Need help covering expenses while looking for work? These Virginia programs can help you pay for childcare, food, utilities, and healthcare while you focus on your job search. Most applications can be completed online through CommonHelp.
Get Connected to Local Help (2-1-1 Virginia)
Help to get you connected to resources.
2-1-1 Virginia is the Commonwealth’s 24-hour information and referral service that connects people with information on available community services throughout the Commonwealth. Community services include, but are not limited to, crisis and emergency counseling, disaster assistance, food, health care, insurance assistance, stable housing and utility payment assistance, employment services, Veteran services, and childcare and family services.
How to Connect:
Access resources within their local area by dialing 2-1-1,
text “Connect” to 247211,
or by visit 211virginia.org.
Help Paying for Child Care
Help to pay for child care costs.
The Child Care Subsidy Program assists families in paying child care costs for children under age 13 who are not eligible to attend public school during the part of the day when public education is available, or children with special needs under age 18 who reside with the applicant. If you are eligible and are approved for services, the Subsidy Program can pay a portion of your child care costs directly to the child care provider. Click here to view the Child Care Subsidy flyer.
How to Apply:
Apply online or screen for eligibility through CommonHelp
or contact your local department of social services.
Monthly Cash Assistance (TANF)
Help to meet your basic needs.
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides eligible families with a monthly cash payment to meet their basic needs. For a child to be eligible he must be:
- Under age 18, or if 18, will graduate from high school before age 19
- Going to school regularly if he is between the ages of five and 18
- Living with a parent or other relative
- A U.S. citizen or an eligible immigrant
How to Apply:
Apply online using CommonHelp or
call Enterprise Customer Service Center at (855) 635-4370.
Food Assistance (SNAP)
Help to pay for food.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that provides nutritional assistance to eligible individuals and families. SNAP provides a monthly benefit to households through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to supplement the purchase of nutritious foods. Eligibility for SNAP benefits is based on financial and non-financial criteria. Additional program information is available here.
How to Apply:
To determine eligibility and/or apply for SNAP benefits, visit CommonHelp,
contact your local department of social services,
or call Enterprise Customer Service Center at (855) 635-4370.
Help Paying Heating/Cooling Bills
Help to pay for energy costs.
The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (EAP) assists eligible households in meeting their immediate home energy needs. The EAP consists of four components: Fuel Assistance, Crisis Assistance, Cooling Assistance and Weatherization Assistance. Additional program information is available here.
How to Apply:
Applications for help with your heating and cooling bills or equipment needs are accepted online (at commonhelp.virginia.gov/access/),
by calling the Enterprise Customer Service Center at (855) 635 – 4370,
and at your local department of social services.
Health Coverage Options
Help to access medical coverage.
Virginia offers several Medical Assistance Programs (MA) to provide health coverage for eligible individuals including children under 19, pregnant women, adults 19-64, and adults 65 and older, as well as Blind or disabled individuals according to Social Security Administration standards. Various programs cover prescription drugs, dental, doctor visits, hospital care, and long-term services. Eligibility requirements vary, and financial and non-financial criteria must be met.
How to Apply:
To apply or learn more, visit CommonHelp.
Medicaid/Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) Application Assistance is also available to provide additional application assistance.
Food for Seniors (Age 60+)
Help for seniors to receive food.
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) works to improve the health of low-income persons at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA Foods. USDA distributes both food and administrative funds to participating states and Tribal Organizations to operate CSFP.
How to Apply:
Call your local Food Bank to participate in the program. Visit www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank to find yours
Nutrition Support for Pregnant Women & Young Children (WIC)
Help for women and young children to access food and healthcare.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides federal grants to states for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk.
How to Apply:
Visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/wic/ to learn more.
Tell WIC Line: (877) 835-5942
WIC Help Desk: (888) 942-3663
or call: Enterprise Customer Service Center at (855) 635 – 4370