Virginia's TANF Program, known as the Virginia Initiative for Employment Not Welfare (VIEW), is an important support system for families across the state dealing with financial hardships. Designed with the unique needs of Virginians in mind, VIEW goes beyond providing temporary financial assistance to families with dependent children. It sets a clear course toward long-term self-reliance by emphasizing employment, education, and personal responsibility.

Through a combination of direct aid and comprehensive support services, VIEW empowers families to transition from dependency on assistance to securing stable employment, highlighting Virginia's commitment to fostering resilient, self-sufficient communities.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify for Virginia's TANF/VIEW program, families need to fulfill certain criteria related to their financial circumstances and follow program rules. This includes:

Family Composition: The program is designed to help needy families with children. A qualifying family must include a child who is a U.S. citizen or an eligible immigrant, along with at least one adult relative. This structure ensures that assistance is directed towards households with dependent minors.

Financial Need: Families must demonstrate financial need, which is determined by evaluating household income, living expenses, and the value of assets owned. However, certain assets, like a primary residence and a vehicle (with some restrictions), are exempt from disqualifying a family.

Good Conduct Requirements: Families must meet specific behavioral criteria to qualify for TANF. This includes cooperation with pursuing child support from absent parents, ensuring school attendance and vaccination for children, and avoiding certain drug-related felonies. For families with a parent capable of working, there is an expectation to comply with work requirements, contributing to the family's move towards self-sufficiency.

School Attendance and Vaccination: Children in the family must follow Virginia's school attendance laws and have all state-required vaccinations, with certain exemptions allowed for religious beliefs or health reasons. Non-compliance in these areas may lead to a reduction in TANF benefits received.

Immigrant Eligibility: The program includes provisions for legal immigrants, with eligibility depending on their date of entry into the United States and their immigration status. Certain humanitarian immigrants and lawful permanent residents who meet specific criteria are eligible for TANF.

Age Limit for Children: To be considered a dependent child under TANF, children must be under 18 or up to 19 if they are full-time students in high school or an equivalent program. This ensures that support is provided to families with school-age children.

Work Requirements: A key component of VIEW is the emphasis on employment and self-sufficiency. Adults in families receiving aid are required to participate in work-related activities, which may include job training, education programs, or direct employment. This requirement is designed to facilitate the transition from dependence on financial assistance to independence and stable employment, aligning with the program's goal of empowering participants to build a secure future for themselves and their families.

Exclusions: Some individuals and circumstances lead to ineligibility or limited benefits, such as children born while the mother is receiving TANF (with some exceptions), and individuals with drug felony convictions post-August 22, 1996.

With this criteria, Virginia's TANF/VIEW program aims to provide targeted assistance to families in need while encouraging responsible behavior and self-improvement among its participants.

One-Time TANF Assistance

Diversionary Assistance (DA) is available to provide immediate, short-term support to families facing a one-time crisis. This assistance works to prevent families from needing prolonged TANF support by offering financial aid for essential needs such as housing, food, medical care, childcare, or employment-related expenses like transportation.

Eligibility for DA is determined when families apply for TANF, and it is not available to those already receiving TANF benefits. Diversionary Assistance is an important intervention for families in urgent need, helping them stabilize their situation swiftly.

VIEW Payment Options

The VIEW program offers monthly financial support through three convenient payment methods: checks mailed directly to recipients, direct deposits into recipients' bank accounts, or funds loaded onto a debit card. These options provide flexibility and ease of access to benefits, allowing families to choose the method that best suits their needs for managing and using their assistance each month.

VIEW Application Instructions

Applying for the Virginia Initiative for Employment Not Welfare (VIEW) program is designed to be straightforward, offering multiple methods to accommodate different needs:

Online Application: You can apply online by visiting the Virginia CommonHelp website. This platform provides a user-friendly way to fill out and submit your application electronically, making the process quick and efficient.

By Phone: If you prefer to apply over the phone or need assistance, you can call 855-635-4370. A representative will guide you through the application steps and answer any questions you might have.

In Person: For those who prefer face-to-face assistance, you can apply in person at your Local Department of Social Services (LDSS). This option is great if you want to discuss your application with someone directly or if you need immediate assistance.

By Mail: If online or in-person options are not convenient, you can fill out a paper application and mail it to your LDSS. This method is helpful for those who prefer traditional paper applications or who may not have reliable internet access.

Each of these application methods is designed to ensure that applying for the VIEW program is as accessible and flexible as possible, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your circumstances.

The Virginia Initiative for Employment Not Welfare (VIEW) program is dedicated to helping low-income families by providing financial support while emphasizing the importance of work and self-sufficiency. Through VIEW, participants receive not only monetary aid, but also access to job training, education, and employment opportunities, empowering them to achieve independence and enhance their quality of life. This program reflects Virginia's commitment to fostering resilient communities by supporting families in their journey towards economic stability.