Social Services 

See the below FAQs on how to apply for benefits on-line or by telephone and how to access services by telephone.

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
  1. How do I apply for SNAP or food assistance?
  2. How do I apply for Medicaid health insurance?
  3. How do I apply for heating or cooling assistance?
  4. How do I apply for TANF or cash assistance?
  5. How do I report child abuse or neglect?
  6. How do I report adult abuse, adult neglect, or adult exploitation?
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