Prince William County Accepting Applications for Heating Assistance Program

Prince William County residents experiencing heating emergencies may qualify for financial assistance through Virginia's Crisis Assistance Program. Applications opened Nov. 1, with different types of assistance available throughout the winter.  

The Prince William County Department of Social Services, or DSS, is accepting applications for the 2026-27 program, which helps eligible low-income households address heating-related emergencies and maintain safe, warm homes during the colder months. 

The program offers two phases of assistance and runs through March 15, 2027. 

The first phase, which began Nov. 1, 2026, and runs through March 15, 2027, provides assistance with repairing or replacing broken heating equipment, purchasing or installing qualifying supplemental heating equipment and paying eligible heating-related security deposits. This phase does not cover heating bills or past-due utility balances. 

The second phase begins in January 2027 and runs through March 15, 2027. During this phase, additional assistance will be available to help eligible households with emergency payments for primary heating bills and emergency fuel purchases. 

Residents can apply for assistance during either phase independently. They do not need to apply for or receive assistance during the first phase to qualify for assistance during the second phase. 

To qualify, households must meet Virginia's Energy Assistance Program requirements, including income eligibility and a qualifying heating emergency. Eligibility is based on household circumstances, program guidelines and available funding. 

Residents can apply in several ways: 

• Online at: CommonHelp. 
• By phone at: 1-855-635-4370, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. 
• By paper application: Pick up and submit completed applications at 7987 Ashton Ave., Suite 200, in Manassas, or 15941 Donald Curtis Dr., Suite 180, in Woodbridge. 

Residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. For questions about application status or eligibility, residents can call 703-792-7500.  

Additional information about Virginia's Energy Assistance Program is available at dss.virginia.gov/relief/ea/.