Social Services

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
• Workforce Development Programs consisting of:
  • Virginia Initiative for Education and Work (VIEW)
  • SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T)

Submit a question about CommonHelp to commonhelp@dss.virginia.gov

Fraud Management focuses on reducing fraud, waste, and abuse of public assistance programs by ensuring that public assistance benefits are received by eligible individuals and that the delivery of benefits are carried out with integrity and efficiency, in compliance with state and federal regulations. If you suspect Fraud of Benefit Services, please contact Montgomery County Department of Social Services at 540-382-6990.

What does a foster or adoptive parent look like? They look a lot like you.

Someone who is understanding, caring, and wants to see kids succeed. We need people like you to give children in the New River Valley safety, comfort, and an opportunity to grow. And we've got the training, resources, and support to help you do it. Find out how to become a foster or adoptive parent, and let's help children in our community, together.

Our parents can be: 

• Single, married, widowed or divorced
• Any age, at least 21 years old 
• A family with or without children 
• A renter or a homeowner 
• Employed or retired, financially able to care for family’s present needs

Who are we and how can we help?
The Foster & Adoptive Parent Program helps our community’s most vulnerable and hurting children. Since 2005, the New River Valley Department of Social Services agencies have joined together to create a non-profit resource program in order to recruit, train and support foster and adoptive families. We serve the Department of Social Service agencies of Floyd County, Giles County, and Montgomery County. Using a nationally recognized curriculum, the program trains prospective foster and adoptive parents to create a greater number of possible matches for children in our communities. 
 

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is to reduce hunger and increase food security. It permits low-income households to have a more nutritious diet  by increasing the food purchasing power for eligible households. Low-income  households must file an application for SNAP benefits with Social Services in the locality where the household resides.

Apply online or screen for eligibility through CommonHelp. Eligibility screening may be bypassed and an application submitted in person. Fill out the application for benefits form on the Virginia Department of Social Services' web site and return it to Social Services.

The Montgomery County Prescription Discount Card is free to all Montgomery County residents. Print a card or visit a participating pharmacy.

The free prescription discount card is available under a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo).

What is the discount card?
The discount card offers an average of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs. If you do not have prescription coverage, this card may provide a savings. If you do have prescription coverage, this card may provide an additional savings on prescriptions not covered under your existing plan. You may also be eligible for higher discounts on select medications, as well as high-tech and injectable drugs.

For details on these programs and a mail service program, which offers an average savings of 50 percent on a three-month supply of select medications, visit the National Association of Counties (NACo) Prescription Discount Card Program website or call toll-free 1-877-321-2652.

This plan is not insurance. Savings are only available at participating pharmacies.

Print your own discount card online

Report child abuse/neglect to Child Protective Services

The Virginia Department of Social Services operates a CPS Hotline 24/7 to support local departments of social services by receiving reports of child abuse and neglect and referring them to the appropriate local department of social services. The CPS Hotline is staffed by trained Protective Services Hotline Specialists. The phone numbers are:

• In Virginia: 800-552-7096
• Out of state: 804-786-8536
• Hearing-impaired: 800-828-1120

CPS Hotline staff may provide general information and educational materials about child abuse or neglect to callers from the general public, child care providers, school educators and medical professionals on recognizing and reporting suspected child abuse or neglect. Staff is also trained to provide crisis counseling and intervention if needed, and can provide information and referral assistance to callers to locate prevention and/or treatment programs in their area.

 

Adult Protective Services

To report suspected financial exploitation or other kinds of abuse to the elderly or adults with a disability, call Social Services at 540-382-6990 or the Virginia Department of Social Services' 24-hour, toll-free APS hotline at: (888) 832-3858.