Virginia Law

Benefit levels shall be established based on income in relation to household size, fuel type, and geographic area, with the highest benefit given to households with the least income and the highest energy need.

Geographic areas are the six climate zones for Virginia recognized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United States Department of Commerce. The six climate zones are: Northern, Tidewater, Central Mountain, Southwestern Mountain, Eastern Piedmont, and Western Piedmont.

Each year the benefit amounts for each household shall be determined by state computer using the following method:

1. The following factors for each household will be assigned a point value:

a. Gross monthly income;

b. Living arrangements;

c. Primary heat type;

d. Climate zone;

e. Vulnerability:

(1) Person 60 years of age or older;

(2) Disabled person in household;

(3) Child under six; and

f. Energy burden.

Point values will be determined by department staff in accordance with guidelines established by the State Board of Social Services.

2. The total points of all households will be determined.

3. The available benefit dollars will be divided by the point total to determine a point dollar value.

4. The household's benefit amount will be calculated by multiplying the household's point total by the value per point.