Virginia government grants are non-repayable funds provided by federal, state, and local agencies to help residents pay for essential needs like housing, utilities, education, and healthcare. These programs target low-income families, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and those facing financial emergencies. Unlike loans, grants do not require repayment, making them a critical resource for Virginians experiencing temporary hardship or long-term financial barriers.
Virginia administers these programs through the Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS), Virginia Housing, Virginia Works, and specialized agencies like the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). Eligibility typically depends on income level, residency status, household size, and specific vulnerability factors such as age or disability.
Key Takeaways
Virginia offers grants for housing, utilities, education, workforce training, and special populations like seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities
Most grants are income-based and require proof of residency, income documentation, and completion of an application through DSS or partnering agencies
Energy assistance applications open annually from the second Tuesday in October through the second Friday in November
Grants do not require repayment, but misuse, incomplete applications, or missed deadlines can result in denial or disqualification
Assistance programs prioritize households with seniors (60+), children under 6, or individuals with disabilities
Types of Government Grants Available in Virginia
Virginia provides multiple grant categories designed to address immediate and long-term financial needs across diverse populations.
Housing Grants
Virginia Housing administers programs that help residents secure affordable housing, prevent evictions, and access rental assistance. The State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) supports individuals with developmental disabilities in the Settlement Agreement population, providing rental subsidies so they can lease private housing. This program operates in specific counties and cities across Virginia.
Emergency rental assistance is available through local Departments of Social Services for families facing eviction or homelessness. The Indoor Plumbing Program provides grants to improve substandard housing conditions in rural areas.
Utility and Energy Assistance
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), known in Virginia as the Energy Assistance Program (EAP), helps eligible households pay heating and cooling bills. Regular EAP provides one-time payments to utility companies on behalf of qualifying households. Crisis EAP offers emergency assistance for households facing imminent shutoff, lack of heat, or unsafe heating equipment.
The Cooling Assistance Program serves households with vulnerable members (seniors 60+, individuals with disabilities, or children under age 6) who are responsible for cooling costs.
Dollar Energy Fund manages additional utility assistance programs for customers of Appalachian Power, Old Dominion Power, Columbia Gas, and Virginia American Water. These hardship programs provide grants ranging from $250 to $500 depending on the utility and program.
Education and Workforce Training Grants
FastForward reduces tuition costs for short-term credential programs at Virginia’s Community Colleges, focusing on high-demand careers. The G3 Tuition Assistance Program covers tuition and fees for students pursuing education in healthcare, skilled trades, and information technology.
Virginia’s Apprenticeship Pathways Program offers two grant opportunities:
Employer Apprenticeship Grants: Up to $40,000 to develop or expand pre-apprenticeship and Youth Registered Apprenticeship programs
CTE Center Apprenticeship Grants: Up to $10,000 for Career and Technical Education Centers to create partnerships with employers in high-demand fields
Returnship Grants reimburse employers up to $30,000 for training and hiring experienced individuals in project-based advisory roles.
Small Business Grants
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) in Virginia can obtain designation through the Virginia Small, Women-owned, and Minority Owned Business (SWaM) certification program. This designation provides access to state contracting opportunities and business development resources.
Assistance for Seniors, Disabled Individuals, Families, and Veterans
The Auxiliary Grant (AG) Program provides monthly cash supplements to seniors (65+), individuals who are blind, or people with disabilities residing in licensed assisted living facilities, approved adult foster care homes, or supportive housing settings. Applicants must be Virginia residents with countable income below the facility’s AG rate plus personal needs allowance.
Section 811 Project Rental Assistance serves extremely low-income persons with disabilities by providing project-based rental assistance linked with long-term services. This program is managed through a partnership between Virginia Housing, DBHDS, DMAS, and DHCD.
Veterans may access grants for wheelchair-accessible homes, motor vehicle adaptations for service-connected disabilities, and dependent-care assistance.
| Grant Type | Program Name | Who Qualifies | Maximum Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) | Individuals with developmental disabilities in Settlement Agreement population | Varies by location |
| Energy | Regular EAP (LIHEAP) | Low-income households responsible for heating costs | Varies by income/household size |
| Energy | Crisis EAP | Households facing heating emergency or shutoff | Emergency payment to utility |
| Utility | Dollar Energy Fund Programs | Customers of participating utilities meeting income limits | $250–$500 per utility |
| Workforce | FastForward | Students in short-term credential programs | Reduced tuition |
| Workforce | G3 Tuition Assistance | Students in healthcare, IT, or skilled trades | Full tuition and fees |
| Apprenticeship | Employer Apprenticeship Pathways | Employers developing youth apprenticeships | Up to $40,000 |
| Seniors/Disabled | Auxiliary Grant (AG) | Residents 65+, blind, or disabled in assisted living | Monthly cash supplement |
| Disabled | Section 811 Rental Assistance | Extremely low-income persons with disabilities | Project-based rental subsidy |
Who Is Eligible for Virginia Government Grants
Eligibility requirements vary by program, but most Virginia grants use income thresholds, residency requirements, and priority group status as determining factors.
