Virginia Department of Social ServicesAn official website of the Commonwealth of Virginia Here's how you knowAn official websiteHere's how you know
Citizens Served
child support collected
Disbursed in Adoption Assistance Payments
Kevin Erskine
Acting Commissioner
Welcome to the
Virginia Department of Social Services
VDSS is one of the largest Commonwealth agencies, partnering with 120 local departments of social services, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside nearly 13,000 state and local human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia's most vulnerable citizens have access to the best services and benefits available to them.
Together, we work each day to serve, empower, and create opportunities for brighter futures.
Marking a significant milestone in family engagement and support, the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), in collaboration with the Virginia Paternity Establishment Program, proudly recognizes ten local hospitals for achieving the highest paternity establishment rates in 2024. These hospitals continue to set industry standards by recording paternity establishment rates greater than 78%.
Learn More >>The Virginia Department of Social Services will again provide cooling assistance to qualifying households this year through the Virginia Energy Assistance Program. Applications are currently being accepted through Friday, August 15.
Learn More >>In a continued effort to address childhood hunger during the summer, the Virginia Department of Social Services will again partner with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service to issue Virginia SUN Bucks, a grocery benefit program designed to help eligible school-age children meet their nutritional needs and continue to thrive when school meals are unavailable.
Learn More >>The Virginia Department of Social Services has launched a new lock and unlock security feature for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program customers to help protect against Electronic Benefit Transfer card theft.
Learn More >>In response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, VDSS is offering a new, temporary Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) to assist residents in qualifying affected counties.
Learn More >>This month, the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) will begin relocating its headquarters from downtown Richmond to its new location at 5600 Cox Road in Glen Allen, VA.
Learn More >>The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is currently accepting applications for fuel assistance online and at all local departments of social services through Monday, November 13, 2023.
Learn More >>Serve Virginia, the lead agency of the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) for community service and volunteerism, is proud to announce the release of the inaugural Virginia Community Engagement Index (VCEI).
Learn More >>The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) in conjunction with the Virginia Paternity Establishment Program (VPEP) has announced the top ten Virginia hospitals recognized for excellent performances in paternity establishment rates for 2022. These hospitals, located throughout the Commonwealth, continue to set a high standard by recording paternity establishment rates greater than the Commonwealth’s average of 77 percent and exceeding the projected state-mandated goal of more than 80 percent for the year.
Learn More >>The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) was approved by the United States Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service to replace certain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits stolen from clients' Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards beginning July 17, 2023.
Learn More >>The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) will provide cooling assistance to qualifying households this year through the Virginia Energy Assistance Program (EAP). Applications are currently being accepted and can be submitted until Tuesday, August 15.
Learn More >>The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) will issue Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) program benefits of $120 to households with eligible children in grades K-12 beginning July 22, 2023. P-EBT is a federal program created in spring 2020 to supplement school meals that students missed while schools were closed or placed on part-time attendance schedules due to COVID-19. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service approved Virginia’s plan to release a single summer benefit payment of $120 to eligible school-age children in accordance with the guidelines issued by Congress.
Learn More >>The Serve Virginia Honor Roll, released May, 31, 2023, celebrates the valuable contributions of more than 2.2 million volunteers across the Commonwealth. In recognition of their service, totaling more than 231 million hours annually, the Serve Virginia Honor Roll spotlights above and beyond volunteers that serve their communities in a variety of ways, promoting quality of life and creating a lasting impact for others. More than 400 volunteers and organizations will be honored in this year’s inaugural honor roll, representing volunteer efforts and community involvement aligned with the services of the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), including educating and mentoring
Learn More >>Governor Glenn Youngkin and the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) proudly celebrate the successful first year rollout of its Faster Families Highway, a new digital resource launched in April 2022 to strengthen statewide partnerships and streamline the pathway to becoming a foster parent.
Learn More >>Several medical, food and financial assistance flexibilities and programs administered by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) and the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) are set to expire due to recent changes in federal legislation. The programs, which have provided additional benefits and eligibility waivers to many Virginians, were offered on a temporary basis to help households cope with hardship during the COVID19 pandemic.
