Family Resources Division
The Family Resources Division receives and processes initial applications for assistance and provides initial screening and assessments for other service needs by families. In addition, the division refers customers to employment related services, such as child day care and job training for TANF recipients, in order to help the family become as self sufficient as possible. This division is responsible for the following programs:
Are you eligible for financial assistance?
A new Web-based eligibility screening has been developed by the Virginia Department of Social Services to help state residents determine if they may be eligible for financial assistance. Just click on the link below and answer a few questions:
https://jupiter.dss.state.va.us/EligibilityScreening/
If eligible, Forms & Applications are available at the website. You can fax them to 804-365-4110, or drop them off at the Department’s front desk or drop box at: Hanover Department of Social Services, 12304 S. Washington Hwy., Ashland, VA 23005. Forms and Applications can also be obtained by calling 804-365-4100 or 1-800-770-0837.
Are you eligible for a Medicare Drug Discount Card?
Medicare-Approved Drug Discount Card Program: Participating drug companies began accepting applications for the Drug Discount Card program on May 3, 2004. At this time, there are 17 approved drug card sponsors serving Virginia. As a general rule, an individual may choose only one card per year, and the card may only be used at a pharmacy that is in the card sponsor’s network. Each individual will need to evaluate which card offers the most beneficial discount based on his or her prescriptions and any other insurance coverage he or she may have.
Contact:
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) at 1-800-633-4277 (1-800-MEDICARE) or www.medicare.gov
Virginia Department for the Aging’s Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program at 1-800-552-3804
Capital Area Agency on Aging 1-800-989-2286
Adult Medical Assistance:
Effective June 19, 2009, the web-based online Application for Adult Medical Assistance will be available to the public on the VDSS public website. Adults who are 19 years of age or older who are blind or disabled and individuals 65 years of age of older may apply electronically to their local department of social services using this application. Once you click the link, the application can be found under the “Benefits” tab, by accessing “Medical Assistance (Medicaid/FAMIS/SLH),” “Medicaid & FAMIS Programs to “Medicaid Forms/Applications.”
Adult Services: Services such as companion and adult day care services that enable low-income, aged, or disabled adults to remain in their homes rather than moved to institutions. Other services protect adults from abuse, neglect, or exploitation. If institutionalization becomes necessary, assistance is available in arranging appropriate long-term care. Assistance in transition back to the community is also provided, when adults are released from various institutions.
Auxiliary Grants Program (AG): Financial assistance is available for certain needy aged, blind or disabled persons in licensed homes for adults and approved adult family care homes whose income is insufficient to cover the cost of their care.
Child Day Care Services for TANF-VIEW Customers: Child care services in approved homes or centers arranged so that parents can become employed or trained for employment.
Emergency/Diversionary Assistance to Needy Families: Diversionary Assistance (in place of monthly TANF payments) may be paid to a family or provider of services during specific emergencies.
Energy Assistance Program: Eligible low-income households receive Federal assistance with their home heating and cooling bills within funding limits. Weatherization referrals are made to the Capital Area Agency on Aging to permanently weatherize low-income households to offset the high costs of home heating.
Medical Assistance (Medicaid and FAMIS): These Federal and State funded programs provide medical care for specified needy persons. Eligibility for both is determined by the Agency according to criteria established by the State Medical Assistance Services Department and the Virginia General Assembly.
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D): Medicare recipients can receive Medicare prescription drug coverage effective January 1, 2006. The drug plans are offered by private companies. If you already have Medicaid AND have Medicare, you DO NOT HAVE TO DO ANYTHING. You will automatically be enrolled in one of the plans. If you prefer a different plan, you can change. If you are NOT ON MEDICAID, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to request an application OR go to www.socialsecurity.gov and apply online for “Extra Help” to determine if you are eligible for the prescription drug coverage. If you need help, you can go to many government offices, including social services where you can be screened to see if you qualify and receive help completing the paper or computer application.
Refugee Resettlement Program: This Federal program provides medical and cash assistance for a limited period of time to eligible refugees who settle n Virginia.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): This Federal program supplements the food budgets of low-income households to help assure needy persons a nutritionally adequate diet. Financial need, income/resources and other non-financial criteria, such as number in the household and student status, determine eligibility. It is important to know:
- You may get a food assistance, or SNAP, application at our office, or we will mail one to you the same day you ask for it.
- You can file a form the same day you contact the agency. You may return the application to the agency either by mail, in-person, by fax, or on-line.
- The time it takes and amount of benefits you will receive, if eligible, will depend on the date your application is received by Hanover DSS. Generally, benefits for the first month will be in the amount covering the days left in the month in which you apply.
- There are separate rules for the SNAP program (formerly the Food Stamp program) and other programs, so you should apply even if you are not eligible for other benefits.
State and Local Hospitalization (SLH): This State and local program provides direct payments for hospital services for individuals who are unable to pay for required medical services.
Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF): Financial assistance to families with children who do not have parental support from one or both parents due to death, absence, divorce, or incapacity. Financial assistance may also be provided to intact families with children when one parent is unemployed or underemployed. |
