Do I Qualify for Energy Assistance in Virginia?
LIHEAP FFY 2026: income limit and how to apply
Virginia LIHEAP helps families pay heating and cooling bills. The heating-assistance income standard is 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. For a family of 4, that is $48,225/year ($4,019/month) under the ACF FFY 2026 table.
Standard: LIHEAP Clearinghouse (HHS/ACF-funded), LIHEAP Income Eligibility for States and Territories, FY 2026, compiled from FY 2026 state plans, as of December 15, 2025. Dollar limit: ACF Office of Community Services, Federal Poverty Guidelines for FFY 2026 (150% column; 2025 HHS guidelines), hosted by the LIHEAP Clearinghouse, table dated December 1, 2025, in force for FFY 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026).
Could Your Family Get Energy Assistance in Virginia?
Enter your household size and gross annual income to check against the FFY 2026 limit.
Check with your utility company. Many offer payment plans, budget billing, or utility-funded assistance programs separate from LIHEAP.
Enter your household size and income to check.
Virginia LIHEAP Income Limits, FFY 2026
150% of the federal poverty guidelines, by household size.
| Household size | Annual limit | Monthly limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $23,475 | $1,956 |
| 2 people | $31,725 | $2,644 |
| 3 people | $39,975 | $3,331 |
| 4 people | $48,225 | $4,019 |
| 5 people | $56,475 | $4,706 |
| 6 people | $64,725 | $5,394 |
| 7 people | $72,975 | $6,081 |
| 8 people | $81,225 | $6,769 |
Source: ACF Office of Community Services, Federal Poverty Guidelines for FFY 2026 (150% column; 2025 HHS guidelines), hosted by the LIHEAP Clearinghouse, table dated December 1, 2025, in force for FFY 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026). The ACF poverty table is the 2025 HHS guidelines times 150%; the figures above are computed the same way and match it. Contact Virginia DSS to confirm current thresholds.
Other Virginia LIHEAP components (FY 2026 state plan)
- Cooling: 150% of the federal poverty guidelines
- Crisis: 150% of the federal poverty guidelines
- Weatherization: 60% of state median income
Source: LIHEAP Clearinghouse, FY 2026 income eligibility table, as of December 15, 2025.
How to Apply for LIHEAP in Virginia
Apply at your local Department of Social Services.
Benefit amounts are set in Virginia's state plan each year and depend on income, household size, fuel type, and funding. Virginia DSS publishes the current benefit matrix; we do not estimate it.
Energy Assistance in Other States
More Family Assistance in Virginia
Virginia Family Assistance Programs
Families who qualify for one program often qualify for others. Check each one.
Childcare Subsidy (CCDF)
Income limits and how to apply in Virginia
Head Start Eligibility
Free early education for low-income families
WIC Benefits
Food assistance for children under 5
Free Pre-K Programs
State-funded preschool eligibility
Free School Meals
NSLP income limits for school-age kids
Childcare Tax Credits
Federal + Virginia state credits
SNAP (Food Stamps)
Grocery benefits — income limits in Virginia
TANF Cash Assistance
Monthly cash benefits for families with children
Section 8 Housing
Housing vouchers — income limits and waitlists