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

Related Resources

Public Assistance and Employment Services (PAES)

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.

Maximize Your SNAP Benefits

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)Applying for or Renewing SNAP Benefits? Starting October 1, 2025, you’ll need to show proof of your dependent care, housing (shelter), and medical expenses when applying for or renewing SNAP benefits. 

Sharing this information can help you get the most SNAP benefits possible. These expenses are used to lower your net income, which can increase the amount of benefits you receive. 

Have questions? Learn more about how this change affects you and what documents you might need to provide. 

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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