warmth Starts Here


Thank you for visiting the Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF). Do you live in the DMV area and need help with your heating bill? Have your utilities been disconnected?


You've come to the right place! WAFF accepts applications each year from January through May. We will begin taking 2026 applications in January. When you visit this page during that time, you will see an Apply Now button to apply quickly and easily online.


If you need assistance between June and December, please watch our video and visit the Resources page for helpful links. Ver el video en español.


Washington Gas customers, be sure to visit our Payment Assistance page for programs and bill payment options.

 WAFF Eligibility guidelines

  • Your utilities must already be disconnected, or you must have received a warning of disconnection notice. WAFF pays ONLY for the primary heating source.
  • You must be in an emergency situation and have already applied for LIHEAP assistance.
  • You must live in the District of Columbia; in Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George’s or St. Mary’s counties in Maryland; or in Arlington, Clarke, Fairfax, Frederick, Loudoun, Prince William, Shenandoah and Warren counties, or the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church and Winchester in Virginia. Coverage Map
  • You must meet the income per family size guidelines, listed in the section below. We revise the income guidelines each year to reflect cost-of-living increases.
  • You must be prepared to verify your ID and income, as well as other sources of assistance.

2025 income guidelines

Household Size Household Annual Gross Income
1 $72,250
2 $82,550
3 $92,900
4 $103,200
5 $113,500
6 $123,850
7 $134,150
8 $144,500

WAFF Eligibility MAP by location


Do you live in one of these counties? You may be eligible for WAFF assistance1.

Map of Maryland and surrounding areas, highlighting counties in green and blue. The District of Columbia and surrounding cities are in orange.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is WAFF help only available to Washington Gas Customers?

    Not at all. The WAFF program assists all DMV households and covers all fuel types used to heat homes: natural gas, propane, electricity, oil, coal, wood, kerosene, etc.

  • What paperwork do I need to provide when I apply for WAFF energy assistance?
    • A photo ID
    • A copy of your most recent utility bill
    • Proof of Income – income verification documents (e.g., recent pay stubs, Social Security, other retirement payments, disability payments, TANF benefits). Income documentation is needed for each employed individual in the household. If you are unemployed, you will need to complete a Zero Income document.
    • Proof of Household Size – household size documentation (e.g., lease listing household members, school records, Department of Human Services, Food Stamp document listing household members, birth certificates for minor children, etc.)
  • Is there a limit on how many times I can get WAFF assistance?

    Recipients can apply once per program year (January through May).

  • Does WAFF ever run out of funds?

    WAFF funds are available between January and May 31 each year. Once program funds are exhausted, the program closes until the next year. It's best to apply as early as possible.

  • My furnace is broken. Can I apply for WAFF funding?

    Currently, WAFF does not assist with heating equipment repairs or replacements. It covers all household heating fuel sources (natural gas, electricity, propane, wood, kerosene, coal, etc.).

  • Can I apply for WAFF assistance before applying for other energy assistance programs?

    You must provide proof that you have exhausted all other government energy assistance program aid and are still in an emergency heating situation. You are then eligible to apply for WAFF assistance, provided you have met all eligibility requirements.

  • Will I receive a check directly for WAFF assistance?

    No, we will issue payment directly to your utility provider (in your name).