Local departments of social services in each county and city administer benefit programs supported by federal, state and local funds. Benefit programs include:
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Financial aid is also provided for children eligible for AFDC who have been removed from their homes and placed in the custody of a local social service board.
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Financial assistance is available for certain aged, blind or disabled persons in a Home for Adults who are in need of assistance to pay the cost of their care.
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The Individual and Family Grants program gives financial help to victims of major disasters when the President declares that an emergency or disaster area exists. Qualifying individuals and families receive aid to repair, replace or rebuild necessary provisions that were destroyed or damaged as a result of disaster.
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Financial assistance may be paid to a family or provider of services during specific emergency situations.
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This federal program supplements the food budgets of low-income households to help assure needy persons a nutritionally adequate diet. Eligibility is determined by financial need, income resources and non-financial criteria such as student status and work registration.
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Eligible low-income households receive federal assistance with their home heating costs. Faulty or hazardous heating systems may also be repaired in households eligible for fuel assistance. Application is made at the local Department of Social Services serving the locality where the individual resides.
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This state/local program provides limited financial assistance. General Relief may include aid for persons who are ill or temporarily out of work, medical care for the indigent, burial of the indigent and other emergency services. Most counties and cities have chosen to offer some General Relief assistance.
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Medicaid and The Family Access to Medical Insurance Security Plan (FAMIS) are medical assistance programs that make direct payments to health care service providers for eligible individuals and families who are unable to pay for needed medical services. Medicaid and FAMIS have different income limits and non-financial requirements. When someone applies for medical assistance, they will be evaluated for either program.
If you want more information about Medicaid, you may contact the local Department of Social Services or link to www.dmas.virginia.gov Children and pregnant women that do not meet the Medicaid eligibility income requirements may meet the FAMIS eligibility requirements. If you want more informaiton about FAMIS, you may contact the local Department of Social Services or telephone 1-866-87FAMIS or link to www.famis.org.
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This program provides assistance to an individual who needs nursing facility care and cannot afford the cost of care. Application is made at the local Department of Social Services where the individual resided in Virginia prior to entering the nursing facility. Eligibility is based on categorical requirements, income, resources and other non-financial criteria.
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This federal program provides medical and cash assistance to eligible refugees who settle in Virginia.
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Needy citizens may be unable to pay for essential medical care. In participating localities, they may receive outpatient or inpatient hospital care and treatment and emergency room service at hospitals and health department clinics.
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Financial assistance is paid to certain relatives responsible for children who have been deprived of parental support due to the responsible parents death, absence or incapacity. Financial need and the age of the child are basic criteria for determining eligibility and payment amounts.
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This federal program assists low-income households in offsetting the high cost of home heating by permanently weatherizing dwellings. Work may include reducing air-filtration and installing insulation and storm windows. For Roanoke County and Salem residents, this program is operated by Total Action Against Poverty, located at 4420 Pinkard Street, Roanoke, VA 24014. Call 540-774-7408 for more information.
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