warmth Starts Here


MAY 2026 UPDATE

WAFF ASSISTANCE INCREASED
NOW $750 PER HOME


Energy costs are rising this spring. More families than ever are at greater risk of utility disconnections.


We hear you. And we're responding.


Qualified natural gas customers of BGE, Columbia Gas of Virginia, and Washington Gas may be temporarily eligible for up to $750 in assistance.


Can you answer YES to the five questions below? Apply by May 29!

READY TO APPLY FOR WAFF? Five easy questions.

Q1: Do you live in one of these cities or counties?

  • District of Columbia
  • Maryland: City of Baltimore. Counties: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Charles, Frederick,  Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, and St. Mary's.
  • Virginia: Cities: Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Winchester. Counties: Arlington, Clarke, Fairfax, Fauquier, Frederick, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, and Warren


Q2: Do you have an active residential natural gas heating account that is disconnected, or have you received a disconnection notice in the past 30 days?


Q3: Have you applied for LIHEAP assistance in your state? Did you get an official approval/denial letter? Example


Virginia Residents Only, May 2026: The Virginia EAP is currently not accepting applications. Please download and complete this form. When you apply for WAFF, upload this form in place of your LIHEAP letter.


DC LIHEAP accepts applications year-round. Fiscal year 2026: Oct 1, 2025 - Sept 30, 2026

Maryland MEAP accepts applications year-round. Fiscal year 2025-2026: July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026

Virginia EAP accepts various applications at different dates. Please visit their website for details.


Q4: Is your past-due gas balance $750* or less after you applied all assistance and payments?


Q5: Do you have a current ID and proof of income for the past 30 days? If you have no income, download the WAFF Zero Income Form, have it notarized, and upload it when you apply.


If you answered "Yes" to all of these questions, you are ready to apply for WAFF. We look forward to serving you.


*Through May 29, 2026

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

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.