Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Petersburg Department of Social Services offers the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.  TANF provides eligible families with a monthly cash payment to meet their basic needs if the family is responsible for the care of a minor child.  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.  

The TANF program initiative has time to limited benefits, a strong work requirement, and a social contract that sets out the responsibilities of and expectations for recipients of public assistance and the government.



The Virginia Initiative for Employment not Welfare (VIEW) offers the opportunity for TANF recipients to achieve economic independence. Emphasis is on work first in conjunction with education and training when it may enhance the participant's ability to become self-sufficient.

CommonHelp is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s fast and easy way to apply online for many Virginia social services assistance programs. Through a single online site, you can find out what assistance you might be eligible for and submit one application saving you time and effort.   You can apply for Benefit Programs online at CommonHelp or by telephone by calling 1-855-635-4370.