your household, there’s good news: the program information is also available en español, with the same deadline of 14 de noviembre de 2025 and the same income guidelines. Families can apply online through CommonHelp, by phone, or at the local office—whatever is simplest. If you’re helping a neighbor or a family member who’s more comfortable in Spanish, point them to the same resources and remind them of the deadline so they don’t miss out.

Why am I, your friendly Williamsburg real estate agent, talking about fuel assistance? Because housing isn’t just about bedrooms and backyards—it’s about stability. Lowering your monthly energy burden keeps your budget healthy and your home comfortable. That matters whether you own in Williamsburg VA or you’re renting while stationed at Joint Base Langley Eustis, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, or Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown. And if you’re planning a military relocation to the greater Williamsburg area, knowing about local support like this makes the transition smoother.

Here’s the quick checklist: live in the locality, pay for your home’s heating or cooling, meet the monthly income limits, and apply by November 14, 2025. Start at commonhelp.virginia.gov, call 855-635-4370 Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., or stop by James City County Social Services at 5249 Olde Towne Rd in Williamsburg. Share this with a neighbor—especially seniors, new parents, and military families—so no one is choosing between warmth and groceries this winter.

If you have questions about neighborhoods, budgets, or how to plan your move around utility costs, I’m here to help. I’m plugged into Williamsburg VA real estate, Yorktown real estate, and the everyday stuff that keeps your home running well. Reach out and let’s make a smart plan for your next chapter in Hampton Roads.