How do I apply?
The Prince William County Department of Social Services assists families and individuals who find themselves in financial need. The financial assistance programs are described below. To receive benefits, a family or individual must meet income and other standards. These standards are different for each program. Applications for most programs are available online. For information about benefit programs, please click on “Am I Eligible For Assistance?” You may also come into the office and file an application, or you may call and request an application be mailed to you at 703-792-7500.
When you file an application, you will be asked to provide proof of some of the facts on your application. For all programs, you must provide your Social Security number or proof that you have applied for one and proof of your household’s income for the month before you applied. This proof may be paystubs for one full month, self-employment records, tip statements, proof of retirement benefits, proof of child support received (if it is not paid through Child Support Enforcement) and proof of any money that is given to your family.
Benefit Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)-formerly known as Food Stamps
Provides food assistance to low income families. The SNAP household receives an EBT (electronic benefits transfer) card, which can be used to purchase food at area grocery stores. Income for this program is based on family size and income. In addition to providing proof of Social Security numbers and income, the SNAP program requires a household to provide proof of identity for the applicant (driver’s license or other picture ID) and verification of residence. Other documents may be requested based on the information on the application. The SNAP application is available online: SNAP (Food Stamp) Application
Medicaid (Virginia's Medical Assistance Program)
Provides health insurance for low income families and elderly or disabled adults. Many individuals who are no longer eligible for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), or other cash assistance benefits, remain eligible for Medicaid coverage. For more information from the Virginia Department of Social Services, click on Medicaid. In addition to Social Security numbers and proof of income, the Medicaid program may require proof of pregnancy or proof of disability, based on your individual situation.
Family Access to Medical Insurance Security Plan (FAMIS) provides health insurance benefits to uninsured children up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For more information and to apply online click on FAMIS website.
Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) provides temporary financial assistance to income-eligible families. TANF families receive a monthly cash payment. Since the program is designed to be temporary, most families must participate in the VIEW Employment program. In addition to Social Security numbers and income verifications, TANF applicants must provide verification of residence and who lives in the home, birth records for the children, information about an absent parent and proof of any child care expenses. To apply online, click on TANF Application
Diversionary Assistance Program (DAP)
This is part of the TANF program and may offer a one time payment to working families who face a sudden temporary loss of income in exchange for foregoing some future TANF benefits.
Transitional Assistance
When TANF benefits end, a family may request up to 12 months additional support assistance, which may include child care, transportation and medical assistance.
Energy Assistance
Provides assistance to low-income households for wood coal gas oil or electricity and is administered by Social Services from October through February.
For more information on Financial Assistance Programs call 703-792-7500