General Provisions

This is the 2026 edition of the code. This is the current edition. It was last updated Aug 02, 2026. Browse all editions.

This is Chapter 5 of the Code of Virginia, titled “General Provisions.” It is part of Subtitle II “Public Assistance”, which is part of Title 63.2 “Welfare (Social Services)”. It contains 32 laws.

It’s comprised of the following 32 sections.

§ 63.2-500	Definitions
§ 63.2-501	Application for assistance
§ 63.2-501.1	Application for public assistance; accurate contact information; authorized disclosures
§ 63.2-502	False application or false swearing; penalty
§ 63.2-503	Procedure upon receipt of application
§ 63.2-503.1	Legal presence required for public assistance; exceptions; proof of legal presence
§ 63.2-504	Decision of local department that applicant entitled to public assistance
§ 63.2-505	Determining the amount of public assistance
§ 63.2-505.1	Transitional food stamp benefits
§ 63.2-505.2	Eligibility for food stamps; drug-related felonies
§ 63.2-506	Public assistance not transferable or subject to execution
§ 63.2-507	Personal representatives for recipients of public assistance funds
§ 63.2-508	Fees for representing applicant or recipient
§ 63.2-509	Public assistance subject to amendment or repeal of laws
§ 63.2-510	Obligation of person to support certain children living in same home; penalty
§ 63.2-511	Repealed
§ 63.2-512	Recovery of public assistance erroneously paid
§ 63.2-513	Notification of change in circumstances
§ 63.2-514	Reconsideration or changes in amount of public assistance; cancellation
§ 63.2-515	Notice to applicant or recipient of decision
§ 63.2-516	Record of decision
§ 63.2-517	Right of appeal to Commissioner
§ 63.2-518	Action by Commissioner on appeal
§ 63.2-519	Finality of decision of Commissioner
§ 63.2-520	How public assistance paid
§ 63.2-521	Change of residence
§ 63.2-522	False statements, representations, impersonations and fraudulent devices; penalty
§ 63.2-523	Unauthorized use of food stamps, electronic benefit transfer cards, and energy assistance prohibited; penalties
§ 63.2-524	Denial of benefits upon finding of fraudulent acts
§ 63.2-525	Payment by Department for legal services
§ 63.2-526	Statewide fraud control program
§ 63.2-527	Notice of earned income tax credit