City of Roanoke Human/Social Services

10/13/2026

‼️ATTENTION‼️

Applications can be submitted at: www.commonhelp.virginia.gov

10/08/2026

On Friday, October 9, 2026 at 12:00PM, the City of Roanoke Department of Human and Social Services will be CLOSED for Fall Employee Training and Development Day.

On Monday, October, 12, 2026, the City of Roanoke Department of Human and Social Services will be CLOSED all day, recognizing both Columbus Day and Yorktown Victory Day. Nationally, an increasing number of observances include Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Offices will reopen Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

10/05/2026

WAITLIST CLOSED! The waitlist for Jamestown Place will be open for two days only: Monday, October 12, and Tuesday, October 13.

Families interested in applying are encouraged to visit our website to learn more about eligibility requirements and the application process. https://rkehousing.org/housing-options/public-housing

10/05/2026

The Virginia Department of Social Services will soon expand the ways customers can connect with our agency. Take a moment to check that we have your current home address, mobile number and email address on file.

Depending on what services you receive, there are four easy ways to update your contact information:
- Reach out to your local department of social services (https://www.dss.virginia.gov/localagency)
- Log on to commonhelp.virginia.gov
- Call the VDSS Enterprise Call Center at 855-635-4370
- Call the Child Support Customer Service Center at 800-468-8894 or register/log on to mychildsupport.dss.virginia.gov

09/30/2026

Starting November 1, 2026, SNAP customers will no longer be able to purchase carbonated sweetened drinks using their SNAP benefits in Virginia.

These beverages include soda, diet soda, “zero” soda, carbonated energy drinks and other carbonated beverages with added sugar or artificial sweeteners.

All other beverages, including milk, juice, infant formula, sports drinks, iced tea and lemonade, are still SNAP-eligible.

Learn more at dss.virginia.gov/SNAPHealthy.

09/30/2026

Virginia has begun rolling out new EBT chip cards!

When your new card arrives, you must activate it right away. Your old card will deactivate
once you activate the new one, or 60 days after it is mailed.

Check your mail often. If you do not receive your new card, contact your LDSS.

Activation instructions will be included in the mailer with your new card.

Haven’t received a chip card yet? Don’t worry. Households across the Commonwealth will
receive their cards at different times. Contact your local department of social services if
you haven’t received a new EBT chip card by December 31, 2026.

Learn more at VirginiaChipCard.com.

09/25/2026

‼️FUEL ANNOUNCEMENT‼️

09/16/2026

09/14/2026

Have you heard? Virginia is transitioning to more secure SNAP EBT chip cards to protect
your benefits from theft and skimming.

Once you receive your new card this fall:
- Activate it right away
- Set a secure new PIN
- Lock your card when not in use
- Change your PIN regularly for extra protection

Your balance will transfer automatically once you activate the new card. All Virginia EBT
customers should expect to receive their chip cards by December 31, 2026.

Learn more at VirginiaChipCard.com.

09/14/2026

‼️PIPP ANNOUNCEMENT‼️

Please read in its entirety.