The Patrick County Department of Social Services is accepting cooling assistance applications from June 15 through August 15 as part of the Virginia Department of Social Services Energy Assistance Program.
Customers can apply for cooling by calling 1-855-635-4370. Apply online at Commonhelp.virginia.gov. Request a cooling application from the local DSS office.
Types of available cooling assistance include:
Payment of electric bills to operate cooling equipment
Payment of security deposits for electricity to operate cooling equipment
Repair of a central air conditioning system or heat pump
Purchase of a whole-house fan, including ceiling or attic fans; and
Purchase and installation of a window unit air conditioner for households without a working one.
Cooling Assistance is available to households with a child under 6-years-old, a person with disabilities, (SSI/SSA 100 percent VA Disability) or an adult age 60 or older living in the home who meets the program’s income and eligibility requirements. To qualify for Cooling Assistance this year, the maximum gross monthly income (before taxes) for a one-person household is $1,354 and $2,790 for a household of four.
The Energy Assistance Program is funded by the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program block grant; the amount Virginia receives to disburse to recipients varies from year-to-year depending on the appropriation made by congress. Assistance is available until funds are depleted.
The goal of the cooling assistance program is to help eligible low-income families and most vulnerable residents throughout Patrick County.
