Social Services

About Us

Social Services programs are intended to help people to help themselves by temporarily assisting residents in meeting their basic needs, including food, shelter, utilities and medical care and through employment. Additionally, we provide services focused on protecting children, the disabled and the elderly from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Services of the Virginia Department of Social Services are provided without regard to race, color, national origin, handicap, sex, age, political beliefs or religious creed.

The Human Services Center (HSC) is open to the public and appointments are not required to enter the building. 

Paperwork can still be submitted to the Social Services Office by mail, email, fax, or left in the drop box located in the parking lot.

If you need immediate assistance please call 757-259-3100. For questions about an application for Benefit Programs, please call 757-259-3131.

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Cubre Virginia, Conectando a los Residentes de Virginia con Cobertura Medica a in Bajo Costo 

Visite nuestro sitio web cubrevirginia.org para que aprenda acerca de los programas Medicaid y FAMIS de Virginia dirigidos a niños, mujeres embarazadas y adultos.

Benefit Programs Information

Click here for quick answers to your benefits questions.

Questions & Answers

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Child Abuse During COVID-19

Now, more than ever, it is important to do our part as a community to prevent child maltreatment.

Learn more about child abuse prevention.

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Have You Lost Your Job or Had Your Hours Reduced Due to COVID-19?

You may be eligible for assistance through the Department of Social Services. The following programs are available.

Medicaid - to assist with the cost of medical bills, doctor visits, hospital and prescriptions.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - to offset and help with the cost of your grocery bill for food items using an Electronic Benefit Card (EBT).
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) - a monetary allotment received monthly for families with children.
Childcare Assistance - for families needing a safe place for children from infants to school aged. This program assists with the cost by giving families a monthly copayment based on the salary of the family.
Diversionary Assistance - for families not currently receiving on-going TANF assistance. Provides one-time assistance to families with children to pay for emergency needs. This includes food, basic needs, housing and utility expenses, medical expenses, transportation, etc. (Apply for TANF and you will have the option for this program.)
Emergency Assistance - for families currently receiving on-going TANF assistance provides one-time assistance of up to $500 for families that have experienced a fire or natural disaster. Note: COVID-19 is considered a disaster. (Apply for TANF and you will have the option for this program.)

Go to www.commonhelp.virginia.gov or call 1-855-635-4370 to see if you are eligible.

For additional help or questions, please call the JCC Eligibility Line at 757-259-3131.

Apply or Screen for Benefit Programs

Apply or screen for benefit programs at the CommonHelp website.

Current Benefit Programs Customers

Get information about your current benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, TANF), check the status of your case or report a change for your case:

  • Visit the CommonHelp website
  • Call the Enterprise Call Center at 1-855-635-4370
  • Call the James City County eligibility line at 757-259-3131

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