reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
VA Code § 63.2-614 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 63.2 - Welfare (Social Services)|Chapter 6 - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program|§ 63.2-614. Financial eligibility

A. Pursuant to regulations adopted by the Board, the parent of an eligible child or children who is married to a person not the parent of the child or children shall not be eligible for TANF if the parent's spouse's income, when deemed available to the family unit according to federal regulations, in and of itself, exceeds the state eligibility standard for such aid. However, eligibility for the child or children shall be considered by counting the income of such parent and child or children, and any portion of the parent's spouse's income that exceeds 150 percent of the federal poverty level for the spouse and parent. If the income of the parent's spouse that is deemed available does not, in and of itself, exceed the state eligibility standard for TANF, none of the spouse's income shall be counted as available to the family unit, and eligibility shall be determined considering only the income, if any, of the parent and the child or children. If the parent fails or refuses to cooperate with the Department's Division of Child Support Enforcement in the pursuit of child support, the income of the parent's current spouse shall be counted in accordance with Title IV-A federal regulations at 45 C.F.R. 233.20(a) (3) (xiv) in determining eligibility for TANF for the parent's child or children.B. Program participants shall be eligible for the income disregards and resource exclusions in § 63.2-505.C. VIEW participants and their families shall also be eligible for the following income disregards and resource exclusions:1. To reward work, a VIEW participant and his family who have earned income from any source other than VIEW, may continue to receive TANF financial assistance for up to two years from the date that both parties initially sign the agreement. However, in no event shall the TANF payment when added to the earned income exceed such percentage of the federal poverty level established by the Commissioner, and if necessary any TANF payment shall be reduced so that earned income plus the TANF payment equals such percentage of the federal poverty level established by the Commissioner.2. The fair market value, not to exceed $7,500, of one operable motor vehicle per family.Code 1950, § 63-141; 1954, c. 495; 1966, c. 665; 1968, cc. 578, 667, 668, 781, § 63.1-105; 1970, c. 721; 1974, c. 418; 1982, c. 386; 1993, c. 167; 1994, cc. 188, 858, 951, § 63.1-133.47; 1995, c. 450; 1996, c. 857; 1999, c. 638; 2001, c. 483; 2002, c. 747.
VA Code § 63.2-615 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 63.2 - Welfare (Social Services)|Chapter 6 - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program|§ 63.2-615. Payment of tuition and other expenses of public assistance recipients enrolled in skill development training programs

The Board may authorize the payment of tuition fees, transportation costs or other necessary or incidental expenses for obtaining skill development training or retraining for qualified public assistance recipients. The Board may, by regulation, prescribe necessary requisites and conditions under which such payments may be made. Such assistance shall be in addition to any other public assistance for which such recipient may be eligible and shall not affect his entitlement thereto.Code 1950, § 63-110.1; 1968, c. 586, § 63.1-96.1; 2002, c. 747.
VA Code § 63.2-616 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 63.2 - Welfare (Social Services)|Chapter 6 - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program|§ 63.2-616. Provision of public assistance and social services

Local departments may combine community resources to assist the families of persons who may be in need because of the limitations on TANF financial assistance and may arrange for appropriate care of needy families where the limitation on TANF financial assistance as a result of the birth of an additional child or the two-year limit on TANF financial assistance is executed. Public assistance and social services may be provided that include, but are not limited to, help for families in obtaining donated food and clothing, continuation of food stamps for adults and children who are otherwise eligible, child care, and Medicaid coverage for adults and children who are otherwise eligible for Medicaid.1994, cc. 858, 951, § 63.1-133.52; 1995, c. 450; 2002, c. 747.
VA Code § 63.2-617 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 63.2 - Welfare (Social Services)|Chapter 6 - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program|§ 63.2-617. Diversionary cash assistance

A. The Board shall adopt regulations to enable TANF-eligible applicants meeting certain criteria to receive at one time the maximum TANF cash assistance that the applicant would otherwise receive for a period up to 120 days or $1,500, whichever is greater. An individual may receive diversionary TANF cash assistance only one time in a 12-month period and, in so doing, waives his eligibility for TANF for the number of days for which assistance is granted multiplied by 1.33. Diversionary assistance shall be used to divert the family from receiving ongoing TANF cash assistance by providing assistance for one-time emergencies.B. The Board shall adopt regulations to enable TANF-eligible applicants meeting certain criteria to receive a TANF emergency assistance payment of up to $1,500 to prevent eviction or to address needs resulting from a fire or natural disaster.1995, c. 450, § 63.1-105.3; 2002, c. 747; 2009, cc. 61, 547; 2020, c. 1159.
VA Code § 63.2-618 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 63.2 - Welfare (Social Services)|Chapter 6 - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program|§ 63.2-618. Notice and appeal

