The Virginia Department of Social Services is accepting applications for fuel assistance in several ways: online, by telephone, and at all local departments of social services through Friday, Nov. 12.

To qualify for fuel assistance, the maximum gross monthly income for a one-person household must not exceed $1,610. For a household of four, the maximum gross monthly income is $3,313.

Fuel assistance is intended to offset the cost of heating expenses for eligible households and may also be utilized for delivery and installation charges as well as connection or reconnection fees, a release said.

The program is funded by the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program federal block grant and administered through the Virginia Energy Assistance Program, which provides state support to assist low-income households in meeting their immediate home energy needs such as electricity, natural and liquid propane gas, oil, kerosene, coal and wood.

“With fuel costs rising and many household...