This regulatory action is necessary to implement the requirements of Item 330.C. of the 2025 Appropriation Act. This language directs the State Board of Social Services to promulgate regulations to allow applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to be submitted over an application period that provides adequate time for individuals to apply and is extended beyond the application period in effect as of July 1, 2024. The application period is contingent on adequate administrative funding being available to extend such application period.

The Board’s initial adoption of regulations is exempt from the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia), except the Board must provide an opportunity for public comment on the regulation prior to adoption.

The State Board of Social Services will adopt the regulation at the February 18, 2026 meeting. 

The regulation can be viewed at the following link: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/geninfo/state_board/index.cgi. Select "Meeting Schedule & Details" to access 2/18/2026 meeting materials.  information.