How to Apply for TANF in Virginia
Virginia's TANF program requires an eligible child to be under 18 (or, if 18, still enrolled in high school, secondary, or vocational school) and living with a parent or caretaker relative. Most applicants apply online through CommonHelp, Virginia's benefits portal for checking eligibility, starting an application, and managing benefits, though paper applications are also accepted at your local department of social services. The Virginia Initiative for Education and Work (VIEW) connects TANF recipients to training and employment services as part of the program's push toward self-sufficiency.
This site is an independent, non-government TANF directory and isn't affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by any state or federal government agency. Always verify details directly with the official agency before visiting or applying.
Quick Answer
In Virginia, you apply for TANF through Department of Social Services, online or by phone. Virginia must decide TANF eligibility by the 30th day after the application is filed, per state regulation (22VAC40-295-60).
What You'll Need
- Proof the child is under 18 (or 18 and in school) and living with a parent or caretaker relative
- Proof of Virginia residency
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
- Household financial need documentation
- A completed TANF application (online via CommonHelp, or paper submitted locally)
-
1
Check eligibility and apply online through CommonHelp
Go to commonhelp.virginia.gov/access to check your eligibility, start an application, or manage existing benefits.
-
2
Or submit a paper application locally
Download the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Application (available in English and Spanish) from the Virginia DSS website and submit it to your local department of social services.
-
3
Confirm your child meets eligibility rules
The child in your household must be under 18 (or 18 and enrolled in high school, secondary, or vocational school), a Virginia resident, a U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant, and living with a parent or caretaker relative.
-
4
Call the Enterprise Customer Service Center for help
If you need assistance applying, call 855-635-4370, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
-
5
Participate in VIEW if required
Most adult recipients take part in the Virginia Initiative for Education and Work (VIEW) program, which connects families to education, training, and employment services.
Submit Your Application
Need help before your application is processed?
Virginia must decide TANF eligibility by the 30th day after the application is filed, per state regulation (22VAC40-295-60). If your family needs money sooner, most states offer a faster, one-time emergency payment.
See emergency & one-time assistance →Compare Other States
TANF rules, income limits, and benefit amounts are set state by state. These share Virginia's census region — useful if you're moving, or comparing how another state runs the same program.
Helpful Guides
TANF Eligibility & Frequently Asked Questions
Income limits, time limits, and work requirements, answered in plain language.
Learn more →How Much Does TANF Pay? Benefit Amounts Explained
How your payment is calculated, a real worked example, and how the amount scales by family size.
Learn more →TANF Income Limits by State
See each state's own income limit and maximum monthly benefit, side by side.
Learn more →How to Use Your TANF EBT Card
How to withdraw cash, avoid ATM fees, and what to do if your card is lost or stolen.
Learn more →TANF Work Requirements Explained
Hours, activities, exemptions, and how strictly states actually enforce this.
Learn more →What Is TANF?
What the program covers, who runs it, and how it varies by state.
Learn more →TANF Kinship Care & Relative Caregiver Benefits
Child-only TANF grants for grandparents and relatives raising a child — and how they differ from a regular case.
Learn more →TANF vs. SNAP: Is TANF the Same as Food Stamps?
How the two programs differ, and whether you can get both.
Learn more →