Help aging out of foster care in Virginia
We've found 8 places in Virginia for people aging out of foster care, mostly in Richmond and Fairfax, and 6 that serve the whole state. Our volunteers haven't confirmed these yet, so a quick call ahead is worth it. Most of them help with benefits & cash (4), food (3) and health & medication (3).
Places in Virginia
211 Virginia
Free, confidential referral line for food, housing, health care, and other community resources anywhere in Virginia. Dial 2-1-1 or text to reach a specialist; the online resource database is available around the clock.
Fostering Futures and Education and Training Voucher (ETV)
Fostering Futures lets Virginia youth stay in extended foster care from 18 to 21. The ETV program adds up to $5,000 a year for college or vocational training through age 25 for anyone who was in foster care or Fostering Futures after 18 (or adopted/KinGAP after 16). Start with the local department of social services that handled your case.
Office of Vital Records
Where Virginians order certified birth certificates. Walk in to the Richmond lobby with a completed application, photocopy of your ID, and $15 per copy, or order by mail or online. Drop-off requests must arrive by 2 p.m. Records go only to the person named or immediate family.
Virginia ID Card
State photo ID for Virginia residents who do not have a driver's license. Bring original documents: one proof of identity, one proof of legal presence, two proofs of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number if issued. Costs $2 per year ($10 minimum, $16 maximum).
CommonHelp
Virginia's online application for SNAP food assistance, Medicaid and FAMIS health coverage, TANF cash assistance, child care, and energy assistance. Apply, renew, check status, or report changes online, or call the Enterprise Call Center for help with the application.
Central Virginia Legal Aid Society
Free civil legal help for low-income people in the Richmond, Petersburg, and Charlottesville areas, including housing and eviction, consumer and medical debt, and public benefits such as SNAP. Call the office nearest you during business hours.
Virginia Legal Aid Line (866-LEGLAID)
Single statewide number that routes Virginians to the legal aid office serving their area for free civil legal help. The valegalaid.org site also has self-help guides and a tool to find your local office.
Coordinated Services Planning
Fairfax County's front door for emergency help: one phone line screens for shelter, emergency food, rent assistance, clothing, health care, and employment resources and connects callers to county and nonprofit programs. Specialists speak several languages including Amharic, Cantonese, Dari, Filipino, and Spanish.
National lines that work in Virginia
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.