A participant aggrieved by the decision of a local board granting, denying, changing or discontinuing public assistance may appeal such decision pursuant to § 63.2-517. If a hearing request is received prior to the effective date of any proposed change in benefit status, a participant appealing such change shall have the right to continued direct payment of TANF benefits pending final administrative action on such appeal.1994, cc. 858, 951, § 63.1-133.53; 1995, c. 450; 2002, c. 747.
VA Code § 63.2-620 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 63.2 - Welfare (Social Services)|Chapter 6 - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program|§ 63.2-620. Child care services for TANF and low-income families

The Department shall identify strategies for Virginia to obtain the maximum amount of federal funds available for child care services for TANF recipients and families whose incomes are at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level. The Department shall provide an annual report on these strategies to the chairmen of the House Committees on Appropriations and on Health, Welfare and Institutions and the Senate Committees on Finance and Appropriations and on Rehabilitation and Social Services by December 15.2001, c. 184, § 63.1-105.9; 2002, c. 747.
VA Code § 63.2-621 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 63.2 - Welfare (Social Services)|Chapter 6 - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program|§ 63.2-621. Restrictions on use of TANF cash assistance

Recipients of TANF benefits pursuant to this chapter shall not access TANF cash benefits through an electronic benefit transaction (i) for the purchase of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, lottery tickets, or sexually explicit visual materials as defined in § 18.2-374.1; (ii) in any transaction in any (a) government store established for the sale of alcoholic beverages, (b) establishment in which pari-mutuel wagering or charitable gaming is conducted, or (c) establishment in which tattooing or body-piercing, as defined in § 54.1-700, is performed for hire or consideration; or (iii) in any establishment that provides adult-oriented entertainment in which performers or other individuals connected with the business appear nude or partially nude.2013, cc. 160, 733.
VA Code § 63.2-703 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 63.2 - Welfare (Social Services)|Chapter 7.1 - Faith-Based and Community Initiatives|§ 63.2-703. Faith-based and community initiatives; responsibilities of Department

A. The General Assembly finds that faith-based, volunteer, private and community organizations make significant contributions to the welfare of our society and constitute an underutilized and underrepresented reservoir of assistance for social programs, and special efforts to increase utilization of faith-based, volunteer, private and community organizations will enhance the Commonwealth's ability to carry out human welfare programs. To carry out these initiatives, the Department of Social Services shall have the following responsibilities:1. Lead and facilitate meetings as necessary, with faith-based, volunteer, private and community organizations for the purpose of sharing information to help carry out human welfare programs in Virginia;2. Encourage conferences and meetings at the community level for faith-based, volunteer, private and community organizations, as needed;3. Provide procurement and funding information to faith-based, volunteer, private and community organizations, as needed;4. Provide information regarding faith-based and community initiatives and other information the Department may deem appropriate, to faith-based, volunteer, private and community organizations, and other state agencies whose missions may be enhanced by increased awareness of such initiatives and information;5. Encourage the development and maintenance of a statewide network of local liaisons to assist in the dissemination of information and assistance;6. Develop a statewide list of available faith-based, volunteer, private and community organizations. Such statewide list shall be made available to the public through the Department's website;7. Obtain information concerning faith-based, volunteer, private and community organizations in other states;8. Coordinate offers of assistance from faith-based organizations during natural disasters; and9. Perform such other duties as the Department deems appropriate.B. Nothing in this section shall imply or be inferred to mean that additional federal or state funds will be available for these purposes or that contractual preferences will be given to such organizations other than past or potential performance standards utilized under the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.).2002, c. 326, § 63.1-133.59; 2006, cc. 142, 386; 2016, c. 23.
VA Code § 63.2-801 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 63.2 - Welfare (Social Services)|Chapter 8 - Other Grants of Public Assistance|§ 63.2-801. SNAP benefits program

