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 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 12, 2021 to Friday, November 12, 2021

How to apply? ** Only 1 household member needs to apply**
Online: www.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 2021. 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 www.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"