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1. Where is your office located?

The Norton City Department of Social Services office is located at 644 Park Avenue, at the intersection of Park Avenue and 7th Street.

2. What are your hours of operation?

We are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. We are closed for lunch from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm. The office observes state holidays and closes for these holidays.

3. Do I contact Norton City Department of Social Services for issues regarding child support?

No. In Virginia, child support issues are handled by the Division of Child Support Enforcement. You may reach them by calling (800) 468-8894.

4. How may I contact my eligibility worker or social worker?

You may contact either an eligibility worker or social worker by calling our office at (276) 679-2701 and asking to speak to your assigned worker.

5. How do I apply for benefits?

You may apply at our office in person, or you may complete an online application. Benefits for SNAP and Medicaid are available online. See the link for the state website, if you wish to complete an online application. The final decision regarding your eligibility for assistance must be made by a Norton City Department of Social Services eligibility worker. Virginia Department of Social Services

6. Are there any general requirements?

Yes, in order to apply, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must live in Virginia
  
• You must be a United States citizen, or meet certain requirements, if you are an immigrant
  
• You must apply at the agency that services the city or county you live in
  
• You must meet the specific requirement of each program you apply for

7. Will I need to provide any sort of documentation?

Yes. Federal, state, and local policies require that certain verifications are provided before your application may be processed. Your eligibility worker will advise you as to what specific information will be needed. Some examples of the requested verifications are:

• Proof of identity
  
• Birth verification (benefits programs differ on this - ask your worker what you may provide)
  
• Social Security numbers for all household members
  
• Verifications of all income

You may be requested to verify resources, expenses, or household composition upon request of worker.

8. How soon will I know if my application is approved?

With some exceptions, a decision must be made within:

• 45 days of application for medical assistance
  
• 30 days of application for SNAP benefits and financial assistance (seven days if the household qualifies for SNAP expedited services)
  
• 30 days for the TANF / TANF-UP program

9. My application was denied, because I could not provide all of the requested information. May I reapply?

Yes. You may reapply at any time.

10. Who is eligible for SNAP benefits?

Anyone who meets the established income and resource limits may be eligible for SNAP benefits.

11. When do I get my SNAP benefits?

If you are approved for and remain eligible, your ongoing benefits will be available on the first day of each month by 12:00 noon.

12. How do I get my SNAP benefits?

Each month that you are eligible, the SNAP benefits will be automatically added to your electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card automatically.

13. Where can I shop with my electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card?

Authorized EBT retailers will display a picture of the Virginia EBT card. If you do not see a sign, ask the store manager if they accept EBT before you begin shopping.

14. What if I lose or damage my electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card?

If your EBT card is lost, stolen, or damaged, call the toll-free customer service help line at (866) 281-2448 to report it. A new card will be mailed on the next business day. Or, you may contact your worker to request a new card if necessary. There is a $2 replacement fee charged, which will be deducted from your EBT card balance.

15. How do I report child or adult abuse?

Contact our office at (276) 679-2701, the Norton Police Department at (276) 679-1211, or you may call the state child / adult abuse hot line toll-free at (800) 552-7096 for child protective services, call (888) 832-3858 for adult protective services. You may talk with a social worker at the agency also.

16. How do I become a foster parent?

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please contact a social worker at (276) 679-2701 and they will be happy to talk with you about the requirements and procedures. The agency is in need of foster homes.