VIRGINIA

This is an unofficial benefits estimator and not an application. No personal data is collected or stored. Actual amounts may vary based on individual circumstances, location, eligibility criteria, and recent data updates at the time of application.

Virginia Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Virginia TANF is a temporary cash assistance program for very low income families in Virginia. Its primary aim is to assist families near the poverty level to become self-sufficient through job training, education and work activities.

As a condition of eligibility, most able-bodied adult recipients who aren’t exempt must participate in the Virginia Initiative for Education and Work (VIEW).

This program requires at least 30 hours of work-related activity per week, which can include job skills training or work experience.

How much does TANF pay in Virginia?

Virginia has different benefit levels based on geographic location. For example, a family of three with no income who lives in region III, which includes the most populous counties, is eligible to receive up to $508 each month.

If you need short-term help rather than long-term ongoing cash assistance, you may request for one lump-sum payment through the Diversion Assistance Program.

How do I apply for TANF in Virginia?

You may apply for TANF in person at your local DSS office or electronically through CommonHelp  which is Virginia’s online application for public assistance, including SNAP.

Virginia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Virginia SNAP helps low-income individuals and families in Virginia afford the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet by providing monthly food assistance benefits.

Eligible SNAP participants are issued a Virginia EBT Card used to make food purchases at grocery stores and supermarkets, in place of paper food stamp coupons.

Unless otherwise exempt, all individuals who are able to work must be working or actively engaged in a work activity in order to receive SNAP benefits.

What is the income limit for food stamps in VA?

Most families in Virginia with gross income up to 200% of the federal poverty level, or about $4,442 a month for a family of three, may qualify for food stamps.

How do I apply for SNAP in Virginia?

Applications may be made either online through CommonHelp  or in person at your local DSS office  by submitting a signed “Application for Benefits”. An interview will be arranged to determine your eligibility and qualify you for SNAP assistance.

Virginia SUN Bucks

SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, is a federal food program that helps low-income families with school-aged children buy groceries when school is out for the summer.

Families will get a one-time $120 benefit per qualifying child that can be used to buy nutritious foods at grocery stores, farmers markets and other places that accepts EBT.

Most children eligible to receive SUN Bucks benefits receive them automatically without having to fill out an application if they already receive other benefits like SNAP, TANF or Medicaid with a qualifying family income.

If you’re not sure if you need to apply or will get SUN Bucks automatically, use this eligibility checker  to find out.

SUN Bucks Call Center
(866) 513-1414

Virginia Special Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Virginia WIC serves lower-income pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants and children under age 5 who have health or nutrition risks.

It provides monthly benefits for buying healthy foods to supplement their diet. Additional benefits include nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and social services.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for WIC:

1. Live in Virgina.
2. Be a pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding woman, an infant or a child under 5 years old.
3. Have a household income less than 185% of the federal poverty limit.
4. Have a nutritional need or risk.

What is the income limit for WIC in Virginia?

WIC is open to Virginia families with a household income less than or equal to 185% of the poverty level. That’s about $4,109 per month for a single mother of two.

How do I apply for WIC in Virginia?

Applications for WIC benefits can be made in person at the Virginia Department of Social Services or via myVAWIC  — the official portal to pre-screen and apply for Virginia WIC.

Virginia Medicaid

Virginia Medicaid serves needy individuals and families in Virginia who lack adequate resources to pay for medical care, including children under the age of 19, disabled adults, seniors as well as pregnant women.

It covers essential health services like doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health, and addiction treatment, plus vision, and long-term care.

Virginia is also expanding its Medicaid program to provide a comprehensive dental benefit to poor adults, for the first time, including checkups three times a year to prevent oral disease.

What is the income limit for Medicaid in Virginia?

As Virginia has just expanded Medicaid coverage, eligibility for non-disabled adults now includes parents with incomes up to 138% of poverty. Children and pregnant women may qualify for coverage at higher income levels through FAMIS Plus and FAMIS MOMS.

FAMIS Plus is Virginia’s name for children’s Medicaid that covers children in families with lower or no income. FAMIS MOMS will cover uninsured pregnant women of any age with income up to 205% of the poverty level.

How do I apply for Virginia Medicaid?

You can apply for Medicaid or check your eligibility through CommonHelp , or apply by phone by calling the Cover Virginia Call Center at (833) 522-5582.

Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS)

FAMIS is Virginia’s health insurance program for children under age 19. It provides access to quality health services for uninsured children in families that earn too much for Medicaid.

FAMIS coverage includes:

• Doctor visits
• Prescription medicines
• Hospital care
• Dental care
• Mental Health services
• Eyeglasses
• Immunizations
• Regular check-ups

There are no enrollment fees or monthly premiums for FAMIS. For some services, families may be required to pay a small copayment, typically $2 or $5. Many preventive services, such as well-child visits, immunizations, and routine screenings, are covered at no cost.

What is the income limit for FAMIS in Virginia?

FAMIS has the benefit of higher income caps than FAMIS Plus (Medicaid). Children under age 19 qualify with income up to 205% of the federal poverty level.

What does FAMIS MOMS cover?

FAMIS MOMS provides comprehensive health care benefits during your pregnancy and for two months following your baby’s birth as well as dental benefits during your pregnancy coverage.

