Human Services (DHS)

New SNAP EBT Chip Cards Coming Fall 2026

Virginia SNAP recipients will get new chip-enabled EBT cards by mail. Arlington households are expected to receive their new cards between October and December 2026. These cards will help reduce fraud and protect your benefits. Keep using your current card until the new one arrives. Make sure your contact information is up to date by September 9 so you get your new card. Learn more: EBT Chip Cards | Flyer (English/Spanish)

Language interpretation services available.

Public Assistance

Get help with food, rent, child care, utilities, medical care and homelessness prevention.

Aging & Disability

Arlington County's Aging and Disability programs and services help residents maintain their independence and enhance their quality of life.

Public Health

Public Health programs, clinics and services protect those who live, work, play, and learn in Arlington.

Behavioral Healthcare

Mental health and substance use services for all ages. Learn how to access programs that fit your needs.

Child & Family Services

Strengthening Arlington families is what we do. Learn about programs, services, resources, and special events here.

Child Care

Find child care in Arlington County, or learn how to open and operate your own child day care center of family day care home.

Housing Assistance

Learn more about affordable housing, rental assistance programs, and homelessness services in Arlington County.

Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Services

Support and resources for anyone who has experienced domestic, dating, or sexual violence.

Arlington Employment Center

Browse job opportunities, workshops, classes, and more to help you find a job and expand your skills for long-term employment.

Human Services in Action

Summer Food Safety: Tips for Outdoor Meals

Heading to a picnic, cookout, or backyard barbecue? Follow a few simple food safety tips to keep summer meals safe, fresh, and enjoyable for everyone.

WIC Helps Arlington Families With Breastfeeding

From breast pumps to peer counselors, Arlington WIC helps parents get the support they need to breastfeed with confidence.

New EBT Chip Cards Are Coming to Virginia This Fall

Virginia is replacing SNAP EBT cards with more secure chip-enabled cards this fall, and Arlington recipients can prepare now by updating their address and setting up a ConnectEBT account.

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Initiatives

About the Department of Human Services

The Arlington County Department of Human Services (DHS) works to advance economic security, safety, and general well-being. Our vision is a just and equitable community that is healthy, safe, and economically secure, and free of systemic racism.

DHS is the County’s largest department, serving more than 58,000 individuals annually with a budget of over $183 million, about 800 employees, and more than 100 programs. DHS is well-equipped to address the complex needs of at-risk persons and their families because it is an integrated agency that houses public assistance, social services, behavioral healthcare, housing, public health, child & family services, aging & disability services, and job programs under one department. DHS oversees and evaluates the complete range of human needs in the County, provides direct services in response to those needs, and contracts with the non-profit sector to provide additional services to those not met directly by the County.