Human Services Department

Financial Assistance

State and Local Hospitalization (SLH) Program

What is SLH?

State and Local Hospitalization provides direct payment to hospitals for individuals who are unable to pay for required medical services.

What Medical Services are covered by SLH?

Medical services are limited to:

• Hospitalization
• Out-patient Surgery
• Emergency room visits
• Health Department visits

If you know that you are going to be hospitalized or have out-patient surgery, you can apply for SLH beforehand. Also, you can apply for SLH within 30 days of your discharge or the date the services were provided. If funds are available and you are eligible, you will be covered for 180 days from the date of application or date of service.

How do you apply for SLH?

Chesapeake residents can apply for SLH at the Department of Human Services, 100 Outlaw Street, Chesapeake, Va. 23320. You may request an application by calling (757) 382-2000. You can apply for SLH the same day that you request an application.

General Relief (GR) Program

What is GR?

General Relief (GR) provides limited financial assistance to individuals and families. If you are eligible for assistance from TANF or SSI, you may not be eligible for GR.

Who is eligible to apply for GR?

You may apply for General Relief if:

• You have a minor child in your home but do not qualify for TANF because you are not a relative.
• You have applied for SSI and are awaiting a decision
• You have a deceased family member (limited burial benefits may be available)

Energy Assistance Program

What is the Energy Assistance Program?

Chesapeake’s Energy Assistance Program is comprised of three components: fuel assistance, crisis assistance, and cooling assistance. The Energy Assistance program assists eligible low income households offset the costs of home energy, particularly those with the lowest income that pay a high proportion of household income for home energy.

For more information about the energy assistance program, please call (757) 382-2000.

Medicaid Program

What is the Medicaid Program?

The Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid) pays for health and medical care for certain groups of people who have low income. Medicaid is only available for people who fall in certain categories and who have limited finances.

How do I Apply for Medicaid?

Chesapeake residents can apply for Medicaid at the Department of Human Services , 100 Outlaw Street, Chesapeake, Va. 23320. You may also request an application by calling (757) 382-2000. You can apply for Medicaid the same day that you request an application. Additional information regarding Medicaid can be found by accessing the website of the Virginia Department of Social Services.

Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF) Program

What is TANF?

TANF provides temporary financial assistance to eligible families with children. Eligible families receive a monthly cash payment to meet their basic needs. To be eligible, a family must be financially needy and must meet certain requirements.

How do I apply for TANF?

Chesapeake residents can apply for TANF at the Department of Human Services, 100 Outlaw Street, Chesapeake, VA. 23320. You can apply for TANF the same day you request an application, however, you will be given an appointment to come in at a later date. An interview is required to complete the application process.

HEALTH AND NUTRITION PROGRAMS

• Food Stamps Program

Additional information regarding Benefit Programs can be found by accessing the website of the Virginia Department of Social Services at http://www.dss.state.va.us