Learn More >>The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) will release the final issuance of emergency allotment benefits to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households in February, in accordance with the requirements of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023.
Learn More >>Virginia's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has received federal approval to release emergency benefits to eligible households in January. These enhanced benefits will be automatically loaded to recipients’ Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards on Monday, January 16.
Learn More >>Virginia's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has received federal approval to release emergency benefits to eligible households in December. These enhanced benefits will be automatically loaded to recipients’ Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards on Friday, December 16.
Learn More >>The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is currently accepting applications for fuel assistance online and at all local departments of social services through Monday, November 14. Applications may also be submitted by telephone by contacting the Enterprise Customer Service Center, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. at (855) 635-4370
Learn More >>Virginia's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has received federal approval to release emergency benefits to eligible households in November. These enhanced benefits will be automatically loaded to recipients’ Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards on Wednesday, November 16.
Learn More >>The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) Division of Licensing Programs (DOLP) was recently awarded $1.35 million in grant funding by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to provide essential infection prevention and control support to licensed adult care facilities. In partnership with Health Quality Innovators (HQI), this funding will provide resources to adult care facilities and their staff to assist in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
Learn More >>The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) has been awarded a Safe Access for Victims' Economic Security (SAVES) grant by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to implement comprehensive, expert-informed domestic violence services to survivors who are in need of child support. Virginia is one of 13 state child support agencies in the country to receive the five-year grant. The grant-funded project is a new national demonstration model designed to develop, evaluate, and implement best practices to provide safe access to child support and parenting time services.
Learn More >>The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is currently accepting applications for fuel assistance online and at all local departments of social services through Monday, November 14. Applications may also be submitted by telephone by contacting the Enterprise Customer Service Center, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. at (855) 635-4370
Learn More >>Virginia's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has received federal approval to release emergency benefits to eligible households in August. These enhanced benefits will be automatically loaded to recipients’ Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards on Sunday, October 16.
Learn More >>RICHMOND, VA (September 13, 2022) - Virginia's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has received federal approval to release emergency benefits to eligible households in August. These enhanced benefits will be automatically loaded to recipients' Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards on Friday, September 16.
Learn More >>RICHMOND, VA (September 12, 2022) - In response to unforeseen delays in the release of Summer 2022 Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits to eligible households statewide, the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) has taken the following actions:
Learn More >>Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) has received federal approval to issue retroactive Summer P-EBT benefits to eligible K-12 students. As food security continues to be a challenge for many Virginia households with school-age children, VDSS is pleased to be able to offer this temporary assistance to individuals and families in need of nutritional support. The additional P-EBT benefit will provide approximately $276 million in food assistance to more than 700,000 students.
Learn More >>Virginia's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has received federal approval to release emergency benefits to eligible households in August. These enhanced benefits will be automatically loaded to recipients' Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards on Tuesday, August 16.
Learn More >>Each year, the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), in conjunction with Veritas HHS and the Virginia Paternity Establishment Program (VPEP), recognizes the top ten Virginia hospitals with the highest rates of paternity establishment. In 2021, more than 33,000 births in Virginia were to unmarried parents and the Commonwealth's paternity establishment rate climbed from 73.64% in 2020 to 76%. The hospital achieving the highest rate in 2021 was Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center (MCRC) in Richmond, which averaged a rate of 88.31%.
Learn More >>The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) will provide cooling assistance to qualifying households this year through the Virginia Energy Assistance Program (EAP). Applications are currently being accepted and can be submitted until Monday, August 15.
Learn More >>Virginia's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will again release emergency allotments of benefits to eligible households this month. Benefits will be automatically loaded to recipients' Electronic Benefits Transfer cards on Saturday, July 16.
Learn More >>Virginia's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will again release emergency allotments of benefits to eligible households this month. Benefits will be automatically loaded to recipients' Electronic Benefits Transfer cards on Thursday, June 16.
