Essex County Department of Social Services -Virginia

01/21/2026

Be sure to prepare now for the forecasted snow event.
-Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
-Replenish fuel in your vehicle and heating sources.
-Locate/purchase flashlights and batteries.
-Gather emergency supplies (water, medications, food) before the storm arrives.
-Avoid travel if you can.
-Have a plan if your home becomes too cold (a friend's home, a public library, or a warming center).
-Consider having emergency supplies in your vehicle to include blankets, a first aid kit, and warm clothing.
-Ensure you have enough coats, gloves, hats, and blankets for each member of your household.

Virginia 211 connects individuals and families to essential services across the Commonwealth, including housing and shelter options, food assistance, healthcare resources, mental health support and more. If warming centers are opened, a trained specialist will be able to provide you with relevant information. Dial 2-1-1 or visit Virginia211.org to get connected.

10/30/2025

Message from Virginia Department of Social Services:

October 29, 2025: Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency allowing the use of state funds to issue Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) benefits to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers in November if the federal government shutdown is not resolved by November 1, 2025. Under VENA, 25% of a customer's monthly benefit will be issued on a weekly basis, so that in the event the shutdown ends sometime during November, normal distributions from the federal government will resume. Starting Monday, November 3, the following will take effect for SNAP customers:

Customers who receive their benefits on the 1st of the month will receive weekly VENA benefits on Mondays.

Customers who receive their benefits on the 4th of the month will receive weekly VENA benefits on Wednesdays.

Customers who receive their benefits on the 7th of the month will receive weekly VENA benefits on Fridays.

Virginia is the first state in the nation to use state funds to deliver food assistance to SNAP customers. The state of emergency allows the Governor to use these funds to protect the health, welfare and safety of Virginians.

We recognize the serious impact this government shutdown has had on Virginians who rely on this program. This incredibly challenging time could most rapidly be resolved by the U.S. Senate voting for the continuing resolution that has already passed the U.S. House of Representatives.

We encourage Virginians who are concerned by the government shutdown to contact Virginia's Senators Mark Warner at (202) 224-2023 and Tim Kaine at (202) 224-4024.

We will continue to share updates as information becomes available and remain committed to supporting Virginians.

10/28/2025

While SNAP benefits for November will not be dispersed, SNAP recipients can expect to see supplemental funding on their EBT cards as a result of the Governor’s declared State of Emergency. Virginia allocated $150 million from a General Fund in order to supplement SNAP benefits for November.

Supplemental benefits will be paid out on a weekly basis. Recipients can expect to receive 25% of their total monthly benefit over the period of four weeks as long as the Government remains closed. The benefit will cease if the Government reopens, as Federal SNAP benefits will be reinstated.

SNAP recipients can expect disbursements as follows:
If you normally receive your SNAP benefit on the 1st, you can expect to see your weekly disbursements on Mondays.
If you normally receive your SNAP benefit on the 4th, you can expect to see your weekly disbursements on Wednesdays.
If you normally receive your SNAP benefit on the 7th, you can expect to see your weekly disbursements on Fridays.

Disbursements should begin on Monday, November 3rd. However, there is a possibility that disbursements will not be paid until November 10th.

You may still apply for SNAP benefits. However, there is no guarantee that new applicants will receive a benefit in the month of November. Essex Social Services is collecting nonperishable food items to help support those impacted by the Government Shutdown. Please contact our office if you are in need of assistance or wish to donate.

10/17/2025

Due to the federal government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has notified the Commonwealth of Virginia that November SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits cannot be issued at this time.

This is a nationwide issue impacting all SNAP households and cannot be appealed.

What You Need to Know
• If you currently have SNAP benefits on your EBT card, you can continue to use them to purchase food.
• November SNAP benefits will not be issued unless the federal government provides additional guidance.
• Essex County does not have additional information at this time.

Need Help Finding Food?

If you need help accessing food during the shutdown, please reach out to one of the following community resources:

https://211virginia.org/

Healthy Harvest Food Bank - Healthy Harvest Food Bank

07/01/2025

The Virginia State Department of Social Services offers the Cooling Fuel Assistance program as part of its overall Energy Assistance Program that helps low-income households meet their immediate home energy needs. Financial help may be available to help you with purchase and install a window air conditioner unit, repair central air conditioning or a heat pump, and assist with bills and security deposits related to cooling.

Applications accepted: June 15 - August 15

06/25/2025

Our phone lines are currently down; we apologize for the inconvenience.

04/09/2025

Essex DSS staff were out at Essex Elementary School today placing pinwheels around the front of the school ... as you drive by take a look at the front lawn reminding the citizens of Essex County that April is child abuse prevention month.

04/01/2025

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month....Be on the lookout for the pinwheels around Essex County this month!!!

03/21/2025

We are hiring for a Benefit Programs Specialist II....click on link below to apply.

Title Description- Benefit Programs Specialist II represents the full-performance level in the Benefit Programs Specialist occupational group. Employees’ responsibilities are related to the determination and re-determination of eligibility of individuals and families for financial assistance, food...

03/19/2025

We can't let the month of March go by without thanking our amazing social workers; March is National Social Workers Month!!!!

03/17/2025

Looking to be a Family Services Worker....Click on the link for information and to apply

Title Description- Family Services Specialist I represents the entry level employees working under close supervision while being trained in program areas such as, Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/’Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services. Employees perfo...

03/17/2025

Do you like working with children and adults? Look no more for a rewarding career ... We are hiring for a Self Sufficiency Specialist II. Click on the link below to apply.

Title Description – Self-Sufficiency Specialist II represents the full performance level in the occupational group for Self-Sufficiency Specialists responsible for determining eligibility for a variety of social services government assistance programs and assessing employability of clients to aid ...