Eligibility
You may use our CommonHelp website to help determine whether you are eligible for benefits. Please note, however, that the final decision regarding eligibility must be made by an eligibility worker at your local department of social services.
Ways to Apply
You can apply online from anywhere at any time for any of the public assistance programs by going to Virginia CommonHelp. Your application will be immediately sent to your locality based upon address included in your online application. You may set up an online account to check your benefits, renew benefits, and report changes. Applying online can save you time and may allow for faster processing of the application. In addition to access from your home computer or public library, computers for applying to public assistance programs are located and available in the lobby of the Spotsylvania Department of Social Services.
You may also complete and submit a paper application for one or more of the public assistance programs. You may also pick up a paper application (Spanish Version available) at Spotsylvania Department of Social Services to complete and turn it in before leaving, or you may take it with you and mail or bring it back to the office. An application form can be mailed to you upon request by calling 540-507-7898.
Additional Documents
You may need to print out additional single page supplement forms if applying for Medicaid, FAMIS or Plan First for more than two people in your household. When applying for Medicaid for adults over age 19 with disabilities, adults aged 65 or over, and for all people who need long term care services, you will need to fill out an ABD-LTC - Appendix D application as well as the Application for Health Coverage and Help Paying Costs.
- ABD-LTC Application - Appendix D
- Additional Person Single Page Supplement
Interview
An interview will be required (for most assistance programs), to go over the information to complete the application process.
For Medicaid/FAMIS only you may apply by calling 1-855-242-8282 and making application over the phone. To make a complete application you will need to have the following information ready:
- Information about other taxable income for members of your household such as:
- Alimony received
- Pensions
- Rental income
- Retirement income
- Social Security benefits
- Unemployment benefits
- Information for you and anyone in your household who is applying for health care coverage:
- Citizenship/Immigration Status
- Date of Birth
- Full legal name
- Social Security Number
- Job and income information for members of your household for the month prior or the current month. Having recent pay stubs or W-2s to reference may be helpful.
- Most recent federal tax filing information (if available)
- Policy numbers for any current health insurance
Consent to Share
When you apply, you will be asked if you wish to give your permission (Consent to Share) allowing us to use the information you gave us on the application to create a User Profile for you. Your answer does not affect your eligibility for health care coverage. You can read and download the Consent to Share document.
Applying for Benefits:
Citizens may apply for benefits (SNAP, TANF, Medicaid and Child Care) online at www.commonhelp.virginia.gov or by calling toll free 855-635-4370. For Medicaid only applications call 855-242-8282.
Citizens may reach staff by contacting their caseworker via email or phone. If you do not know your caseworker, call 540-507-7898.
EBT Cards:
For replacement EBT cards, call 866-281-2448 to have a card mailed to you. If you have an emergency and require immediate access to an EBT card, call 540-507-7898 to schedule pick-up.
Dropping of Applications/Paperwork:
Citizens may use the secure agency drop box located at the North entrance to leave paperwork and/or applications. The drop box is labeled Social Services. Please ensure that paperwork being dropped off has identifying information such as Name, DOB, and Last 4 of SSN. If you are dropping of an application, please note if there is a barrier that prevents you from having a telephone interview such as no phone or language barrier. Please list any other method of contacting you such as email or alternate phone number (neighbor, family member or friend). Applications and paperwork may also be faxed to 540-507-7806.