In a Nutshell

Dealing with financial challenges is an everyday reality for many households in Virginia. Economic factors like inflation, shifting job markets, and the end of pandemic-related public assistance have contributed to these struggles. As of 2022, 11% of Virginia households were below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), a trend that has been growing for over a decade.

Despite some areas experiencing economic recovery, many Virginia families still face significant obstacles. Government agencies and nonprofits offer various financial assistance programs to help Virginians overcome financial hardships. These initiatives provide many resources, including cash assistance, food benefits, healthcare services, and more.

For those seeking assistance in the state of Virginia, CommonHelp is an invaluable resource. Brad Reichert, debt expert and managing director of Reichert Asset Management LLC, explains:

“CommonHelp is Virginia's online portal for residents to research their eligibility for certain programs and apply for benefits.  You can also check the status of your benefits (or the status of your application for benefits), report any changes to their status, and access online help 24/7.  If you’re unsure if you may qualify for benefits, there are pre-screeners available on the site, to determine which programs you may be eligible to receive.”

Find a solution that best suits your needs by taking advantage of Virginia’s financial assistance programs to help you chart a course toward a more secure future.

Government Assistance Programs in Virginia

Virginia offers government assistance programs to help those struggling with financial hardship. From healthcare to cash assistance and childcare, these resources are here to positively impact the well-being of families, children, and adults across the Old Dominion.

Cash Assistance Programs

Virginia offers several cash assistance programs to support individuals, families, and children facing financial difficulties. These programs provide essential resources to help recipients meet their basic needs.

Eligible candidates receive most benefits through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which acts like a debit card for accessing funds.

  • Provides a temporary, monthly cash payment to eligible families with children living in their homes
  • Addresses short-term needs such as food, shelter, medical expenses, and childcare expenses
  • Federal assistance program that provides financial aid to low-income individuals and families
  • Benefits are provided through an EBT card, which participants can use like cash to purchase healthy food from authorized retailer

Virginia Stimulus Checks

  • There are no new Virginia stimulus programs or checks for 2024, but assistance is available through unemployment insurance, rental assistance, and food benefits
  • Virginia's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) can be claimed on 2023 tax returns for an additional refund
  • Eligibility for the federal EITC automatically qualifies for the Virginia state tax credit, which can help further reduce the amount of taxes payable to the state or increase tax refunds
  • If you’ve filed your taxes and haven’t received your Virginia income tax refund after eight weeks, contact the Virginia Department of Taxation or use their online tool to check the status

Pregnant and Single Mother Programs

In Virginia, various programs and services are available to support pregnant and single mothers, focusing on their health and well-being. These initiatives offer essential assistance such as nutritional guidance, counseling, and comprehensive family healthcare services.

  • Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) MOMS is part of Virginia's Title XXI and is Virginia’s version of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
  • Provides comprehensive healthcare coverage for pregnant women
  • Benefits include breast pumps, breastfeeding support, and dental care
  • Aims to improve the health of pregnant women, infants, and children under five through better eating habits, healthcare access, and support services
  • Offers dietary education, breastfeeding support, nutritious foods, and counseling

Child Care Services

Access to quality child care is essential for families managing work or school responsibilities. The state offers financial assistance programs to help cover expenses and support parents in prioritizing their work responsibilities while ensuring their children receive quality care.

  • The Virginia Department of Education oversees childcare and early education programs across the state
  • The Search for Child Care tool offers comprehensive information for licensed child care centers, family day homes, and certified pre-schools in Virginia
  • Assists families in paying child care costs for children under age 13 who are not eligible for public school or children with special needs under age 18
  • If eligible and approved, the program can pay a portion of childcare costs directly to the provider

Food Assistance

The Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS) administers many food benefits through state and federal programs. These initiatives promote Virginia families' nutritional, physical, and financial well-being.

  • Facilitates access to hot, prepared meals for elderly, disabled, and unhoused residents and their spouses
  • Eligible SNAP customers meeting VRMP criteria can use their EBT card at participating restaurants to purchase prepared meals
  • Known as the Senior & WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (S/FMNP), it allows farmers in Virginia to accept vouchers from participants
  • Helps eligible seniors get fresh and nutritious fruit, vegetables, and cut herbs at farmers' markets
  • USDA-assisted meal program that provides nutritious lunches to school-aged children
  • Participating schools are required to provide free and reduced-price meals to eligible students

Medical Assistance

Several medical assistance programs in Virginia provide affordable healthcare to its residents. These programs cover basic medical needs like doctor appointments, prescriptions, and treatments.

