CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — As temperatures begin to drop soon, Columbia Gas of Virginia is taking steps to ensure that residents can afford to heat their homes this winter. The utility company is highlighting the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which offers a one-time cash grant to qualifying individuals and families. The federally funded program is administered through the Virginia Department of Social Services. To qualify, individuals must have an annual income of no more than $22,590, and families of four must not exceed a combined income of $46,800. In addition to providing heating assistance, LIHEAP also offers support for emergency heating repairs for homes at risk of losing heat during the colder months. The application period for the program starts Tuesday, Oct. 8 and runs until Friday, Nov. 8. Approved applicants will be notified in late December. Interested residents can apply online, over the phone by calling VDSS Enterprise Customer Service Center at 1-855-635-4370 Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. or through their local social services office. Columbia Gas of Virginia also offers help to its customers in the form of income-based assistance and payment plans. Customers can see if they are eligible for assistance on the company’s website.