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Thank you for visiting the award-winning Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF). For 43 years, WAFF has served the DMV region to help families prevent utility shutoffs during challenging times.
Our 2026 season has closed. We are no longer accepting applications. We will re-open for applications in January 2027. You can also find assistance from other organizations listed on our Resources page.
WAFF Re-Opens in 2027: OUR #1 tip?
Apply for LIHEAP as soon as possible in your state: Washington D.C. • Maryland • Virginia
In 2026, more than 36% of WAFF applicants didn't qualify because they didn't submit a final LIHEAP determination letter. Pending letters without a decision will not be accepted.
Here are some examples of how final LIHEAP letters might look.
DC Example 1 Maryland Example 1 Maryland Example 2 Virginia Example 1
Having your letter ready helps you apply when WAFF reopens in January 2027.
GET READY to apply FOR WAFF in 2027!
Do you live here?
District of Columbia
Maryland
City of Baltimore; Counties of: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, St. Mary's
Virginia
Cities of: Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park, Winchester; Counties of: Arlington, Clarke, Fairfax, Fauquier, Frederick, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, Warren
Do you have a final LIHEAP approval or denial letter?
To apply for WAFF, you must submit a final LIHEAP letter saying you were approved or denied. Apply as soon as possible in your state.
Do you owe $500 or less on your bill after all payments and credits?
WAFF can pay up to $500 per natural gas utility account. If you owe more than $500, you can still quality for WAFF by making a payment that brings that balance to $500 or less.
Does your current ID match the name on your gas utility bill?
You will need to upload an official photo ID that matches the name on your natural gas utility account. This might include a driver's license, passport, or other government-issued ID.
Do you have income from wages or Social Security?
If yes, you will need to upload paycheck and/or Social Security statements from the past 30 days when you apply. If you are reporting no income, you will need to complete a Zero Income Form, have it notarized, and upload it as part of your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can WAFF help me with my electric or water utilities?
WAFF assists only with residential natural gas utility accounts. We are unable to help with your electric, water, or other utility bills. Please visit our Resources page to see if other assistance may be available.
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 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.
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 years old. Do I need a disconnection notice to get help, or can I just provide a past-due bill?
If you are 65 or older, you do not need a disconnection notice to apply for WAFF.
My bill is past due, but my account doesn't have a disconnection warning. Can WAFF still help?
WAFF can only assist if you have a disconnection or a warning of discontinuance notice.
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.
I was denied for LIHEAP. Can WAFF still help?
Please provide your LIHEAP denial letter when you apply. We evaluate every application on a case-by-case basis.
What if I owe more than $500 on my utility bill?
WAFF can only assist households with a natural gas utility balance of $500 or less after LIHEAP and other payments have been applied.
How often can I apply for WAFF?
You can apply for WAFF once per calendar year. This includes online applications and any special sign-up events.
How long will it be before I know if I was approved or denied for WAFF?
During our open season (January through May), we generally process applications within 30 days. Payments may take an additional 30 days to appear on your account. Please continue to make your monthly payments.
I missed the 2026 deadline in May. 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.
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.
CURRENT 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 |