Income-Based Eligibility
LIHEAP/EAP uses income limits based on household size and typically requires income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. For example, a two-person household must have monthly income at or below approximately $2,644 or yearly income at or below $31,725.
Dollar Energy Fund programs set income limits at 150% of the Federal Poverty Level and require applicants to show proof of income for all household members.
Residency Requirements
All applicants must be Virginia residents. For housing grants like SRAP, individuals must live or plan to live in specific counties and cities where the program operates. Auxiliary Grant applicants must have been Virginia residents prior to entering assisted living facilities.
Priority or Protected Groups
Many Virginia grants prioritize or exclusively serve vulnerable populations:
Seniors age 60 or older receive priority for cooling assistance and reduced payment requirements for utility assistance
Children under age 6 make households eligible for cooling assistance
Individuals with disabilities qualify for specialized housing programs, rental assistance, and auxiliary grants
Veterans with service-connected disabilities access grants for housing modifications and small business certifications
| Eligibility Factor | Requirement | Applies to Which Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 60+ (seniors) or 65+ | Cooling Assistance, Auxiliary Grant, priority for utility programs |
| Age | Children under 6 in household | Cooling Assistance |
| Income | At or below 150% Federal Poverty Level | LIHEAP/EAP, Dollar Energy Fund programs |
| Residency | Virginia resident | All state-administered grant programs |
| Disability Status | Blind, disabled, or developmental disability | Auxiliary Grant, SRAP, Section 811 |
| Utility Responsibility | Must be responsible for heating or cooling bills | Energy assistance programs |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or qualifying alien | Auxiliary Grant and federally funded programs |
| Veterans Status | Service-connected disability | Housing modification grants, SDVOSB certification |
How to Apply for Government Grants in Virginia
Application procedures differ by program type, but most follow a standardized process through local Departments of Social Services or designated partner agencies.
Where to Apply
Energy Assistance (LIHEAP/EAP): Apply at your local Department of Social Services during the designated application period (second Tuesday in October through second Friday in November). Crisis assistance applications are accepted year-round when households face heating emergencies.
Dollar Energy Fund Utility Assistance: Applications are submitted directly to Dollar Energy Fund for customers of participating utilities (Appalachian Power, Old Dominion Power, Columbia Gas, Virginia American Water). The program year runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026.
Housing Grants: SRAP referrals must be made by a CSB Support Coordinator or private case manager under contract with a Community Services Board. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for senior housing resources.
Workforce Training: Apply through Virginia’s Community Colleges for FastForward and G3 programs. Employers apply for Apprenticeship Pathways grants through Virginia Works.
Auxiliary Grant: Submit an Application for Benefits to the local Department of Social Services in the city or county where you lived before entering assisted living.
Typical Steps
Gather required documents before starting your application
Complete the application form online, by phone, or in person at your local DSS office
Submit proof of income, residency, and household composition
Wait for eligibility determination, which typically takes 45 days for programs like Auxiliary Grant
Receive notification of approval or denial with benefit amount and payment details
Benefits are paid directly to service providers (utilities, landlords, training institutions) in most cases
Common Documents Required
Government-issued photo identification for the applicant
Social Security cards for all household members
Proof of current income for all household members (pay stubs, benefit statements, tax returns)
Recent utility bills or proof of heating/cooling responsibility
Lease agreement or proof of residency
Medical documentation for disability-related programs
Disconnection notice or proof of utility emergency (for crisis assistance)
| Step | Action | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Collect identification, income proof, Social Security cards, utility bills | Before applying |
| 2 | Determine which program matches your need and eligibility | 1–2 days |
| 3 | Submit application during open enrollment or year-round for crisis programs | Application period varies by program |
| 4 | Local DSS or agency reviews application and verifies documents | Up to 45 days |
| 5 | Receive approval notice with benefit details | After review period |
| 6 | Grant funds are sent directly to utility, landlord, or training provider | Within days to weeks of approval |
Benefits and Limitations of Government Grants
Virginia government grants offer substantial financial relief, but they come with specific usage rules and restrictions.
What Grants Can Help Pay For
Energy grants cover heating bills, cooling costs, emergency shutoff prevention, and weatherization repairs. Payments go directly to utility companies like Dominion Energy, Appalachian Power, Columbia Gas, and water providers.
Housing grants pay rent, security deposits, and move-in costs for eligible individuals. They can also fund home modifications for wheelchair accessibility.
Education and workforce grants cover tuition, fees, training materials, and credential exam costs for students in high-demand career pathways.
Auxiliary grants provide monthly cash to supplement personal needs for seniors and individuals with disabilities in assisted living settings.
Common Restrictions
One grant per utility per program year is the standard limit. Households cannot receive multiple energy assistance payments for the same utility within a single year.
Applicants must demonstrate sincere effort of payment before qualifying for utility hardship programs. Appalachian Power customers must have paid at least $100 in the three months prior to applying (or $75 for seniors 62+).
