Benefits in your state
Benefits in Virginia
Where to apply and who to call in Virginia. For services near you, see the Virginia state page.
Medicaid
- Program
- Virginia Medicaid (Cardinal Care) (Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) and local Departments of Social Services)
- Apply online
- commonhelp.virginia.gov
- By phone
- (833) 522-5582 (1-833-5CALLVA), TDD (888) 221-1590
- In person
- Apply at your local Department of Social Services. Find an office
- If you get SSISupplemental Security Income: monthly payments from Social Security for people with disabilities who have low income and few savings.
- SSI recipients in Virginia do not get Medicaid automatically; they must apply and meet Virginia Medicaid rules (Virginia is a 209(b) state).
- If you work
- MEDICAID WORKS: lets working people with disabilities keep Medicaid with higher earnings and savings.
Medicare Savings Programs and the Medicaid Buy-In also go through this office. How Medicaid works.
Food
- SNAP: find the Virginia SNAP office in the USDA state directory, or call 211.
- Find your food bank and home-delivered meals.
- SNAP rules for people with disabilities
Bills and phone
- Energy help (LIHEAP): call 1-866-674-6327 to be sent to your local office.
- Lifeline phone or internet discount: lifelinesupport.org.
- More on bills, shutoffs and housing
Legal help
- Disability rights agency (free)
- disAbility Law Center of Virginia, (804) 225-2042
- Legal aid
- LawHelp.org and the LSC legal aid finder
Planning forms
Free Virginia advance directive forms, with instructions: Virginia forms at CaringInfo. What each form does.
People who help for free
- 211: call or text 2-1-1.
- Medicare counseling (SHIP): shiphelp.org.
- Area Agency on Aging and Aging and Disability Resource Center: Eldercare Locator, 1-800-677-1116.
- Work and benefits counseling (WIPA): choosework.ssa.gov/findhelp.
- Search Virginia services in the Atlas
Medicaid details checked October 9, 2026. Disability rights agency from the NDRN member list; forms from CaringInfo. Last reviewed November 9, 2026.
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