warmth Starts Here
REVIEW: THIS IS THE IN-SEASON GET HELP PAGE. CLICK TO SEE THE OFF-SEASON GET HELP PAGE.
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, and you've already applied for LIHEAP assistance? You've come to the right place!
WAFF is now accepting applications through May. Before you start your application:
- Watch this short video for basic eligibility guidelines (or read below).
- Review the income and location information below.
- Click the Apply Online button.
It's that easy!
Washington Gas customers, be sure to visit our
Payment Assistance page for additional programs and bill payment options.
WAFF Eligibility guidelines
- You must meet the income per family size guidelines, listed in the section below. We revise the income guidelines table (below) annually to reflect cost-of-living increases.
- 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.
- You must be in an emergency situation and no longer eligible for any government energy assistance programs.
- You must have received a termination notice or warning of future heat utility disconnection from the provider. WAFF pays for the primary heating source.
- You must demonstrate that you do not have the funds to purchase fuel and cannot buy fuel on credit.
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.
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.
- 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?
Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.