warmth Starts Here
Do you have a gas disconnection notice? Are your utilities turned off?
The Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF) is hosting a series of events to help eligible households keep their residential gas accounts turned on. We've temporarily increased emergency assistance to $750. If you need help, please register for an in-person event on June 10, 17, or 24 at the National Press Building.
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 closed on May 29, and we will re-open for applications in January 2027. You can also find assistance from other organizations listed on our Resources page.
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 in-person events.
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.
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 LIHEAP assistance. Does that mean WAFF can't help me?
Please provide your LIHEAP denial letter when you apply. We evaluate every application on a case-by-case basis.
I live in Virginia. How do I apply when LIHEAP is not available right now?
Virginia Residents, June 2026: The Virginia EAP is currently not accepting applications. If you have already applied, applications are being processed in the order they were received. If you have not applied as of June 1, 2026, please download and complete this form and bring it to the in-person event if you don’t already have your benefits letter.
I live in DC. How do I apply when LIHEAP is not available right now?
DC Residents, June 2026: DOEE is not accepting new applications as of June 3, 2026. If you applied before this date, applications are being processed in the order they were received. Please download and complete this form and bring it to the in-person event if you don’t already have your benefits letter.
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.
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.
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.
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 |

