VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF 
SOCIAL SERVICES
AUXILIARY GRANT PROGRAM

What is an Auxiliary Grant?

An Auxiliary Grant (AG) is a supplement to income for recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and certain other aged, blind, or disabled individuals residing in a licensed adult care residence (ACR) or in adult family care (AFC). This assistance is available through local departments of social services to ensure that AG recipients are able to maintain a standard of living which meets a basic level of need. 

Before being admitted to an ACR or AFC, an individual is assessed to determine eligibility and level of care. Other service options, such as the provision of home- and community-based care services or nursing facility placement, will be explored. The AG Program is specifically for individuals who reside in an ACR or AFC. Other funding sources may be available for other types of services. Not all ACRs accept AGs. 

The AG program is a state (80%) and locally (20%) funded financial assistance program, administered by the Virginia Department of Social Services. Its purpose is to provide supplemental income for an SSI recipient or an adult who would be eligible for SSI except for excess income, who resides in an ACR or AFC. The maximum rate is determined by the Virginia General Assembly and is adjusted periodically. 

Individuals receiving an AG also receive a personal allowance. The personal allowance is used by the resident for such things as clothing, medical co-payments, personal toiletries, tobacco products, sodas, snacks, over-the-counter and non-prescription medications, prescriptions not covered by Medicaid, dental care, eyeglasses, provision of a personal telephone and long-distance service, personal transportation, and activities outside of what is offered by the ACR or AFC provider. Regulations do not allow the personal allowance to be used for required recreational activities, administration of accounts, debts owed the ACR for basic services, or charges for laundry which exceed $10 per month. 


How Is Eligibility Determined?

Before an individual can receive assistance from the AG Program, eligibility for the program must be determined by the local department of social services in the locality where the individual has residence. Residence for AG eligibility is determined by the city or county within the state where the person last lived outside of an institution or adult family care home. Any records or statements can be used to determine residency. If residency cannot be determined, or if the individual is from out-of-state, residency is where the individual is living at the time of application.

To be eligible for an AG in Virginia, an individual must meet all of the following:

• Be 65 or over or be blind or be disabled.

• Reside in a licensed ACR or approved AFC home.

• Be a citizen of the United States or an alien who meets specified criteria.

• Have a non-exempted (countable) income less than the total of the AG rate approved for the ACR plus the personal needs allowance.

• Have non-exempted resources less than $2,000 for one person or $3,000 for a couple.*

• Have been assessed and determined to need ACR care or adult family care placement.

[*These figures are current as of 3/98, but are subject to change. Contact the eligibility section of your local department of social services for current information.]

AG benefits are paid by the local department of social services where recipient residency has been established. Checks are mailed directly to the recipient or a payee, who in turn pays the ACR for services provided. 


What Is Covered under the Auxiliary Grant?

Room and Board

• Provision of a furnished room in a facility that meets applicable building and fire safety codes.

• Housekeeping services based on the needs of the resident.

• Meals and snacks, including extra portions and special diets.

• Clean bed linens and towels as needed by the resident and at least once a week.

Maintenance and Care

• Minimal assistance with personal hygiene including bathing, dressing, oral hygiene, hair grooming and shampooing, care of clothing, shaving, care of toenails and fingernails, arranging for haircuts as needed, care of needs associated with menstruation or occasional bladder or bowel incontinence.

• Medication administration as required by licensing regulations including insulin injections.

• Provision of generic personal toiletries including soap and toilet paper.

• Minimal assistance with the following: care of personal possessions; care of personal funds if requested by the recipient and residence policy allows it; use of telephone; arranging transportation; obtaining necessary personal items and clothing; making and keeping appointments; and correspondence.

• Securing health care and transportation when needed for medical treatment.

• Providing social and recreational activities as required by licensing regulations.

• General supervision for safety.

Whom To Contact for Information

To determine eligibility for an Auxiliary Grant or other funding sources and to obtain current funding levels, please contact the local department of social services in the city or county where the individual lives. The telephone number is available in the government section (blue section) of your local telephone directory. 

An ACR or AFC provider interested in participating in the Auxiliary Grant program should contact the Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Finance, 730 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219-1849 (telephone 804-692-1300). 

This brochure is provided to you courtesy of:

Virginia Department of Social Services
Adult Services Program
730 East Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219-1849
(804) 692-1299
(804) 692-2215 FAX


First printing: April 1998

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