Chester, VA – Columbia Gas of Virginia is reminding its customers the deadline to apply for crisis grants through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is rapidly approaching. The application window closes on Monday, March 17, 2025.
These crisis grants offer aid to income-eligible households that are without heat or in danger of being without heat. They also provide equipment-related assistance and help with security deposits, as well as heating fuel utility bills. The maximum benefit for a utility bill payment is $450. Applicants are eligible for one crisis grant for usage per heating season, and one crisis grant for security deposit in a lifetime.
“If you are one of our customers who needs support, we encourage you to apply for a crisis grant as soon as possible,” said Columbia Gas of Virginia President and Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Montague. “We never want you to feel that you must choose between feeding your family members or keeping them warm. Additionally, these types of grants are especially helpful for households facing unanticipated heating emergencies, as they are one-time grants and don’t have to be repaid.”
LIHEAP is a federally funded program administered by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS). Customers can apply in multiple ways:
- Online via the Commonwealth of Virginia CommonHelp portal at commonhelp.virginia.gov;
- By calling the VDSS Enterprise Customer Service Center at 1-855-635-4370 Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; or
- Manually by submitting an application to their local department of social services.
The income eligibility for the 2024-2025 program is 150 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines, meaning that an individual with an annual income of up to $22,590 is eligible to apply and a family of four with an annual income of up to $46,800 can apply.
In addition to LIHEAP, Columbia Gas offers other assistance programs that feature flexible payment options, budget plans and income-eligible financial support. Customers can find out what programs they may qualify for by using our eligibility calculator at www.columbiagasva.com/eligibility-calculator or by calling 1-800-543-8911 to speak with a Columbia Gas representative.
Additional information can be found at our Energy Assistance Resource Center at www.columbiagasva.com/energy-assistance-resource-center.
