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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 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
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"