Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. A phone and internet help with almost everything, from job searches to staying in touch with family. If money is tight, there are ways to get connected in Virginia.
The federal Lifeline program lowers the cost of phone or internet service for people who qualify. Libraries have computers and Wi-Fi you can use.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a bed, money or a spot in any program.
- Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the cost of phone or internet service for people who qualify, like people who get SNAP or Medicaid. You can apply online or through a phone company that offers Lifeline.
Your first steps, in order
- Check if you qualify for Lifeline.
- Apply online or with a Lifeline phone company.
- Write down your new number and keep it safe.
- Tell your programs your new number.
Where can I use the internet?
Virginia's public libraries have computers and Wi-Fi you can use. Many offer help with email, job applications and printing.
Ask about a library card.
What to say at the library
"Hi. Can I use a computer today?"
"Can someone help me set up an email?"
"Do you have Wi-Fi I can use?"
What if I can't keep my phone charged?
Libraries, day centers and some shelters have outlets. A small battery pack can help too.
Write it down
Phones get lost and batteries die. Keep your most important numbers on paper too.
How do I keep my phone safe?
- Use a lock screen.
- Don't share your passwords.
- Watch out for texts asking for money or personal details.
Can I get lower cost home internet?
Some internet companies offer lower cost plans for people who qualify. Ask the companies in your area.
Lifeline can help with internet too.
Keep a list of your logins
Say your phone broke in Danville
You could visit the library to check your email. You could apply for Lifeline. Then you could tell your programs your new number.
What if I'm new to computers?
That's okay. Libraries often have classes and staff who can help.
Take it one step at a time.
Everyone starts somewhere
Every expert was once a beginner.
What if my number changes?
Tell your programs right away, so you don't miss a call.
Who to tell when your number changes
Use a backup number
Give programs a backup number, like a trusted friend's, in case yours stops working.
Can I borrow a hotspot from the library?
Many Virginia public libraries lend Wi-Fi hotspots that you can take home, just like a book. Some also lend laptops or tablets.
Rules, wait lists and how long you can keep them are set by each library, so ask at the desk or check your library's website. The Library of Virginia can help you find public libraries around the state.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.lva.virginia.gov/
What to ask at the library
"Do you lend hotspots or laptops?"
"How do I get on the list?"
"Do I need a library card, and how do I get one?"
Getting a library card
How do I find low cost internet at home?
Some internet companies offer lower cost plans for people who get benefits like SNAP or Medicaid, or who have a low income. EveryoneOn can help you search for low cost plans and computers where you live.
Lifeline can also lower your bill, as this guide explains above.
Questions about who qualifies for a plan? Check with the company or the official pages below.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.everyoneon.org/
Say you're in Danville and your kids need internet for school
You could ask your child's school about devices or hotspots. You could search EveryoneOn for low cost plans at your address. You could apply for Lifeline. You could borrow a hotspot from the library while you wait.
Before you sign up for internet
How do I stay safe online?
Being online opens doors, and it's smart to be careful too.
- Use a different password for your email and keep it private.
- Never share your Social Security number or EBT PIN by text or email.
- If a message says you won something or owe money, slow down. Call the place using a number you trust.
- Log out when you use a library or shared computer.
Questions people ask a lot
Who qualifies for Lifeline?
People who get certain benefits, like SNAP or Medicaid, or who meet income rules. Check the official page.
Can I get a phone with no address?
Some Lifeline companies help people with no address. Ask when you apply.
Is library internet a cost?
Library computers and Wi-Fi are offered at no cost.
What if I lose my phone?
Call your phone company right away.
How do I get an email?
Libraries can help you set one up.
How do I make the most of each call?
Calling for help can feel like a lot. A little planning makes each call easier, and you'll get further, faster.
- Call early in the day if you can. It leaves time to follow up the same day.
- Have a pen, paper and your papers close by before you call.
- Say what you need in one or two sentences first. Then answer their questions.
- Ask, "Is there anything else I should apply for?" One call can open more doors.
- Before you hang up, ask who you talked to and what happens next.
- Write it all down in your call log at the back of this guide.
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
Keep going, friend
If one place can't help, ask them who can. Each call gets you closer.
What if I'm told no, or put on a waitlist?
A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space, and things change from week to week.
- Ask why. Knowing the reason helps you know what to try next.
- Ask, "Who else could help with this?" Write down every name and number they share.
- If you're on a waitlist, ask how long it usually takes and how you'll hear from them. Ask how often you should check in.
- Keep your phone number and address up to date with every program, so you don't miss a call or letter.
