The benefits and services of the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) are provided without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, sex, age, political beliefs, religion, sexual orientation or marital/family status. If you believe you have been discriminated against, you have the right to file a written complaint. All food stamp discrimination complaints, written or verbal, will be accepted for processing.

Filing a Complaint

Complaints must be filed within 180 days of any incident and should contain:

• Your name, address and telephone number
• Name and address of the agency that may have discriminated against you
• Date and description of the incident
• Names, titles (if known) and addresses of people who may have knowledge of the incident

Other Courses of Action

If you file a complaint with your local agency, and you are not satisfied with the results of their investigation, you may request a hearing (for all programs except Food Stamps). At the hearing you will be given a chance to present your complaint in person. If you want to request a hearing, you may contact the Customer Service and Civil Rights Manager at the address below. The request must be made in writing and filed with in 30 days after you receive the findings of the local agency.

Where to File A Complaint

• Food Stamp discrimination complaints may also be filed with:

  USDA - Office of Civil Rights
  Room 326- W, Whitten Building
  1400 Independence Ave., SW
  Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
  (202) 720-5964 (Voice/TDD)

• Discrimination complaints for other programs may be filed with:

  Office of Civil Rights, Region III
  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  150 South Independence Mall West
  Suite 372 Public Ledger Building
  Philadelphia, PA 19106

VDSS is an equal opportunity provider.