State Will Supply Air Conditioners for Those Who Qualify

The disabled, elderly or those with children under 6 may qualifty for state assistance in obtaining a system to cool their homes, when it is need most at the height of the summer.

The Cooling Assistance Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Social Services, is available to homes with a child under 6 years-old, a person with disabilities or an adult age 60 or older living in the home who meet 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 $1,211 (an annual income of $14,532). For a household of four, the maximum gross monthly income (before taxes) is $2,498 (an annual income of $29,976).

Last year, more than 80,000 homes in Virginia were given cooling assistance. The type of assistance includes the repair of a central air conditioning system or heat pumps, the purchase of a whole-house fan and the installation of a window unit air conditioner.

Those eligible can apply from through August 15. The program is part of the department of social services Energy Assistance Program.

To learn more visit the state's website or call 2-1-1 or visit 211virginia.org for more information.