Find Your Local Department
Find the local department that serves your area and its contact info.
Search by city, county or ZIP code
Find your local department
Connect to Help Now
If you or someone you know needs help right away, use the contacts below to get connected to support.
2-1-1 Virginia
Receive free, confidential support 24/7
Phone: 2-1-1 or Text CONNECT to 247211
Child Protective Services Hotline
Report suspected child abuse or neglect 24/7
In Virginia: (804) 786-8536
Out-of-state: (800) 552-7096
Adult Protective Services Hotline
Report concerns about the safety or well-being of an older adult 24/7
Phone: (888) 832-3858
Need TTY/TDD support?
If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability, call (800) 828-1120 or dial 711 for relay services.
How can we help you?
Citizen Services Unit
Not sure who to call? The Citizen Services Unit is the main line for the Virginia Department of Social Services. They can direct you to the right team, program, or local office.
TTY / TDD accessibility:
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, call (800) 828-1120 or dial 711 for relay services.
Need a local office?
Local departments of social services are the main provider of many services to Virginia's children, families and adults. In most cases, your city or county social services department should be the first call for benefits and other services.
Local offices can help with:
- Applying for benefits like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or medical assistance
- Reporting changes to your case or submitting documents
- Services related to child welfare, adoption and adult protective services
- Emergency or crisis assistance, and more
Contact by Program or Service
Know which program you need? Go directly to the right contact.
Need Assistance
Need help now? Visit 2-1-1 Virginia for free, confidential help online or by phone.
Ask VDSS
Use the secure Citizen Portal to ask questions, manage your account or get support.
SNAP Assistance
Apply through CommonHelp, call 833-522-5582 or contact your local department.
Child Support
Pay online, check your balance, apply for services, or update your case information.
Licensing
Questions about childcare facility or other care licensing. Licensing protects the safety of children and adults in care.
Tech Support
In need of technical support for our website? Report broken links, missing pages or other issues and we'll get back to you soon.
What to expect when you reach out
Knowing what happens next reduces uncertainty. Here is what typically follows after you contact VDSS or your local office.
After you call or submit an inquiry
- If you call the Citizen Services Unit, you will be connected to the right team or given a direct number. Have your case number or program name ready if you have one.
- If you submit through the Ask VDSS portal, you will receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Keep this for your records.
- If you contact your local department, they will log your inquiry and follow up within their standard response window. Ask for a case number if one is not provided.
- For benefit applications submitted through CommonHelp, you will receive a confirmation screen and email. Processing times vary by program. Your local office can tell you the current timeline.
Media Inquiries
Press and Communications
Journalists and media contacts seeking VDSS statements, interview requests, agency updates, data and other public information.
Visit the Media InformationCommunity Organizations
Partner with VDSS
Nonprofits and community groups interested in partnerships, referrals, volunteer opportunities and community support.
Visit the Community Partnership InformationVDSS Reports & Data
Data Resources
Data on the impact of programs supporting children, adults and families through services such as food assistance, foster care, child support and more.
Visit our Reports & Data
Find my local department