If you live in Newport News, Virginia, and need help paying for basic living expenses like food, medical care, clothing, or shelter, you may be eligible for Benefit Programs offered through the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS). These programs are designed to provide financial assistance or services to low-income individuals and families so they can meet essential needs and improve their quality of life.
In this guide, we will explain what types of benefits are available, how eligibility works, how you can apply, and important tips on protecting your benefits.
What Are Benefit Programs?
Benefit Programs help residents with everyday essentials through a variety of supports. The type of help you get depends on the program you qualify for. Some benefits come as direct money payments, while others are provided as vendor payments for services, medical cards, or Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
Here’s what that means:
- Direct money payments: These are cash payments made directly to the individual or family to help with general living expenses.
- Vendor payments: Instead of sending you money, the program pays certain bills (like utility or medical bills) directly to the company or service provider.
- Medical cards: These are used to cover health care services under programs like Medicaid.
- EBT cards: These work like debit cards and are used to pay for eligible food items through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or to access other cash benefits.
These programs can help with costs related to:
- Food and nutrition
- Medical care and health insurance
- Shelter and housing
- Clothing and other basic needs
Who Can Qualify for These Programs?
Each program has its own rules and requirements, but most benefit programs have non-financial eligibility requirements (such as residency, age, or household composition) as well as financial requirements (like income limits).
Non-financial requirements
These requirements might include:
- Living in the state of Virginia and being a resident of Newport News.
- Being a U.S. citizen or having an eligible immigration status.
- Meeting program-specific rules, such as age limits for children’s programs or being a parent of a minor child.
Financial requirements
Most programs also check your income and resources. They look at:
- Your wages and any unearned income (like Social Security, unemployment, or child support).
- The money in your bank accounts.
- Property you own, such as land or a home other than the one you live in.
- The value of life insurance policies, stocks, bonds, or other investments.
- Motor vehicles you own, especially if you own more than one.
Example: If you are applying for SNAP (food assistance), your household income must fall below a certain limit based on the number of people in your home. If you are applying for energy assistance, they may check if you have the resources to pay part of the bill yourself.
Be prepared to provide documentation such as bank statements, proof of income, and information about any property or investments you own.
How to Apply for Benefits
Residents of Newport News can apply for Benefit Programs in several convenient ways:
- Online:
The fastest and easiest way to apply is online at CommonHelp.virginia.gov. This website lets you complete a single application that can be used for multiple programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or energy assistance. - By phone:
Call the Virginia Department of Social Services Enterprise Call Center at 855-635-4370. A representative can help you apply over the phone or guide you through the process. - In person:
You can visit either of the Newport News Human Services offices to apply in person. Staff members can answer your questions and help you complete the forms. - By mail or fax:
You can also send your completed application by mail or fax it to 757-926-6442.
Check Your Eligibility Before You Apply
Not sure if you qualify? You can use the online screening tool at CommonHelp.virginia.gov under the “Check Eligibility” option.
This tool asks basic questions about your household income, expenses, and family size. Based on your answers, it will give you a rough idea of which programs you might be eligible for.
Important: This is just a preliminary screening. It does not replace an actual application or interview and does not guarantee that you will receive benefits. For a final decision, you must submit a full application and provide the required documents.
Protect Yourself From EBT Scams
If you receive SNAP benefits or other assistance through an EBT card, it is very important to protect your account. Unfortunately, scammers often try to steal EBT benefits.
Here are a few tips to keep your benefits safe:
- Regularly change your EBT card PIN.
- Always check card-swiping machines for signs of tampering before using them.
- Never share your EBT card number or PIN with anyone.
- Do not respond to unexpected texts, emails, or phone calls asking for your EBT account information.
For more tips and details, visit www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/EBTScam/index.cgi.
Can Stolen EBT Benefits Be Replaced?
The federal program that allowed Virginia to replace stolen or missing SNAP EBT benefits ended on December 20, 2024. The state currently does not have funds to replace stolen EBT benefits.
However, if your SNAP benefits were stolen between October 1, 2022, and December 20, 2024, you can still file fraud replacement documentation with your local Department of Social Services.
Why These Programs Matter
Benefit Programs help ensure that families and individuals in Newport News do not go without food, shelter, medical care, or other basic needs. For many households, they can be the difference between stability and crisis.
Whether you have lost a job, faced unexpected expenses, or are living on a fixed income, these programs can give you the support you need to get through tough times.
Final Thoughts
If you think you may qualify for any of these Benefit Programs, do not wait to apply. Even if you are unsure, the screening tool at CommonHelp.virginia.gov can give you a good starting point.
Remember, the sooner you apply and submit your documents, the sooner you can get the help you need. And once you are approved, be sure to protect your benefits by following the safety tips for your EBT card.
