Checked October 13, 2026
Help paying bills in Virginia
Behind on your electric, gas or rent in Virginia? Here are the real programs, who to call, and what to do first. All free.
Do these 3 things first
- Call your utility before the due date. Ask for a payment plan and any low-income discount or hardship program.
- Apply for Energy Assistance Program (EAP). Start at the state program page, or call 1-866-674-6327 (free) to find where to apply.
- Dial 2-1-1 for local help with rent, food and bills.
Help with electric and gas bills
Energy Assistance Program (EAP)
Run by the Virginia Department of Social Services. Covers heating, cooling and crisis help, with different application periods. Apply online through CommonHelp or at your local department of social services. If you have a shutoff notice or are out of fuel, say so and ask for crisis help.
Got a shutoff notice?
Virginia utilities can't shut off service when extreme cold (below 32°F) or extreme heat (above 92°F) is forecast within 24 hours. If your utility won't work with you, contact the state utility commission. These rules usually cover companies the state regulates, not every city utility or co-op.
If your utility won't help: Virginia State Corporation Commission · 1-800-552-7945
Behind on rent
Rent help in Virginia is mostly run by counties, cities and local agencies. Dial 2-1-1 for emergency rent help near you, and ask your local community action agency (often the same office that handles energy help). If you get court papers, don't ignore them: call legal aid right away.
Food, health care and phone
Lifeline (phone or internet discount)
A federal discount on one phone or internet plan if you get SNAP, Medicaid, SSI or meet income rules.
Lower the bills you pay every month
A 60-second check of your phone, car insurance, bank fees and credit. Free options first.
Make a plan for the next few months
Once the emergency is handled, see where your money goes and which bills to pay from each paycheck. The Budget Starter is free. The Debt Freedom Planner adds your debt-free date and a spending tracker.
Dealing with it right now? The Hard Month Kit ($9) has printable call scripts, a hardship letter and a bill priority worksheet.
We sell the planner. It never changes the advice on this page. How we make money.
Watch out for scams
Real help programs never charge a fee to apply. Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers or crypto, and never give your login or PIN to anyone who calls you. Report scams at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Sources
- Virginia Energy Assistance Program (EAP)
- LIHEAP Clearinghouse: state disconnect policies
- LIHEAP Clearinghouse: cold weather rules
- USDA SNAP state directory
- Virginia State Corporation Commission
Program details change. Confirm with the program before you rely on a date or amount.
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