PORTSMOUTH, Va. — UPDATE: Some families in Portsmouth could be eligible for a $500 Visa gift card from the city. The in-person application process opened Wednesday evening.
A long line formed outside the Portsmouth Department of Social Services as people withstood the heat and eagerly waited their turn.
You must be a Portsmouth resident and at least 18 years old to apply.
The "Direct Pay Program" is only available to households who fall between a certain annual income threshold. View this chart below to see, if you meet the criteria:
These families typically aren't eligible for assistance from Social Services programs, according to a news release. It's all possible, thanks to American Rescue Plan funding.
Folks waiting in line said that $500 will go a long way.
"Yes, it does. It really does. It means a lot because it means I could pay a light bill. I could make some groceries," said resident Marie Clark. "Times are just hard out here."
Others in line — including Clark — expressed concern, however. They claimed they did not receive accommodations to make the wait more comfortable while outside.
Applications are available for pick-up and drop-off at the Portsmouth Department of Social Services’ main entrance from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The address is 1701 High Street.
In-person applications will continue to be accepted during the program hours only, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
What you need to apply
- Submit an application with an ID
- Provide a 2021 IRS Tax return or IRS transcript for proof of the gross earned income; or a 2021 W-2 from an employer; Official documents from income source for other income
- Provide verification of residency
The $500 gift cards will not be distributed on the same day as the application submission.
For more information, city officials said you can call 757-393-8815 between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.