A. The Board is authorized, in accordance with the federal Food Stamp Act, to implement a SNAP benefits program in which each political subdivision in the Commonwealth shall participate. Such program shall include participation in the Restaurant Meals Program and shall be administered in conformity with the Board regulations.B. To the extent authorized by federal law and regulations, the Board shall (i) establish broad-based categorical eligibility for SNAP benefits in accordance with 7 C.F.R. § 273.2(j)(2), (ii) set the gross income eligibility standard for SNAP benefits at 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, and (iii) not impose an asset limit for eligibility for SNAP benefits.C. The Board shall increase opportunities for self-sufficiency through postsecondary education by allowing SNAP benefits program participants, to the greatest extent allowed by federal law and regulations, to satisfy applicable employment and training requirements through enrollment in an accredited public institution of higher education or other postsecondary school licensed or certified by the Board of Education or the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. The Board shall (i) identify postsecondary education opportunities in the Commonwealth that meet the definition of "employment and training program" as set forth in 7 C.F.R. § 271.2 and the definition of "career and technical education" as set forth in 20 U.S.C. § 2302; (ii) average a SNAP benefits program participant's classroom and study hours on a monthly basis to determine whether the SNAP benefits program participant has met applicable education hour requirements; (iii) deem a SNAP benefits program participant who is approved for a federal or state work study position but who has not yet been placed in a work study position to have satisfied applicable employment and training requirements, as permitted under federal law; (iv) create a standardized form and process for SNAP benefits program participants to verify compliance with education requirements; (v) allow accredited public institutions of higher education or other postsecondary schools licensed or certified by the Board of Education or the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to apply for SNAP ET third party reimbursement designation through the established procurement process; and (vi) establish and make available to SNAP benefits program participants materials that provide clear guidance regarding satisfaction of employment and training requirements through postsecondary education.1974, c. 504, § 63.1-25.2; 1975, c. 311; 1981, c. 21; 2002, c. 747; 2020, c. 843; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 160.
VA Code § 63.2-802 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 63.2 - Welfare (Social Services)|Chapter 8 - Other Grants of Public Assistance|§ 63.2-802. Eligibility for general relief

If a local board has exercised its option to establish a program of general relief, a person shall be eligible for such components of the general relief program as the locality chooses to provide if he is in need of general relief. The establishment of and continued participation in such general relief program shall be optional with the local board. Nothing contained in this section shall restrict the authority of a local board under § 63.2-314. No person shall be deemed to be in need of general relief, however, if he fails to accept available employment which is appropriate to his physical and mental abilities and training, taking into consideration his home and family responsibilities which would affect his availability for employment. Prepaid funeral expenses, which do not exceed an amount established by the Board, shall not be considered a financial asset in determining a person's eligibility for general relief.Code 1950, § 63-205; 1968, cc. 578, 666, § 63.1-106; 1972, c. 768; 1977, c. 241; 1980, cc. 18, 20; 2002, c. 747.
VA Code § 63.2-803 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 63.2 - Welfare (Social Services)|Chapter 8 - Other Grants of Public Assistance|§ 63.2-803. Payment for legal services in claims for Supplemental Security Income

The Commissioner shall establish an advocacy project to assist recipients of general relief or children entrusted or committed to foster care who may be eligible for federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits in obtaining such benefits. Local departments may determine and refer appropriate potential SSI claimants to attorneys, or advocates working under the supervision of an attorney, for representation under this project. This project shall provide for disbursements to any such attorney or advocate upon receipt of a favorable decision in such referred claims.Such disbursements shall be in an amount determined by the Board to be sufficient to ensure prompt and adequate representation of such recipients. This amount shall not exceed the lesser of the recoupment for state and local assistance paid, as provided by the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1383 (g), as amended, or twenty-five percent of the maximum federal back-due SSI grant payable to an individual.Such disbursement shall be made upon submission by the attorney of a petition and a copy of the favorable decision. Petitions must be presented within sixty days of the favorable Social Security Administration decision.The Board, in consultation with the Virginia State Bar, shall adopt regulations necessary to implement this section.1992, c. 170, § 63.1-89.1; 2002, c. 747.
VA Code § 63.2-804 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 63.2 - Welfare (Social Services)|Chapter 8 - Other Grants of Public Assistance|§ 63.2-804. Eligibility to receive convict-made dentures

Any person who is a recipient of dental care provided by the Department of Health is eligible to receive, if so prescribed, dentures manufactured in a state correctional facility.1972, c. 54, § 63.1-110.1; 2002, c. 747.
VA Code § 63.2-900.2 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 63.2 - Welfare (Social Services)|Chapter 9 - Foster Care|§ 63.2-900.2. Placement of sibling groups; visitation

