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All kinds of help

Money

Cash help for basic needs, monthly payments for people with disabilities, retirees and veterans, and help with taxes. Your state runs cash help for families. Social Security pays disability and retirement benefits, and the VA pays veterans benefits. Free tax help can make sure you claim the credits you qualify for.Help in Virginia and from the federal government.

Ask about it

Tell us more about what you need. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.

Programs in Virginia

Virginia programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • Virginia Department of Social Services

    Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

    TANF provides monthly cash assistance to eligible families with children.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

  • Virginia Department of Social Services

    General Relief

    General Relief may provide help to eligible people who have no other means of support under locally administered rules.

    Ways to apply:PaperIn person

  • Virginia Department of Social Services

    Child Support Enforcement Services

    The Division of Child Support Enforcement helps establish and enforce child support orders and distribute payments.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person

  • Virginia Department of Veterans Services

    Veterans Services

    Virginia Department of Veterans Services helps veterans and their families access benefits and services.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

  • Virginia Department of Taxation

    Virginia Earned Income Tax Credit

    The refundable Virginia Earned Income Tax Credit is worth 20 percent of a qualifying federal Earned Income Tax Credit.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePaper

Checked on October 8, 2026

Federal programs

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • Social Security Administration

    Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

    Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.

    Apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security to make an appointment. Bring proof of age, income and any medical records.

  • Social Security Administration

    Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

    Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.

    Apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security. Have your medical records and work history ready.

  • Social Security Administration

    Social Security retirement benefits

    Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.

    Apply online at SSA.gov about four months before you want payments to start, or call Social Security.

  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

    VA disability compensation and benefits

    Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.

    File a claim online at VA.gov or call VA. A free accredited representative can help you file.

  • Internal Revenue Service

    Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

    A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.

    Claim it when you file your federal tax return. Free help from VITA or IRS Free File can make sure you get it.

  • Internal Revenue Service

    VITA and TCE free tax help

    IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.

    Find a site near you on IRS.gov or call the locator line, then bring your ID and tax papers.

  • Internal Revenue Service

    IRS Free File

    File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.

    Start from IRS.gov so you get the free version. Fillable forms are free for everyone.

Checked on October 9, 2026

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