- If a state agency turns you down, read the letter right away. It explains how to ask for a review. Call legal aid if you want help.
- Dial 211, or search 211virginia.org any time, to look for other options near you.
Keep your papers safe
You're doing great
Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.
Here is help that works across Virginia, then local help in the Richmond area and in Northern Virginia, then help for Hampton Roads and other areas. Call ahead for hours.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
Lifeline (FCC)
What it offers A discount of up to $9.25 a month on phone service, internet service or a bundle, for people with income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or who take part in programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI or the Veterans and Survivors Pension. Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household, and you must recertify every year.
How to reach Apply at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/ (the Apply Now button goes to https://getinternet.gov/apply). Lifeline Support Center: 800.234.9473, 7 days a week, 9 am to 9 pm Eastern. To find phone and internet companies that offer Lifeline where you live, use https://www.lifelinesupport.org/companies-near-me/
Source https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers and https://www.lifelinesupport.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Virginia
Here are some places to start.
211 Virginia
What it offers A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, anywhere in Virginia.
How to reach Dial 211, or search any time at https://211virginia.org/
Source https://211virginia.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
CommonHelp (Virginia benefits portal)
What it offers Virginia's online site to apply for SNAP (food benefits), TANF cash help, Medicaid, child care help and energy help, and to check your case.
How to reach Apply at https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/ Questions: call the Enterprise Call Center at 855.635.4370.
Source https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Virginia Career Works
What it offers Virginia's network of local job centers. Job search help, career coaching and training for people who qualify, at centers across the state.
How to reach Find a center at https://www.virginiacareerworks.com/ or dial 211.
Source https://www.virginiacareerworks.com/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Greater Richmond
Here are some places to start.
Greater Richmond Homeless Connection Line (Homeward)
What it offers The front door to shelter and homeless help for the City of Richmond and nearby counties. Call if you are homeless now or about to lose your place.
How to reach Call 804.972.0813.
Source https://homewardva.org/get-help/
Last checked October 22, 2026
City of Richmond Department of Social Services
What it offers Applications for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid and energy help for Richmond residents, plus emergency help and referrals.
How to reach Call 804.646.7212.
Source https://www.rva.gov/social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Henrico County Department of Social Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Henrico County residents.
How to reach Call 804.501.4001.
Source https://henrico.gov/dss/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Northern Virginia
Here are some places to start.
Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning
What it offers The first call for help with housing, food, financial help and other needs in Fairfax County.
How to reach Call 703.222.0880.
Source https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Fairfax County Department of Family Services
What it offers Benefits, child care help and family services for Fairfax County residents.
How to reach Call 703.324.7500, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm. TTY 711.
Source https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Loudoun County Department of Family Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Loudoun County residents.
How to reach Call 703.777.0353.
Source https://www.loudoun.gov/dfs
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Hampton Roads and other areas
Every Virginia city and county has a local department of social services. If you don't live in the Richmond area or Northern Virginia, start with yours. Here are a few, plus help in Hampton Roads. Find any local office at https://www.dss.virginia.gov/localagency/ or dial 211.
Norfolk Department of Human Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Norfolk residents.
How to reach Call 757.664.6000.
Source https://www.norfolk.gov/295/Human-Services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Virginia Beach Department of Human Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Virginia Beach residents.
How to reach Call the customer call center at 757.385.4306.
Source https://hs.virginiabeach.gov/financial-assistance
Last checked October 22, 2026
Chesapeake Department of Human Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Chesapeake residents.
How to reach Call 757.382.2000.
Source https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/358/Chesapeake-Social-Services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Lynchburg Department of Human Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Lynchburg residents.
How to reach Call 434.455.5850.
Source https://www.lynchburgva.gov/social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Samaritan House (Virginia Beach)
What it offers Shelter and support in Hampton Roads for people affected by domestic violence, sexual violence or homelessness.
How to reach 24/7 hotline: call 757.430.2120. Office: 757.631.0710.
Source https://www.samaritanhouseva.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia
What it offers Civil legal help for people who qualify in Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore.
How to reach Call the Community Support Team at 757.827.5078.
Source https://www.laseva.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Virginia Community Action Partnership
What it offers Lists the Community Action Agencies across Virginia. Local agencies may help with emergency needs, job training, Head Start and other programs when funds allow.
How to reach Find your agency at https://vacap.org/ or dial 211.
Source https://vacap.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
My connection plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
My next steps
Calls I made today
Key numbers to keep
You're doing the right thing
Asking for help is a strong thing to do, my friend. You don't need to have it all figured out before you call. Take it one step at a time, and call again tomorrow if you need to.
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 22, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Affordable living. Simplified
