WAFF 2026 assistance events
June 10 • June 17 • June 24
NATIONAL PRESS BUILDING
529 14th St. NW
Washington, DC 20045
All events 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Do you have a natural gas disconnection notice? is your gas already cut off?
The Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF) is hosting three in-person events in June to help eligible households keep their residential natural gas turned on.
WAFF has temporarily increased emergency assistance from $500 to $750 for qualified households due to rising energy costs.
If you need help, we encourage you to attend one of the events below.
What happens at these events?
When you arrive at the National Press Building:
- You will see WAFF posters and signage in the lobby. A WAFF team member will be on-hand to greet you and escort you to check-in.
- At check-in, you will present your documentation for review (see below).
- The WAFF team will review your documents and then help you complete and submit your application via an iPad.
That's it! WAFF will contact you within 15 business days to let you know if you have approval. Payment may take up to 30 days to be credited to your account. Continue making your bill payments. Please note that applying does not guarantee assistance.
Translation and notary services will be available. WAFF rooms will be on the first floor or accessible by elevator.
Review the questions below and register for an in-person event!
Are you ready to apply for WAFF? Five easy questions.
Q1: Do you live in here?
- District of Columbia
- Maryland: City of Baltimore. Counties: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, and St. Mary's
- Virginia: Cities: Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Winchester. Counties: Arlington, Clarke, Fairfax, Fauquier, Frederick, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, and Warren
Q2: Do you have an active residential natural gas account that is disconnected, or have you received a disconnection notice in the past 30 days?
Q3: Have you applied for LIHEAP assistance in your state? Did you get an official approval/denial letter? Example
Virginia Residents, June 2026: The Virginia EAP is currently not accepting applications. Please download and complete this form and bring it to the in-person event.
DC LIHEAP accepts applications year-round. Fiscal year 2026: Oct 1, 2025 - Sept 30, 2026
Maryland MEAP accepts applications year-round. Fiscal year 2025-2026: July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026
Virginia EAP accepts various applications at different dates. Please visit their website for details.
Q4: Is your natural gas bill balance $750 or less after applying all assistance and payments?
Q5: Do you have a current ID and proof of income for the past 30 days that matches the name on your natural gas bill? If you have no income, please download and complete the WAFF Zero Income Form. You can have it notarized at an in-person event.
If you answered Yes to all of these questions, you are ready to register for an in-person event.
Walk-ins will also be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. We look forward to seeing you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can WAFF help me with my electric or water utilities?
WAFF assists only with residential natural gas utility accounts.
Do I need an appointment for the in-person events??
Advance registration is highly encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.
Is WAFF a temporary grant? Do I have to pay it back?
WAFF is direct supplemental assistance. If you qualify, funding will be applied directly to your gas utility account. You do not have to repay this amount.
What documents should I bring to an in-person event?
Please bring:
- An official photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, that matches the name on the gas bill
- Your natural gas bill from the past 30 days that shows you have a disconnection warning or have already been disconnected. The name on your bill must match your official ID.
- Proof of employment or Social Security income from the past 30 days, or a completed WAFF Zero Income Form.
- An official letter showing you applied for LIHEAP in your state and were either approved or denied. We cannot process applications if you have applied but not yet received a decision.
What if I don't have any income?
Please complete a WAFF Zero Income Form and bring it with you to the in-person event. You can have it notarized on-site.
Will someone help me complete the application?
Yes. WAFF staff will be available to help applicants during the event.
Can I apply for WAFF if my name isn't on the natural gas utility bill?
Your name must be on the natural gas utility bill and also match your official ID.
Does WAFF make a payment directly to me?
WAFF makes all payments directly to your utility company on your behalf.
I'm over 65. Do I need a disconnection notice to get help from WAFF?
If you are 65 or older, you do not need a disconnection notice to apply for WAFF.
Is WAFF available for business natural gas accounts?
WAFF is only available for residential natural gas accounts.
What if I applied for LIHEAP but don't have a final decision letter yet.
You must have a final LIHEAP approval or denial letter before you can apply for WAFF. We can’t process your application if you have applied but do not have a final decision.
What if I owe more than $750 on my utility bill?
WAFF can only assist households with a natural gas utility balance of $750 or less after LIHEAP and other payments have been applied. If you can make a payment to bring your balance below $750, you may be eligible for WAFF.
I already received WAFF assistance online this year. Can I apply again at the in-person events?
You cannot reapply at the events. WAFF is available once per calendar year. If you have already received WAFF online, you can reapply in January 2027.
I missed the online deadline. I can’t attend an event. Can I still get WAFF?
WAFF will reopen in January 2027. We also encourage you to visit waffhelp.org/resources for additional utility assistance resources in the DMV region.
How long will it be before I know if I was approved or denied for WAFF?
We will process in-person applications within 15 business days. Payments may take up to 30 days to appear on your account. Please continue to make your monthly payments.