Minimum outstanding balance requirements apply to most utility assistance programs. For example, Old Dominion Power requires at least $100 owed.
Residency in specific facilities is mandatory for programs like Auxiliary Grant, which only serves residents of licensed assisted living facilities, approved adult foster care homes, or approved supportive housing.
What Grants Do Not Cover
Grants do not cover past-due amounts beyond the current crisis for some programs. Crisis EAP, for instance, addresses immediate heating emergencies but may not clear entire arrears balances.
Non-essential expenses like entertainment, dining, or luxury items are not covered.
Medical bills, credit card debt, or personal loans fall outside the scope of housing, energy, and education grants.
Transportation costs are generally not included unless tied to specific workforce training programs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
Many Virginia grant applications are denied due to preventable errors.
Incomplete Applications
Missing documents cause delays or automatic denials. Auxiliary Grant applications require identification, proof of income, and verification of assisted living placement. Energy assistance requires utility bills, Social Security numbers for all household members, and income documentation.
Double-check that you provide all required proof before submitting. If you’re unsure what’s needed, call your local DSS office or Area Agency on Aging for a checklist.
Missed Deadlines
Regular EAP applications are only accepted from the second Tuesday in October through the second Friday in November. Missing this window means you must wait for the next year or qualify under crisis assistance rules.
Dollar Energy Fund programs run on a fiscal year basis (October 1–September 30). Applying late in the year may result in depleted funds.
Set reminders in early October if you plan to apply for heating assistance.
Confusing Grants with Loans
Grants do not require repayment, but some applicants mistake them for loans and fail to follow program rules. Energy assistance is a one-time benefit per utility per year. You cannot “pay back” a grant to qualify for another one in the same program year.
Read program guidelines carefully to understand benefit limits.
Failing to Demonstrate Payment Effort
Utility hardship programs require proof of recent payment attempts. If you haven’t paid anything toward your bill in the past three months, your application may be denied. Make at least the minimum required payment ($50–$100 depending on the program) before applying.
Not Reporting Income Changes
If your income increases after you apply but before you’re approved, notify your caseworker immediately. Failure to report changes can result in disqualification or being required to repay benefits.
Applying to the Wrong Agency
SRAP housing referrals must come from a CSB Support Coordinator, not directly from the applicant. Attempting to apply on your own will delay or void your request.
Check which agency administers your target program before starting the application.
Conclusion
Virginia’s government grant programs provide critical financial support to residents facing housing insecurity, high utility bills, education costs, and specialized needs related to age or disability. Energy assistance, housing subsidies, workforce training grants, and auxiliary support are available year-round or during specific enrollment periods through the Virginia Department of Social Services, Virginia Housing, Virginia Works, and partner agencies. Eligibility depends primarily on income, residency, and household composition, with priority given to seniors, children, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Applying successfully requires gathering complete documentation, meeting deadlines, and following program-specific rules. Grants do not require repayment, but misuse or failure to comply with terms can result in disqualification. Start by contacting your local Department of Social Services or Area Agency on Aging to determine which programs match your situation and to receive application support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know if I qualify for Virginia energy assistance grants?
You qualify for LIHEAP/EAP if your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, you are responsible for heating costs, and you are a Virginia resident. For a two-person household, this means monthly income below approximately $2,644 or yearly income below $31,725. Priority is given to households with seniors (60+), young children (under 6), or individuals with disabilities.
What is the income limit for Virginia government grants in 2026?
Most Virginia grants use income thresholds based on the Federal Poverty Level. Energy assistance programs typically require income at or below 150% FPL, while housing and auxiliary grants may have lower or higher limits depending on the program. Contact your local Department of Social Services to verify current income limits for your household size.
Can I apply for multiple Virginia government grants at the same time?
Yes, you can apply for multiple grants if you meet eligibility requirements for each program. For example, you may receive energy assistance, housing support, and workforce training grants simultaneously. However, you can only receive one grant per utility per program year for energy assistance programs.
When does the Virginia energy assistance application period open?
Regular EAP applications are accepted from the second Tuesday in October through the second Friday in November each year. Crisis energy assistance for heating emergencies is available year-round. If you face an imminent shutoff or lack of heat, apply immediately for crisis assistance rather than waiting for the regular enrollment period.
How long does it take to get approved for Virginia housing grants?
The Auxiliary Grant program takes up to 45 days to process applications. SRAP housing referrals vary depending on availability in your county or city and require coordination with a CSB Support Coordinator. Emergency rental assistance timelines depend on funding availability at your local DSS office.
Do I have to repay Virginia government grants?
No, grants do not require repayment. They are non-repayable funds designed to help Virginia residents meet essential needs. However, if you provide false information or misuse grant funds, you may be required to repay benefits and could be disqualified from future assistance.
What documents do I need to apply for Virginia grants?
Most programs require government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of current income, and recent utility bills or lease agreements. Disability-related programs may require medical documentation. Energy assistance applicants facing shutoff should bring a disconnection notice. Gather all documents before starting your application to avoid delays.