The Department of Social Services offers benefit and service programs with specific eligibility requirements or universal access, including the:

• Benefit Programs Division which administers programs that provide income support benefits to families and individuals transitioning from dependency on public assistance programs to self-sufficiency
• Self-sufficiency Unit which determines eligibility for child care and/or employment services through Virginia Initiative for Education and Work (VIEW) participation
• Protection Unit handling child and adult protective services, and adult services
• Permanency Unit responsible for foster care, foster care prevention, and adoption services
• Children's Services Act Program managing a collaborative system of services and funding that is child-centered, family-focused and community-based to meet the needs of children, youth, and families