General Information

You may apply for benefits by completing an application and leaving it at or mailing it to the agency.
(Danville Social Services, PO Box 3300, Danville, Virginia 24543).

Applications are available at our office any time during regular office hours Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Applications can also be downloaded from the Virginia Department of Social Services.

Confidentiality

All information that you provide is confidential. Information will only be given to persons directly connected with administering or enforcing provisions of the programs for which you apply.

Eligibility

To be eligible for assistance, applicants must meet certain general requirements. For most programs you must:

  • Live in Virginia
  • Apply in the city or county where you live
  • Be a U. S. citizen or meet certain requirements if you are an immigrant
  • Meet the specific requirements of each program for which you are applying

Before we can determine whether you are eligible, most of the information that you give must be verified. Eligibility will be based on your income, resources, the number of people for whom you are applying, and for some programs, certain household expenses. You will be notified in writing as soon as a decision about your application has been made.

Required Verifications

Each program has different verification requirements. The most important things for you to bring to your first interview are:

  • Proof of any income (money) that you have received in the month prior to the month you are applying in and proof of any income (money) for the month of application
  • Identification and Social Security Numbers for each person for whom you are applying
  • The information that you give may be matched against Federal, State and Local records including the Virginia Employment Commission, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and the Department of Corrections, to determine if it is accurate and truthful.

Time Standards

With some exceptions, action on an application must be taken within:

  • Forty-five days from the date of application for Medicaid and FAMIS
  • Thirty days of application for TANF and SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) - Seven days if the household qualifies for emergency service

Appeal

If you disagree with any decision or action concerning your application, you have the right to request a conference with the agency or file an appeal. In most cases, if you file an appeal within ten days of your advance notice to reduce or terminate your benefits, your benefits will continue until after your appeal has been heard and a decision has been made.

To request a SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) hearing call our office at 434-799-6538 or call toll free 800-552-3431.

For financial assistance, your appeal request must be in writing. You may obtain an Appeal Request Form from the local office, access the form online, or send a letter to:
Manager, Appeals and Fair Hearings
Virginia Department of Social Services
801 E Main Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219-2901

For Medicaid there are also forms available at your request or you may send a letter to:
Director, Division of Client Appeals
Department of Medical Assistance Services
600 E Broad Street
Suite 1300
Richmond, Virginia 23219