‘Why would they do that?’: Richmond mother left $900 in the hole after Department of Social Services takes back check

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The Virginia Department of Social Services issued a Richmond mother a check for temporary assistance and took the money back a week later, the mother says she still doesn't know why.

It was like an early Christmas gift for one Richmond mother, receiving an unexpected check in the mail for a little more than $900. The mother did not wish to share her identity; however, she did share the check with 8News.

"I was excited. I was actually on the phone, and I screamed, and I was like, oh my gosh. I got an unexpected check in the mail," she said.

The check was issued on November 20, 2025. Ahead of the holidays, this mother hoped to put the money to good use. However, her excitement was short-lived. Despite the check being posted to her account, her bank told her the sender had put a stop to the payment and took the money back. This all happened after she started to spend some of the money.

After she received confirmation from her bank, she attempted to receive an explanation from the department.

"I called profusely. Just over and over. It's tough for anyone to pick up the phone," she said.

After taking a closer look at the check, she saw the money was issued as part of the state's temporary assistance for needy families. A program that the mother has not been a part of for years.

It was during a phone call with child services that she says she was told the check may have been issued in error.

“How do you accidentally write a $908.28 check in error and not like send some type of correspondence to follow up with that," she said.

8News reached out to the department. A spokesperson sent us a statement saying in part:

"Due to confidentiality requirements, we are not at liberty to share any information regarding a customer's specific situation. However, we do want to ensure this concern is reviewed and addressed appropriately."

The department said its Citizens Services Unit is looking into the situation and will provide direct assistance.