All reasonable steps shall be taken to place siblings entrusted to the care of a local board or licensed child-placing agency, committed to the care of a local board or agency by any court of competent jurisdiction, or placed with a local board or public agency through an agreement between a local board or a public agency and the parent, parents, or guardians, where legal custody remains with the parent, parents, or guardian, together in the same foster home.Where siblings are placed in separate foster homes, the local department, child-placing agency, or public agency shall develop a plan to encourage frequent and regular visitation or communication between the siblings. The visitation or communication plan shall take into account the wishes of the child, and shall specify the frequency of visitation or communication, identify the party responsible for encouraging that visits or communication occur, and state any other requirements or restrictions related to such visitation or communication as may be determined necessary by the local department, child-placing agency, or public agency.2008, c. 397.
VA Code § 63.2-900.3 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 63.2 - Welfare (Social Services)|Chapter 9 - Foster Care|§ 63.2-900.3. School placement of children in foster care

When placing a child of school age in a foster care placement, as defined in § 63.2-100, the local social services agency making such placement shall, in writing, determine jointly with the local school division whether it is in the child's best interests to remain enrolled at the school in which he was enrolled prior to the most recent foster care placement, pursuant to § 22.1-3.4.2011, c. 154; 2012, c. 711.
VA Code § 63.2-901 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 63.2 - Welfare (Social Services)|Chapter 9 - Foster Care|§ 63.2-901. Supervision of placement of children in homes

The local director shall supervise the placement in suitable homes of children placed through an agreement with the parents or guardians or entrusted or committed to the local board pursuant to §§ 63.2-900, 63.2-902 and 63.2-903.Code 1950, § 63-89; 1968, c. 578, § 63.1-67.2; 1994, c. 865; 2002, c. 747.
VA Code § 63.2-904 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 63.2 - Welfare (Social Services)|Chapter 9 - Foster Care|§ 63.2-904. Investigation, visitation, and supervision of foster homes or independent living arrangement; removal of child

A. Before placing or arranging for the placement of any such child in a foster home or independent living arrangement, a local board or licensed child-placing agency shall cause a careful study to be made to determine the suitability of such home or independent living arrangement, and after placement shall cause such home or independent living arrangement and child to be visited as often as necessary to protect the interests of such child. Home studies by local boards shall be conducted in accordance with the Mutual Family Assessment home study template and any addenda thereto developed by the Department.B. Every local board or licensed child-placing agency that places a child in a foster home or independent living arrangement shall maintain such supervision over such home or independent living arrangement as shall be required by the standards and policies established by the Board.C. Whenever any child placed by a local board or licensed child-placing agency and still under its control or supervision is subject, in the home in which he is placed, to unwholesome influences or to neglect or mistreatment, or whenever the Commissioner shall so order, such local board or agency shall cause the child to be removed from such home and shall make for him such arrangements as may be approved by the Commissioner. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Commissioner shall have the authority to place, remove, or direct the placement or removal of any child who is under the supervision and control of a local board or licensed child-placing agency. Pursuant to such authority, the Commissioner shall remove or direct the removal of any child placed by a local board or licensed child-placing agency in a foster home or children's residential facility that fails to comply with any state or federal requirements intended to protect the child's health, safety, or well-being.D. Consistent with the reasonable and prudent parent standard defined in 42 U.S.C. § 675(10)(A), caregivers for children in foster care shall support normalcy for such children. The Board shall adopt regulations to assist local boards and licensed child-placing agencies in carrying out practices that support careful and sensible parental decisions that maintain the health, safety, and best interest of the child while at the same time encouraging his emotional and developmental growth.Code 1950, §§ 63-242, 63-248; 1968, c. 578, §§ 63.1-205, 63.1-211; 1989, c. 307; 2002, c. 747; 2008, cc. 475, 483; 2016, c. 631; 2017, c. 193; 2019, cc. 336, 446.
VA Code § 63.2-904.2 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 63.2 - Welfare (Social Services)|Chapter 9 - Foster Care|§ 63.2-904.2. Complaint system

The Commissioner shall establish and maintain mechanisms to receive reports and complaints from foster parents, interested stakeholders, and other citizens of the Commonwealth regarding violations of laws or regulations applicable to foster care and any other matters affecting the health, safety, or well-being of children in foster care. Such mechanisms shall include establishing a statewide, toll-free hotline to be administered by the Department; publicizing the existence of such hotline; and enhancing electronic communication with the Department for the receipt of reports or complaints.Reports and complaints received through the foster care hotline or other mechanisms established pursuant to this section shall be investigated pursuant to Board regulations. All information received or maintained by the Department in connection with such reports, complaints, or investigations shall be confidential and not subject to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.), except that such information may be relayed and used on a confidential basis pursuant to Board regulations for the purposes of investigation and to protect the health, safety, and well-being of children in foster care.2019, c. 446.