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 Virginia Initiative for Education and Work (VIEW) is required for most adult recipients for as long as they’re collecting TANF benefits. ¹

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

FAQ

Who qualifies for TANF in VA?

To be eligible for TANF in VA, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Be a resident of the state of Virginia.
2. Be responsible for a child under 19 years of age.
3. Be a U.S. national, citizen, legal alien or permanent resident.
4. Be unemployed or under employed (working for very low wages).
5. 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 of three in Group III (the most populous counties) is considered “needy” if its countable income is less than $1,175 per month.

The income limits for families of different sizes in Group III are listed in the chart below.

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 $587 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”. ² 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.

What documents do I need to apply for TANF in Virginia?

When you apply for TANF cash assistance in Virginia, you may be asked to provide all or some of the following documents:

• A valid photo ID
• Social Security numbers for the people applying (or proof that you have applied for them)
• Proof of residency (where you live), such as a lease or a utility bill
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
• Proof of your children’s identity and their relationship to you, such as birth certificates
• Proof of earned and unearned income for everyone in your household, such as pay stubs
• Proof of other resources, such as bank statements, if the state asks for them
• Proof of pregnancy, if you are applying while pregnant
• Information about the children’s other parent, such as a name and last known address, which states use for child support
• Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

Each state sets its own rules, and what you need may depend on your situation. If you are not sure what to bring, contact CommonHelp (DSS) at (855) 635-4370 and they can tell you exactly what your application requires.

Diversion Assistance Program

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 (4) months or up to $1,500.

Virginia Department of Social Services
Customer Service Center
(800) 552-3431