Social Services

The most convenient way to apply for benefits is online at CommonHelp.Virginia.gov.  You can also apply for SNAP, Medical Assistance and TANF over the phone by calling 1-855-635-4370.  

A case worker will review your application and notify you by mail if verifications are needed to process your application.  Required verifications may vary depending on which benefit program you apply for because each program has its own policy rules and verification requirements.  Commonly requested verifications include proof of identity, proof of income, alien documentation, and residence.

* Always include your case number on all submitted documents.

EMAIL your verifications to [email protected]

FAX your verifications to 1-833-677-1482

MAIL your verifications to one of the following addresses:

• 7987 Ashton Avenue, Suite 200, Manassas, VA 20109
• 15941 Donald Curtis Drive, Suite 180, Woodbridge, VA  22191

Call our Call Center at 703-792-7500 anytime Monday-Friday between 8:00am and 5:00pm to speak to a representative.

A case worker will review your application and notify you by mail if any additional verifications are needed to process your application.  Submit requested documents as soon as possible. Your application cannot be processed until all required information is received. If you wait too long, your application may be denied, or your case may close.  Let your worker know right away if you need help obtaining required verifications. Once your worker receives all required verifications, your application will be processed as soon as administratively possible but no later than the number of days listed below under “How long WILL  it take to process my application?

Medical Assistance for a pregnant woman - within 7 days of application date if all required verifications have been received

Medical Assistance for everyone else - within 45 days of application date if all required verifications have been received

SNAP – within 7 days of the application date if expedited or within 30 days if not expedited

TANF – within 30 days of the application date if all required verifications have been received

Child Care – within 30 days of the application date if all required verifications have been received

Energy Assistance – usually within 10 days of receiving the all required verifications

Certain changes must be reported within 10 days from the date they occur.  The most convenient way to report changes is to call or email your case worker.  You can also report changes by calling the Call Center at 703-792-7500, by mail, or online at CommonHelp.Virginia.gov.

Once your application is processed, you will receive a letter in the mail informing you of the outcome of your application.  If your application is approved, the letter will contain additional information such as your Medical Assistance enrollee ID number or your monthly SNAP allotment amount.  If your application is denied, it will contain information about why your applications was denied.  If you have questions about your approved or denied application, you should contact the case worker who processed your application.   

Each program has different policy rules, verification requirements and processing deadlines.  If you applied for more than one benefit program, you could be approved for one and be denied for the other.  If this happens, it is usually because you met the policy rules and verification requirements for one program but not the other.