How do I apply for FAMIS in Virginia?

Applications for FAMIS can be made online through CommonHelp  or in person at your local DSS office . Use the screening tool on the site to see if you likely qualify for FAMIS before starting the full application.

Cover Virginia Call Center
(833) 522-5582

Virginia Child Care Subsidy Program

Child Care Subsidy Program provides financial assistance to the neediest families in Virginia to help pay for the cost of child care so they can work or attend education or training programs.

The program pays a portion of child care costs directly to the approved provider. The family is responsible for the remaining amount, known as a copayment, based on a sliding fee scale related to their income.

Families with household income below 100% of the federal poverty level pay a nominal fee of $5 per month. For other eligible households, copayments are capped at up to 7% of gross annual income.

What is the income limit for child care assistance in Virginia?

A family is considered “income eligible ” when their gross monthly income is less than 85% of the State Median Income (SMI) or about $8,280 a month for a family of three.

How to apply for child care subsidy in Virginia?

The easiest way to apply for child care subsidy is through CommonHelp , or in person at your Local Department of Social Services (LDSS).

Because funding is limited, some families may be placed on a waiting list.¹ Families are encouraged to apply even if a waiting list is in place.

Virginia Head Start

Virginia Head Start serves pre-school children ages 3 to 5 from families living at or below the federal poverty level; providing comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, social services, and parent involvement opportunities.

Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance are automatically eligible for Head Start, regardless of income.

What is the income limit for Head Start in Virginia?

A family is eligible for the Head Start program if its household income is at or below the federal poverty level. That’s about $2,221 per month for a family of three.

Home-based services to families and child care for infants and toddlers are also available through Early Head Start. To register your child, contact the Head Start Center closet to your home. ²

Virginia Energy Assistance Program (EAP)

Virginia Energy Assistance Program (EAP) assist eligible low-income Virginia households in meeting the costs of home heating during the winter season and cooling during the summer months.

To be eligible, households must have a heating or cooling expense and gross monthly income may not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level.

The EAP consists of four (4) components:

Fuel Assistance

Fuel Assistance helps with home heating costs including late charges, delivery charges, installation charges, and connection or re-connection fees — up to $703 per household. Applications are accepted from the second Tuesday in October until the second Friday in November.

Crisis Assistance

Crisis Assistance is intended to assist households experiencing or at risk of experiencing a heating−related emergency, when no other resource is available.

Cooling Assistance

During the summer season, Cooling Assistance provides purchase or repair of cooling equipment or payment for electricity to operate cooling equipment. Payments range from as little as $50 to as much as $700. Applications are accepted June 15 through August 15.

Weatherization Assistance

Weatherization Assistance enables households to reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Program qualification is income-based and gives priority to the elderly, people with disabilities and family with children.

What is the income limit for cooling assistance in Virginia?

The maximum gross monthly income for cooling assistance is $1,956 for a one-person household and $3,331 for a household of three, before taxes.

How do I apply for energy assistance in Virginia?

To screen for eligibility or apply online, visit CommonHelp  or call the Enterprise Customer Service Center at (855) 635-4370 to apply over the phone.

Virginia Unemployment Insurance

Virginia Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides temporary replacement of lost wages to workers unemployed through no fault of their own.

In order to be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must have earned at least $3,000 in your two highest paying quarters combined in a recent ‘base period’, which is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim.

How much is unemployment insurance in Virginia?

The state’s maximum weekly benefit is capped at $378 and can be as low as $60, depending on how much money you were earning before your lost your jobs.

How do I file my weekly unemployment claim in Virginia?

If you’re a new claimant, call (866) 832-2363 to file a new claim by telephone, otherwise call (800) 897-5630 for your weekly benefits.

Alternatively, you may file your claim online through Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) Customer Self-Service  portal for faster processing.

Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG)

Tuition Assistance Grant Program (VTAG) helps eligible Virginia residents pay tuition at one of the state’s 28 accredited private, nonprofit colleges and universities.

The award amount is based on the number of eligible students and the availability of funds. Based on recent funding thresholds, the maximum award for undergraduates is $5,250 per academic year or $2,500 per semester.

To be considered for VTAG, you must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on time. Application are due July 31 each year but no later than December 1.

Virginia Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Beginning with tax year 2025 (returns due May 2026), the refundable Virginia Earned Income Tax Credit will increase from 15% to 20%. ³

The state of Virginia joins 31 other states and the District of Columbia in implementing a version of the Earned Income Credit or EIC, which is modeled after the federal guidelines and eligibility rules.

Virginia’s EITC allows working families to claim either a nonrefundable or refundable credit against the state income tax they owe.

Starting with tax year 2022, qualifying families have an option:

1. claim a state EITC up to 20% of the federal credit, not to exceed any income tax owed, or
2. claim a state EITC at 15% of the federal credit and receive a refund of the amount that exceeds any income tax owed.

How much is Virginia Earned Income Credit?

Can I get a refund if I owe no tax in Virginia?

If your Virginia EITC is $1,207 and you owe $0 in state income tax, and you receive the full $1,207 as a refund as illustrated in the table below:

To claim your credit, complete the Virginia Earned Income Credit section of Schedule ADJ , and attach it to your Virginia income tax return.