warmth Starts Here
Thank you for visiting the Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF). Do you live in the DMV or surrounding areas and need help with your natural gas heating bill? Have your utilities been disconnected, or have you have received a disconnection warning?
You've come to the right place! WAFF will begin taking applications for natural gas heating bill assistance on Jan. 20. When you visit this page during that time, you will see an Apply Now button to apply quickly and easily online.
If you need other forms of utility assistance, please visit our visit our Resources page for helpful links.
WAFF Eligibility guidelines
- Your utilities must be disconnected, or you must have received a warning of disconnection notice. Please note that WAFF assists with the bill for your primary natural gas heating source.
- You must be in an emergency situation and have already applied for LIHEAP assistance.
- You must live in one of the following areas:
District of Columbia (ALL)
Maryland: City of Baltimore, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Calvert County, Frederick County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Prince George's County
Virginia: City of Alexandria, City of Fairfax, City of Falls Church, City of Manassas, City of Manassas Park, Arlington County, Clarke County, Fairfax County, Fauquier County, Frederick County, Prince William County, Stafford County, Warren County - 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 | $91,800 |
| 2 | $104,900 |
| 3 | $118,000 |
| 4 | $131,100 |
| 5 | $141,600 |
| 6 | $152,100 |
| 7 | $162,600 |
| 8 | $173,100 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for WAFF asssitance?
The WAFF program assists DMV-area households that meet the criteria listed above. If you heat your home with natural gas, you can apply for WAFF!
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 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 provides assistance with past-due natural gas heating bills.
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?
If you receive WAFF assistance, we will issue payment directly to your natural gas utility provider in your name.