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 SNAP Update!
October 30 Update: Virginia has launched VENA, an emergency food assistance program to fill the gap when SNAP benefits lapse starting Nov. 1 due to the federal government shutdown. People eligible for SNAP as of October 29, 2025 will receive a weekly benefit on their EBT cards. Payments begin Nov. 3. Learn more about SNAP and where to get help with getting food.
Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus (CCC+): a Virginia Medicaid Waiver (for children who are medically fragile or who have complex medical needs, or with severe autism)
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:
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.
You can apply for benefits, send renewal documents, and access employment services online. Find libraries, community, teen and senior centers near you with free Wi-Fi.
