Virginia TANF
As of January 1, 2023, TANF families will no longer receive benefits beyond the usual 24- and 60-month limits. Requirements for the VIEW program are also no longer waived.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (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, active participation in VIEW – the acronym for Virginia Initiative for Employment not Welfare, is required for most people on TANF for as long as they’re collecting TANF benefits.
VIEW program provides job search support, crisis intervention, training, educational opportunities, and other supportive services. While in VIEW you are also entitled to Medicaid as well as help with child care costs and transportation.
FAQ
Who qualifies for TANF in VA?
To be eligible for TANF in VA, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a resident of the state of Virginia.
- Be responsible for a child under 19 years of age.
- Be a U.S. national, citizen, legal alien or permanent resident.
- Be unemployed or under employed (working for very low wages).
- Meet income and resource limits based on your family’s size and where you live in Virginia.
What is the income limit for TANF in Virginia?
In Virginia, a family in Group III is considered “needy” when their countable income is less than $1,017 a month for a family of three.
How much do I get for TANF in Virginia?
Virginia has different benefit levels based on geographic location (Groups II and III). 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.
How do I apply for TANF in Virginia?
Application may be made either electronically or in person at your local DSS office by submitting a signed “Application for Benefits”. An intake interview with an eligibility worker may be conducted on the day assistance is requested.
For convenience, you may also screen for eligibility or apply online through CommonHelp — Virginia’s online application for public assistance, including SNAP.
Applications for TANF are also considered an application for SNAP, unless you request otherwise.
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.
The maximum diversion cash payment is the greater of the maximum TANF benefit amount for four months or up to $1,500.
For additional help regarding this program, please contact
Department of Social Services
(804) 726-700