Programs and Services 

Diversionary Assistance (DA)
Emergency Assistance (EA)

Provides immediate help to short-term cash support to help families resolve a one-time emergency or crisis. It helps stop families from needing long-term TANF support. 

DA Covers:

  • Food, shelter and medical expenses
  • Childcare Cost
  • Expenses related to getting or keeping a job, including transportation. 

Eligibility: 

  • It is only available to families applying for TANF, not current recipients. 

To apply for Divisionary Assistance, an application for the TANF program must be submitted.

  • Call the Enterprise Customer Service Center at  855-635-4370  

Receiving diversionary assistance does not count toward the 24months or 60month limits for getting TANF. 

 
For more information about DA or EA, please contact your local department of social services. 

Energy Assistance is a cash support provided to families who are eligible whether or not they are currently receiving TANF. This support can help families with urgent needs caused by events such as natural disasters, fires, or to prevent eviction. 

To apply for Energy Assistance, an  for the TANF program must be submitted. 

Virginia Initiative for Education and Work (VIEW)
Full Employment Program (FEP)

A mandatory work program that helps TANF participants find jobs, education, and training.

Goals include: 

  • Achieving economic independence by removing barriers to work 
  • Building skills for long-term self-sufficiency 
  • Providing incentives for employment 
  • Requiring participation for most two-parent TANF households 

A subsidized employment program for individuals participating in the Virginia Initiative for Education and Work (VIEW) program that: 

  • Helps participants earn a living wage while keeping their TANF benefits 
  • Builds career-related skills 
  • Improves long-term job competitiveness 
  • Allows Full Employment Program participation for up to six months 
Employment Advancement Projects
Reaching Independence through Savings and Education (RISE)

Through grants, the Virginia Department of Social Services funds community projects to help current and former TANF clients:  

  • Prepare to build skills needed for work 
  • Secure better jobs 
  • Increase wages and career advancement 

Below is a list of current projects. If you see a program in your area and you want to participate or get further information, contact your local department of social services. 

A matched savings program where eligible participants can save up to $500 and receive up to $4,000 in matching funds to use toward: 

  • Buying a home in Virginia 
  • Paying for postsecondary education 
  • Purchasing transportation 
  • Starting or expanding a small business 

For more information, contact your TANF caseworker or the community action agency that works with your local department of social services. 

RISE Flyer (PDF)