Social Services

The Roanoke County Department of Social Services is one of 120 local departments in Virginia's state-supervised, locally administered public social services system.

Social Services Promotions

Social Services is a department of county government that administers federal, state, and local public financial assistance and social work service programs. Through community based services, Roanoke County Social Services promotes:

  • Citizen independence
  • Protection
  • Self reliance
  • Strengthening families

Roanoke County Department of Social Services Advisory Board

The Roanoke County Department of Social Services Advisory Board meets the 3rd Thursday of every other month at 4 p.m. at DSS.

CommonHelp

CommonHelp

Use CommonHelp to apply online for SNAP (Food Stamps), TANF, Medical Assistance and/or Child Care.

Disclaimer

In accordance with the Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, call 800-795-3272 (voice) or 202-720-6382 (TTY), or write to:
USDA, Director
Office of Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Temporary SNAP Emergency Allotments Ending in March

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Emergency Allotments were a temporary change to SNAP benefits that began in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. In March 2023, all SNAP households' benefits will return to normal amounts, without the additional allotment benefits.

SNAP Emergency Allotments are ending due to the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023 law recently passed by Congress, which ends the Virginia Department of Social Services' authorization to issue benefits through this temporary federal program that was originally put in place in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The last of these additional benefits will automatically load to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards on Thursday, February 16. SNAP households can expect to receive a letter by mail regarding the final February 2023 Emergency Allotment issuance.

Households will return to receiving their regular SNAP benefit amount on the 1st, 4th, or 7th day of the month as normal, beginning March 2023.

For more information, please refer to the below frequently asked questions. You may also contact the temporary information line at 1-855-635-4370, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. beginning Monday, January 30, 2023.

For more information, please visit the Virginia Department of Social Services website at www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/snap.cgi  or www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/emergency_allotments.cgi.