Learn More >>Virginia's Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program will issue benefits for the 2021-2022 school year to students for specific COVID-related absences under revised eligibility requirements, as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture. Fewer households are expected to receive the benefit due to most students attending school in person and having access to school meals at no cost.
Learn More >>Virginia's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will again release emergency allotments of benefits to eligible households this month. Benefits will be automatically loaded to recipients' Electronic Benefits Transfer cards on Monday, May 16.
Learn More >>Virginia's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will again release emergency allotments of benefits to eligible households this month. Benefits will be automatically loaded to recipients' Electronic Benefits Transfer cards on Saturday, April 16.
Learn More >>Virginia's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will again release emergency allotments of benefits to eligible households this month. Benefits will be automatically loaded to recipients' Electronic Benefits Transfer cards on Wednesday, March 16.
Learn More >>Virginia's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will again release emergency allotments of benefits to eligible households this month. Benefits will be automatically loaded to recipients' Electronic Benefits Transfer cards on Wednesday, February 16.
Learn More >>Virginia's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will again release emergency allotments of benefits to eligible households this month. Benefits will be automatically loaded to recipients' Electronic Benefits Transfer cards on Sunday, January 16.
Learn More >>
Join 211 Virginia on August 27 to learn about the Opioid Reduction Registry, an initiative aiming to expand access to opioid-related support services across the Commonwealth. This session will provide an overview of the registry, how it is being integrated into 211 Virginia, and more. Register today!
From expanding kinship care to delivering food and emergency aid, VDSS has worked across sectors to serve families in every corner of the Commonwealth. Learn more about our accomplishments.
More children are drowning or nearly drowning in Virginia this year. Supervision and safety should be the number one priority whenever children are in or around water. Share and practice these water safety tips to help save a life the next time you're in the water. Learn more.
VDSS recognizes Child Support Awareness Month each August, highlighting our dedication to strengthening families across the Commonwealth. This year, we are celebrating 50 years of the child support program in the United States! Day in and day out, staff work alongside parents to navigate complex issues, from establishing paternity to securing reliable financial support. Learn more about child support resources.
If you're having trouble reaching the EBT call center (866-281-2448) about your lost, stolen or damaged card, please contact your local department of social services. Representatives at the main VDSS phone line cannot assist with EBT card-related questions. Not sure how to contact your local department? Click here to get connected!
Not everyone has the time and resources to become a foster parent, but everyone has something to offer foster and kinship families. We've created a "30 Ways" portal where you can find 30 meaningful and actionable ways to support Virginia's foster care community any month of the year. Check it out!
"Every child deserves to grow up safe, healthy, and with hope for the future," writes Commissioner James Williams. Governor Youngkin's administration is committed to bringing this goal to life, launching the Safe Kids, Strong Families initiative to address child safety, workforce shortages, and more. Read the full op-ed .
When Alicia Thomas first learned about the Virginia Initiative for Education and Work (VIEW) program, she didn't expect that it would help change her life. Empowered by education, training, and a new support network, Alicia followed a path from uncertainty to the job of her dreams. Her journey is a powerful reminder that the right opportunity and the right people can make all the difference. Read the full story.
When applying for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, be sure to check the SNAP Interviews page that has helpful tips on how to prepare for the interview, including where it will take place (in person or by phone), what you'll be asked (what are your expenses and income), and what you'll need to bring with you (personal identification, utility bills). Learn more.
Virginians share their true stories of adoption, foster care, and reunification. These stories all share a common theme - families were strengthened through foster care and adoption. If you would like to share a personal story of adoption or foster care, please email public.affairs@dss.virginia.gov. Read the stories.
A change in federal regulations has occurred and any SNAP or P-EBT funds on inactive cards (those with no spend activity for nine months) will expire if no action is taken. If a card is not "active," benefits issued more than nine months ago are required to be removed from the account. To avoid losing benefits, households must make a food purchase on their P-EBT or EBT card at least once every nine months. Learn more.
(deaf or hard-of-hearing):
(800) 828-1120, or 711
