State & City Resources
Norfolk, Virginia: Disability Resources
On This Page
Norfolk residents seeking food or health coverage, subsidized housing, and accessible transportation need different agencies. Use the city benefits office, Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, and Hampton Roads Transit for their respective services. Keep separate application records so you can follow up with the correct program.
Norfolk Public Assistance
Norfolk Human Services’ Public Assistance page connects eligible residents with food, health care, cash, energy, and other assistance. Applications are available through Human Services, and several programs can be requested through CommonHelp. Explain which benefits you already receive and what has changed. The agency will determine eligibility for each requested program.
Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority
NRHA’s application instructions explain its RentCafé process for open public housing and voucher waiting lists. Creating an account alone does not put you on a list, and submitting an application does not guarantee housing. Check which list is accepting applications. Existing applicants must keep address, income, household, and other contact information current to avoid losing contact with the authority.
HRT Disability-Related Transportation
HRT Paratransit provides shared trips for certified riders whose disability prevents use of regular transit. Certification and route-based coverage are both necessary; living in Norfolk alone does not make every trip eligible. Applications require information about your disability-related travel limitations and a professional reference. Ask about accessible application formats and the assistance needed on your trip.
Before You Contact a Program
- For public benefits, keep current household information and official notices available.
- For NRHA, confirm that you submitted an application to an open list, rather than only registering an account.
- For HRT, plan both outward and return rides and tell the reservationist about a companion or aide.
Keep Federal Benefits Separate
Public housing, local benefits, and transit services have separate rules from SSDI and SSI. SSA’s Disability page[1] explains SSDI; SSA’s SSI overview[2] explains SSI. Apply for federal benefits through SSA. Starting a local service application does not file an SSDI or SSI claim.
Return to Virginia resources or browse the state resource directory.
This guide provides general information, not legal or medical advice. Disability Benefit Guide USA is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or the organizations listed. A listing is not an endorsement or a promise of services.
Official Sources and References
These SSA.gov links support the explanations above. Official applications, account services, and agency forms are completed through SSA.
- SSA’s Disability page — SSA.gov
- SSA’s SSI overview — SSA.gov