How to Transfer Welfare From Tennessee to Virginia

To qualify for welfare, become an official resident after moving to Virginia.

Welfare programs are designed to provide various forms of public assistance to U.S. citizens who have limited or no income at all. Because each state runs its own welfare programs, eligibility rules and application procedures vary from one state to the next. Unfortunately, welfare benefits do not automatically transfer from one state to another if you are relocating. Thus, if you are currently getting welfare in Tennessee and wish to receive benefits after you move to Virginia, you must submit a new application for benefits to Virginia's Department of Social Services once you are settled there.

Instructions

1. Find your local Department of Human Services (DHS) office in Tennessee by using the Local Office Locator on DHS' website.

2. Tell a DHS worker at your local office in Tennessee that you need to cancel your welfare benefits due to your move.

3. Establish your Virginia residency upon arrival. You must officially live in Virginia to qualify for welfare benefits. One way to establish your residency is to obtain a Virginia driver's license or identification card from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 60 days of moving to Virginia.

4. Obtain and complete an Application for Benefits from Virginia's Department of Social Services (DSS). You may obtain an application packet by printing a copy out from the DSS website, picking an application up in person at your local DSS office or by calling your local DSS office and requesting that a benefits application be mailed to you.

5. Gather verification documents that support the information that you have provided on the Application for Benefits. Some forms of required information include proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, proof of resources, proof of income and proof of household expenses.

6. Mail, fax or bring your completed application and verification documents to your local DSS office.

7. Wait anywhere from 30 to 45 days to hear from your local DSS office in Virginia about your eligibility for welfare benefits and how much you are entitled to, if eligible. The processing time varies depending on which benefits you applied for. You will be notified of your eligibility status in writing.

Tips & Warnings

• Find your local DSS office in Virginia by using the directory, "Local Departments of Social Services" on the DSS website. The directory provides the address, phone number and fax number of each office.

• You can use the same Application for Benefits to apply for all kinds of welfare benefits in Virginia including food stamps, cash assistance and medical assistance.

References

• Welfare Information: U.S. Welfare System -- Help for U.S. Citizens
• Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS): Application for Family Assistance Programs and Benefits
• Tennessee DHS: Local Office Locator (By County)
• Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): Driver License Eligibility Requirements
• Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS): Benefits Program Brochure

Resources

• Virginia DSS: Local Departments of Social Services
• Virginia DSS: Application for Benefits
• Virginia DSS: Benefits -- Verification Requirements
• Virginia DMV: Obtaining a Virginia Driver's License or Identification (ID) Card