The Financial Assistance Division administers many financial assistance programs, most of which are funded by the federal and state government. The programs are targeted for families and individuals with incomes at or below the poverty level. Programs include: temporary emergency or general assistance to needy families or indigents; grants for the disabled; food stamps; and Medicaid; or refugee re-settlement.
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Under the
Food Stamp Act and USDA policy, discrimination is also prohibited on the basis of religion or political beliefs.
To file a complaint of discrimination, contact
USDA or
HHS.
| USDA Director |
HHS Director |
| 1400 Independence Ave. SW |
Room 506-F, 200 Independence Ave. SW |
| Washington, DC 20201 |
Washington, DC 20201 |
| (800) 795-3272 (voice) |
(202) 619-0403 (voice) |
| (202) 720-6382 (TTY) |
(202) 619-3257 (TTY) |
USDA and HHS are equal opportunity providers and employers.
| Benefits |
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- When a SNAP application is approved the household is issued a plastic Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card that looks like a credit card and works like a debit card.
- The Commonwealth of Virginia deposits the benefits into an account which is accessed via a credit card/debit card machine at the checkout line in the grocery store. A secret Personal Identification Number (PIN) is required to use the card.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) |
- This program is available to individuals meeting financial and other criteria.
- Determination of income and liquid resources in addition to allowable deductions for shelter, medical expenses, child support, etc. are considered in identifying the amount of food stamps available to individuals and families.
Virginia Initiative for Employment Not Welfare (VIEW) |
- Provides employment, education, and training opportunities to recipients of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).
- Offers Virginians living in poverty the opportunity to obtain work experience and work skills necessary for self-sufficiency; contribute to the self-sufficiency of their families; and achieve economic independence.
- Supportive services such as child care, transportation, domestic violence, mental health, and substance abuse services are offered to meet individual client/family needs.
- An auxiliary grant is a supplement to income for recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and certain other aged, blind, or disabled individuals residing in a licensed assisted living facility or an approved adult foster care home.
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| Medical Assistance |
- HIPP is a federal requirement that all Medicaid-eligible individuals who are able to enroll in a cost-effective private health insurance plan through their employer do so.
- The HIPP program will pay the employee's share of the premium.
Medicaid |
- Medicaid pays for health and medical care for certain groups of people who have low income
State and Local Hospitalization (currently suspended) |
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| Programs |
| Energy Assistance Program |
- Assists low-income households, particularly those with the lowest incomes, which pay a high proportion of household income for home energy. The program consists of three components: Fuel Assistance, Crisis Assistance and Cooling Assistance.
General Relief |
- A local program designed to provide maintenance or emergency assistance that cannot be provided through other means.
- Components in Virginia Beach include cash assistance for unattached children and for burial expenses.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) |
- Provides temporary financial assistance to eligible families and children under the age 18.
- Grant amount is based upon family size.
- Federal policy limits families to sixty months of TANF eligibility unless they are Virginia Initiative for Employment not Welfare (VIEW) program who is limited to 24 months followed by a period of ineligibility for 24 months.
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