Effective March 24, 2020, the Washington County Department of Social Services moved to Level 3 of the COVID-19 Response Plan and closed to the public with only essential employees working in the office.  We are making preparations to move to Level 2 of the COVID-19 Response Plan, effective July 6, 2020, running until July 31, 2020.  During Level 2, more staff will be in the office and available to the public by appointment only.  We plan to move to Level 1 of the COVID-19 Response Plan, effective August 3, 2020, running until September 8, 2020.  During Level 1, all employees will be in the office, but continue to see clients by appointment only.  It is important to understand that during all levels of the COVID-19 Response Plan, we are operating with two teams of employees. Each team alternates working in the office one week and teleworking at home one week.  Therefore, appointments will be based on availability and work schedules.  September 8, 2020, the office will be fully open to the public with normal operating hours.

Paramount is the safety of our employees.  If they are not healthy, they cannot serve the residents of Washington County.  This plan is tentative and subject to change if there are increases in local COVID-19 cases and/or we are directed otherwise by the state or local government.

WE ARE STILL PROVIDING ALL SERVICES.  However, the vast majority of our contact with clients and the public will be conducted by telephone.  Please be aware that our response times to non-emergencies will be longer than usual.

You may apply for benefits online at www.commonhelp.virginia.gov or by phone at 1-855-635-4370.  To apply for Medical Assistance only, please call 1-855-242-8282 (TDD:  1-888-221-1590).  CommonHelp is a web-based system that allows Virginia citizens 24/7 easy access to screen and apply for:

• Cash Assistance (TANF)
• Child Care Services
• Energy Assistance (Fuel, Crisis and Cooling)
• Food Assistance(SNAP)
• Medical Assistance

We also have benefit applications in the right side of the agency drop box, which is located to the right of the main entrance.  Applications may be dropped off at any time. The drop box will be checked every two hours, Monday through Friday.  After you complete an application and return it to the drop box, you will then be contacted by phone and given further instructions.

If you need a replacement EBT card, you may call the main office at 276-645-5000 during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or at 1-866-281-2448.  EBT cards will be mailed the same day they are issued. 

To report a CPS or APS issue during working hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.), please call 276-645-5000.  For after-hour concerns, please contact the CPS Hotline at 1-800-552-7096 or the APS Hotline at 1-888-832-3858. 

Again…thank you for your patience and understanding as we all try to navigate through this unprecedented time.

Telephone (276)645-5000, Fax (276)645-5055