In accordance with the Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs, or disability. 

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Click on the buttons to the left to learn more about the various Benefits Programs that we offer to help those in need.

How to Apply
You may apply for assistance by completing an Application for Benefits and leaving it or mailing it to:    

     Greensville/Emporia Department of Social Services
     P.O. Box 1136
     1748 East Atlantic Street
     Emporia, Virginia  23847

You can pick up an application any time, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or you can ask the agency to mail an application to you.  You may also need to be interviewed by an eligibility worker, depending on the type of assistance you are requesting.

Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for assistance, applicants must meet certain general requirements.  For most programs:

Before we can determine whether you are eligible, much of the information you give must be verified. 

Eligibility and the amount of benefits will be based on your income, resources, the number of people for whom you are applying, and for some programs, certain household expenses.  You will be notified in writing as soon as a decision about your application has been made.  This notice will tell you whether you are eligible, and if eligible, what your benefits will be.

If you are applying for financial assistance or medical assistance, you must apply for any other benefits to which you may be entitled, such as Social Security, Worker's Compensation, Unemployment Compensation, Veteran's Benefits, or retirement pensions.

Confidentiality
All information you provide is confidential.  Information will only be given to person directly connected with administering or enforcing provisions of the programs for which you applied, other federal assistance programs, or programs that assist low income individuals.  Information may also be disclosed to:

You, or a responsible member of your household, or a person acting in your household's behalf, shall be allowed to review material and information contained in your case record during the agency's normal business hours.  The agency may withhold certain confidential information, however, such as the names of individuals who have given information about your household without the household's knowledge, confidential medical information, or information about the nature or status of pending criminal prosecutions.

Appeal Rights
If you disagree with any decision or action, you have the right to appeal.  Details on how to appeal are in the APPEALS section of this booklet.

Time Standards
With some exceptions, action on applications must be taken within: