Public Assistance and Employment Services

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Multiple Locations - Main Office: 12011 Government Center Parkway, Pennino Building
Fairfax, VA 22035
Lisa Tatum
Director

Department Resources

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Public Assistance and Employment Services (PAES)

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The Department of Family Services’ Public Assistance and Employment Services (PAES) Division helps individuals and families become self-sufficient and secure a more stable family life. Learn how to apply for food, medical, financial, and energy assistance programs and how to access our wide range of employment services for people of all ages. 

When you don’t know where to start, PAES will work with you each step of the way.

Important Notice

Stop EBT Fraud Do you participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)? Scammers are targeting electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cardholders nationwide, trying to steal card numbers and PINs. The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) has tips on how to protect your SNAP dollars, including a new card lock/unlock security feature. 

Learn more

Watch these videos to learn how to apply:

Apply online any time, any day at CommonHelp.

Apply by phone for Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, and more. Call the Enterprise Call Center at 1-833-5CALLVA.

Get an application mailed to you. Call 703-324-7500.

Download an application for Medicaid (English, Spanish)

Download an application for SNAP, TANF, General Relief and more (English, Spanish).

Provide Your Documents

  • Drop off your documents any time, any day at a secure drop box location.
  • Email your documents any time, any day, to DFSMyCase@fairfaxcounty.gov.
  • Fax your documents to 703-653-6679 any time, any day. 
  • Mail your documents to:
    12011 Government Center Parkway
    Suite 232, Pennino Building
    Fairfax, VA 22035

You can check the status of your case and benefits by contacting our Customer Call Center at 703-324-7500, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. We recommend waiting at least 24 hours until after applying to ensure your case has been routed for processing.

Do you need to renew your benefits? Keep your coverage by updating your contact information and completing the renewal process online at CommonHelp or call the Enterprise Call Center at 855-635-4370.

If you need to report a change to your case or request that your case be closed, you can do so by:

  • Updating your case in CommonHelp
  • Calling your case worker directly or calling the Customer Call Center at 703-324-7500, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
  • Emailing your case worker at DFSMyCase@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Providing documents related to the change/request by

  • Drop off your documents any time, any day at a secure drop box location.
  • Email your documents any time, any day, to DFSMyCase@fairfaxcounty.gov.
  • Fax your documents to 703-653-6679 any time, any day. 
  • Mail your documents to:
    12011 Government Center Parkway
    Suite 232, Pennino Building
    Fairfax, VA 22035

If you are eligible to receive Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), or federally-subsidized housing and you choose to participate, it will not affect immigration applications for Lawful Permanent Resident (green card) status. Eligibility criteria has not changed.

Learn more

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