Department of Social Services
State Board of Social Services
General Relief Program
[22 VAC 40 ‑ 411]
Chapter Information
| Description | General Relief is a program that provides assistance to individuals that are not eligible for other forms of assistance and is an optional program at the local level |
| State Authority | ยงยง 63.2-217 and 63.2-802 |
| Federal Authority | None entered |
| Periodic Review Note | NOIRA/periodic review pending with Governor. |
| Exempt from APA | No, changes to this chapter are subject to the Administrative Process Act. |
| Text of Regulation | Link to Virginia Administrative Code |
| Goals of Regulation | The General Relief Program is an optional local program designed to provide assistance to individuals and families which cannot be provided through other means. The General Relief Program is financed through state and local funding. Components of a local General Relief Program may include assistance for medical or dental services, burial expenses, assistance for unattached children and interim assistance. The local General Relief Program is developed by the local department of social services to meet the identified needs of each jurisdiction. The General Relief Program is financed through state funds (62.5 percent) authorized by the General Assembly and local funds (37.5 percent) authorized by the governing bodies. Over and above these amounts, agencies may use 100 percent local-only funds to meet additional needs. Each agency determines the criteria for the use of local-only funds. |
| Meetings |
Contact Information
| Name / Title: | Mark Golden / TANF Program Manager |
| Address: |
801 E. Main Street Richmond, VA 23219 |
| Email Address: | mark.golden@dss.virginia.gov |
| Telephone: | (804)726-7385 FAX: (804)726-7357 TDD: ()- |
| Current Actions | ||
| Action Title | Latest Stage | Status |
|---|---|---|
| None | ||
| Past Actions | ||
| Action Title | Latest Stage | Status |
|---|---|---|
Replace Emergency General Relief Regulation
|
Final | Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/02/2013. |
| Repeal General Relief Program Adult Components | Emergency | Stage complete. Emergency regulation expired on 07/01/2013. |
| Establish General Relief Program | Final | Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/01/2009. |
| Withdrawn Actions | ||
| Action Title | Latest Stage | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Amend the General Relief Program | NOIRA | Stage withdrawn on 06/16/2022 after the comment period had ended. |
| Repeal General Relief Program Adult Components | Emergency/NOIRA | Stage withdrawn on 09/17/2010 before the Secretary's office completed its review. |
| Periodic Reviews | ||
| Last Activity | Status | |
|---|---|---|
| 4/25/2023 Agency Completed | Amend | |
| 10/16/2018 Agency Completed | Amend | |