Benefit Programs

Program Eligibility

The Department determines eligibility for the following programs: 

  • Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (Formerly AFDC)
  • Auxiliary Grants
  • General Relief for Unrelated Children
  • Heating and Cooling Assistance
  • Medical Assistance (Medicaid)
  • SNAP (Food Stamps)

For detailed information on any of these programs, you may refer to the Virginia Department of Social Services website or CommonHelp.

CommonHelp
CommonHelp Opens in new window

CommonHelp is a web-based app that will allow Virginians to screen for eligibility and report changes: 

  • Social Services benefits 
  • Services
  • Apply for benefits 
  • Complete renewals 
  • Check the status of their benefits 
  • Report  a change 

Access is available 24/7.

Fuel Assistance

What is Fuel Assistance?
A program to assist low income families with their primary heating cost.

Fuel Benefits Can?
Help pay some home heating costs; but can also be used for furnace re-starts, late charges, delivery charges, installation charges, and connection or re-connection fees.

When does this program begin and end?
Tuesday, October 11, 2022 to Friday, November 14, 2022

How to apply? ** Only 1 household member needs to apply**
Online: Commonhelp.virginia.gov
Via Telephone: 1-833-522-5582
Fax: 757- 890-4980
In Person, Dropbox, Mail: 301 Goodwin Neck Rd, Yorktown, VA 23692

When will I know if I’m eligible?
Notices of approval, payments to vendors, and direct payments will not be issued until mid-December 2022. In the event that you are

Find out more

FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced that the $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit Program launched on May 12. The program provides a $50/month ($75/month on tribal lands) subsidy for the cost of internet service for select individuals for 6 months. The list of Virginia's participating broadband providers can be found - here. Eligible households can sign up for the program directly through their broadband provider or online.  For more information and to sign up, visit the program website here

Office Hours - Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm 

You may file an application for Benefit Programs using the following methods: 

  • In person anytime during the above office hours 
  • Online at Commonhelp.virginia.gov
  • Calling 1-855-635-4370 (All Programs)
  • Calling 1-855-242-8282 (Healthcare, Medicaid, Information)
  • Calling 1-833-5CALLVA (833-522-5582) Virginia 1 Benefits

Interviews are required for applications submitted for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Aide to Needy Families (TANF). All interviews will be scheduled and conducted via telephone unless a face to face interview is requested. 

*NOTE* Interviews are being waved temporarily due to the "Public Health Emergency"

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