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Portsmouth Department of Social Services

1701 High Street
Suite 101
Portsmouth, VA 23704

(757) 405-1800

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Contact Information

Main
(757) 405-1800
Toll-Free
(800) 552-7096

Who We Are

The purpose of Virginia's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is to provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the home of relatives, end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work and marriage and encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.

Participants may be provided with services such as job skills training, work experience, job readiness training, child care assistance, transportation, and other work related expenses.  An eligible child must be under age 18, or if 18, will graduate from high school before age 19, going to school regularly if the child is between the ages of five and 18,  living with a parent or other relative and a U.S. citizen or an eligible immigrant.

You can apply for Benefit Programs online at CommonHelp  or by telephone by calling 1-855-635-4370.

Who We Serve

Languages Spoken
English
Service Area(s)
Portsmouth City

Cost & Payment Methods

Fee Structure
No Fee

Age Requirements
0-5
,
6-12
Family
Yes
Residency Requirements
Resident of Portsmouth
Other Eligibility Criteria
Must be financially in need; child in home under 18 years and attending school regularly; child must live with parent or other relative; must be resident of Portsmouth Up to age 18.

Available 24/7
No

Intake Process
Walk-ins accepted; appointment required for some programs. Complete application; provide documents
Self Refer
Yes