  • It has several low-cost and no-cost health coverage programs 
  • Provides medical coverage for children, pregnant women, and adults, including those with disabilities

Veteran Assistance

Virginia’s assistance for veterans includes a range of federal and state programs to support those who have served. These benefits provide crucial aid in healthcare, housing, and employment, ensuring veterans can access the support they need to thrive after their service.

  • Connects Virginia’s veterans and their families to federal and state benefits
  • Provides support, quality care, and recognition veterans have earned
  • A comprehensive roadmap to veterans benefits and programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia, including services from the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) and other state agencies
  • Key benefits include employment/transition, education, the Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS) Program, legal assistance, housing services, and long-term care centers

Elderly and Disabled Adult Programs

The state of Virginia offers many services and resources to meet the specific requirements of seniors and disabled adults. These programs aim to improve the quality of life and foster independence, ensuring that individuals receive the care and assistance they need.

  • The Division of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) provides Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) transition services to assist students with disabilities in moving from school to work and adult life
  • Aims to enhance the quality of life, security, and independence for older citizens, individuals with disabilities, and their families
  • Advocates and provides resources and services to Virginians with disabilities to prepare for, secure, or regain employment
  • Adults 65 or older, or those who are disabled or blind and meet income/resource requirements, may qualify for full Medicaid
  • Covered services include doctors, hospitals, prescription drugs, behavioral health, rehabilitative services (physical, occupational, and speech therapies), transportation, and medical equipment

Utility Bill Assistance

The Virginia Department of Social Services and Dominion Energy have several programs to assist residents with their electric bills.

  • Assists low-income households in meeting immediate home energy needs
  • It consists of four components: fuel assistance, crisis assistance, cooling assistance, and weatherization assistance
  • Bill payment assistance is available to anyone facing financial hardship, not just low-income customers
  • Programs include the Percentage of Income Payment Program (PIPP) and Serious Medical Condition assistance for those with critical health needs requiring electricity

Transportation Assistance

Divorce Assistance

  • The Virginia State Bar provides pro bono legal help to Virginians going through divorce
  • VALegalAid.org offers free and low-cost civil legal information to help navigate the complexities of legal proceedings

Assistance for Unemployment

The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) manages the unemployment compensation program, offering temporary financial assistance to those who are jobless due to circumstances beyond their control.

  • Subsidized employment program that aims to enhance self-sufficiency
  • Helps participants earn a living wage, gain career-related skills, and improve labor market competitiveness
  • Provides essential work skills, education, and employment opportunities to help people achieve economic independence

Housing and Homeless Support

Many homeless shelters across Virginia can help individuals regain stability and secure long-term housing solutions. Some valuable resources include:

Nonprofit Assistance Programs in Virginia

With comprehensive programs and initiatives, nonprofit organizations secure funding to deliver essential services such as food, housing, and education. Their dedicated efforts ensure that communities across the state have access to the resources they need to overcome financial hardships.

  • It aims to eradicate poverty by creating programs that address the underlying causes of generational poverty 
  • Programs focus on early childhood development, post-secondary education opportunities, economic asset growth, optimal health and well-being, and social capital
  • Assists working, single parents during financial crises 
  • Providing educational resources, tools, and community support that foster financial independence for single-parent families in the Greater Richmond, Virginia area
  • Provides vital support to older adults, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and their families through a comprehensive range of services, including information, advocacy, and direct assistance
  • Serves as the Area Agency on Aging for Central Virginia, spanning across the counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Powhatan counties, and the City of Richmond
  • Delivers nutritious meals directly to the homes of seniors who are unable to prepare their own
  • Tailored meal plans and regular wellness check-ups during deliveries, ensuring that seniors receive appropriate nutrition

How Do You Get Financial Help in Virginia?

When facing financial hardships, it is crucial to explore available resources to tackle unsustainable debts like high credit card balances or medical bills. While the state of Virginia offers several financial assistance programs, additional support may be necessary to reduce your debt burden. If you're overwhelmed, consider teaming up with a trusted debt relief company like TurboDebt.

Enrolling in TurboDebt's effective debt relief programs in Virginia can provide the assistance you need to overcome your financial challenges. In 2023 alone, we helped thousands of residents of the Old Dominion save an average of 54% on their total debt before fees.

Here's why TurboDebt is a smart choice for Virginians:

  • No upfront fees
  • Potential savings of 50% or more on your total unsecured debt (before fees) through our proven debt settlement program
  • Become debt-free in as little as 12–48 months
  • No need for new loans or lines of credit as part of the debt reduction process
  • Outstanding customer service, supported by over 13,000 5-star TurboDebt reviews from satisfied clients

Don't let debt overwhelm you any longer. Reach out for a free consultation and see if you qualify for TurboDebt’s relief program. Take the first step toward regaining control of your financial future today!