Available Government Benefits
Get Internet
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) will offer eligible households a high-speed internet plan for $30/month or less from leading internet providers to deliver maximum cost savings to families.
To apply and learn more, please visit the Get Internet site.
Government Benefits Screener
Single Stop is an online tool that helps students determine which government benefits they may qualify for.
Applying for Government Benefits
Virginia's Common Help application allows you to apply for multiple benefits: TANF, SNAP, HCC, EA, and Child Care. If you need assistance with completing the application, please contact our staff.
SNAP
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides cash assistance for groceries to individuals who meet program guidelines. You must be employed, working at least 80 hours per month, and meet the designated income requirements to qualify. You can complete the Common Help application online if you meet these requirements. If you need help completing the application, our team is available to help you complete this application.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a no-cost to low-cost health insurance available to individuals and families that meet the income requirements.
- Please visit the Cover VA or Medicaid websites for more information about Medicaid and the income requirements.
- An application for Medicaid can be submitted through Common Help Virginia. Our team is available to help you complete it!
Remember, the Common Help application allows you to apply for multiple benefits: TANF, SNAP, HCC, EA, and Child Care.
WIC
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) exists to help eligible pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, infants, and children up to the age of 5. WIC provides supplemental food, health education, support, and referrals to healthcare centers.
Childcare
Childcare expenses can be costly, especially for working individuals attending college; however, multiple childcare assistance programs and affordable options are available to eligible parents and families.
Child Care Subsidy Program
The Child Care Subsidy Program provides financial assistance to eligible families to help pay for childcare so they can work or attend education or training programs. The program's services are child-centered and family-focused and support the broader objective of strengthening families' goals of economic self-sufficiency and quality early childhood programs for their children. Participating families may select any legally operating child daycare facility eligible to participate in the program.
To apply for childcare, please use the Common Help Application. You may also print the paper application in English or Spanish and return it to your local Department of Social Services. If you cannot print the application, you may pick up an application or request one be mailed to you from your local Department of Social Services. Note: A childcare worker may interview you. Income verification is required.
Additional Childcare Options
- Check your City/County office for additional programs! Additional childcare programs may be offered. For example, Fairfax County offers the Child Care Assistance and Referral Program which provides:
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- Resources and Referrals to families about various center-based and family childcare programs throughout the county.
- Financial assistance for childcare is available to eligible Fairfax County families.
- Support to childcare programs and providers.
- Please talk with your current childcare provider about subsidized tuition options or affordable pricing they may offer. Many providers provide in-house discount options that can be accessed by participating in their income assessment policies.
TANF
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). TANF is a cash assistance program. Eligible recipients receive a monthly stipend to assist with their expenses. The goal of the program is to help end dependency. Families with minor children may also be eligible for the TANF program. For a child to be eligible:
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- 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
Participants may receive job skills training, work experience, job readiness training, childcare assistance, transportation, and other work-related expenses.
Housing Choice Voucher
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is the federal government's major program for helping families afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on the family's or individual's behalf, participants can find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments. Local state agencies administer the program.