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Virginia Financial Assistance Programs — State Aid and Local Resources by County

Virginia has a broad network of financial assistance programs, with state-run programs working alongside county-level agencies and private nonprofits throughout the Commonwealth. Whether the problem is an overdue utility bill, a missed rent payment, or not enough food at the end of the month, programs exist specifically for Virginia residents at a range of income levels.

This page covers the major statewide programs and links to local resources by county so you can find what's available where you live.

Emergency Rent Help and Eviction Prevention in Virginia

For Virginia residents who have fallen behind on rent or received an eviction notice, emergency rental assistance programs operate at the county and city level across the state. These programs can cover back rent, help with a security deposit, and in some cases assist with moving costs. The state's Department of Housing and Community Development funds many of these efforts through local nonprofits. Find details on county and statewide options on the rent assistance programs in Virginia page.

If you are already facing homelessness or are a few days from losing your housing, there are separate programs focused on emergency shelter, maybe deposit help and homeless prevention. Virginia nonprofits and the state work together to provide short-term housing funds and referrals to low-income housing. Learn about homeless prevention and emergency housing programs in Virginia.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers in Virginia

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program helps very low-income Virginians cover the monthly cost of renting a private home or apartment. Local public housing authorities administer the program, and eligibility is based on household income and family size. Wait lists are common across the state, so applying as early as possible matters. Locate application sites for Section 8 housing vouchers in Virginia.

Utility and Electric Bill Help in Virginia

Virginia's Energy Assistance (EA) program is the state's version of the federal LIHEAP. It helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills and can restore service if it has been shut off. In winter, the program can cover fuel or electric heat costs. In summer, cooling assistance is available, including help getting a window air conditioning unit. Free weatherization services — insulation, sealing drafts, and similar upgrades — are also available to help cut ongoing energy costs. Find details and contact information for the Virginia LIHEAP - EA program and weatherization.

Virginia's major electric and gas utilities also maintain hardship funds and other assistance programs for customers in financial difficulty. These run separately from the state EA program and can sometimes cover amounts EA won't. The Virginia utility bill assistance programs are wide ranging and may include direct financial help, payment plans, budget billing and others.

Free Food Banks, Soup Kitchens and Pantries in Virginia

Food banks and pantries operate across every region of Virginia, providing free groceries to households that qualify. Many serve anyone in need without requiring documentation and also have soup kitchens. Large regional food banks, including Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, Feed More, Feeding Southwest Virginia, Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank and their partners, run drive-through distribution events in many communities, particularly for seniors and families who can't get to a traditional pantry location. Find the NHPB list of food banks and free pantries in Virginia.

Virginia Government Benefits - cash, child care, phones, food and more

The Virginia Department of Social Services runs several state and federally funded programs for low-income residents. These include SNAP food benefits, Medicaid, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), which provides cash to qualifying families with children. Case managers can also help connect people with longer-term support and job resources. Read more on the guide to Virginia public assistance programs

Short term cash may be offered too. There is also a separate Virginia cash assistance program for families in financial emergencies, including those that need help covering transportation, basic bills, and other immediate needs.

Low-cost phone service in Virginia is also an option. Virginia residents who receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or other qualifying government benefits may be eligible for a free or discounted phone, or monthly credit on their account, through the federal Lifeline program. Some providers offer free smartphones with monthly service included. Find out about Virginia Lifeline and phone assistance programs.

Virginia's subsidized child care program, formally known as the Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP), helps income-qualifying families cover daycare and childcare expenses. Parents or guardians generally need to be working, enrolled in school, or in a job training program to qualify. Single-parent households and families near the poverty line are typically prioritized - all of which are noted on the child care assistance programs in Virginia page.

Free Legal Aid in Virginia

Virginia has a network of nonprofit legal aid organizations operating from over 30 offices that provide free civil legal help to low-income residents and seniors. There is also the online free Virginia Law Help resource at https://www.virginialawhelp.org/en/get-legal-help. The nonprofits handle eviction defense, benefit appeals, debt collection matters, domestic legal situations, and more. Help may be available by phone, through document preparation, or through full legal representation depending on location and case type with more information at the Virginia legal aid page.

Mortgage Help and Foreclosure Prevention in Virginia

Virginia homeowners behind on their mortgage or at risk of foreclosure can find help through HUD-certified housing counseling agencies, state programs, and local nonprofits. These resources include free foreclosure counseling, help negotiating with lenders, and limited emergency funds to cover past-due payments. Programs for first-time buyers and low-income purchasers are also available. Learn about all the mortgage assistance and foreclosure prevention resources in Virginia.

Help for Seniors in Virginia - nonprofits and government programs

Virginia residents 60 and older can access programs through the state's network of Area Agencies on Aging, DARS Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, as well as other programs. Services include Meals on Wheels, transportation assistance, help navigating Medicare and Medicaid, caregiver support, and in some areas limited emergency funds for housing or utility costs. Learn about Virginia Agency on Aging programs and senior assistance which can be from a number of organizations.

Help for People with Disabilities in Virginia

Virginia's disability assistance programs include home care services, subsidized housing, caregiver respite, and support for family members. Several programs are specifically designed to help people with disabilities remain in their homes rather than in institutional settings. Get details on Virginia disability assistance programs.

Salvation Army and Community Action Agencies in Virginia

The Salvation Army operates over 90 locations throughout Virginia (list at https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/va/), providing emergency help, food, clothing, hotel vouchers, holiday help, and case management for people in crisis. Available programs vary by location, so contacting your nearest office directly is the best first step. See the NHPB guide to Virginia Salvation army programs.

Virginia's community action agencies are county-level nonprofits funded by the state and federal government to serve low-income residents - they are part of the Virginia Community Action Partnership (VACAP). They provide employment support, energy bill help, senior programs, and sometimes emergency funds for housing or vehicle repairs. Some also administer free car programs in Virginia for people who need transportation to find or keep a job. See the list of Virginia community action programs and locations on this site.

Communicate with Other Virginians on the NHPB Forum

If you're not sure which program to apply for, or want to hear from others who have dealt with a local agency, the NHPB Virginia forum is a useful starting point. Real people share firsthand experiences with local programs, tips on what documentation to bring, and what to expect from the application process. Visit the Virginia financial assistance forum to read what others have shared or ask your own question.

Other Statewide Resources in Virginia

Virginia 211 at https://www.211virginia.org is a free, confidential statewide helpline available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 2-1-1 from any phone, search the database at 211virginia.org, or text CONNECT to 247211. Trained specialists will use your zip code to connect you with programs in your area covering housing, food, utilities, health care, and more. The service is available in over 200 languages.

The United Way in Virginia at https://www.unitedway.org/local/united-states/virginia also coordinates emergency help through local chapters across the state and can point you toward programs by region.