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Eligibility for SNAP in Virginia

As you age, it’s more important than ever that you are eating well for essential nutrients. The Virginia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Virginia pay for food.

A bag of groceries

The Virginia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) makes healthy food more affordable for people with low income. With SNAP, you can feed your body the right nutrients and maintain a healthy weight to stay active and independent. Whether you’re interested in learning more about SNAP for yourself or a loved one, we encourage you to determine your eligibility as the average older adult receives $158 each month.

Check Your SNAP Eligibility Today

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How do I know if I'm eligible for SNAP?

To be eligible for SNAP in Virginia, your household—defined as people who live together and buy food and prepare meals together—must meet the following guidelines:

  1. Be a resident of Virginia and a U.S. citizen. Certain lawfully present non-citizens may qualify for SNAP. Even if you can’t get SNAP benefits, your family members born in this country can. 
  2. Meet certain income and resource limits, with some exceptions. 
  3. Meet certain work requirements, with some exceptions.

The amount of money you'll receive for Virginia SNAP benefits depends on:

  • How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
  • How many people live with you

What are income limits and how does it impact my eligibility for SNAP?

SNAP is open to anyone who meets its guidelines, from young families to older adults living on their own. 

Eligibility for SNAP in Virginia is determined by both your income and the assets you have, otherwise known as 'income limits'. Often, your monthly income must be below a certain amount. Most households must meet a gross income limit of 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), while households with a member who has a disability or is age 60+ must meet a net income limit of 100% FPL.

The chart below shows the maximum monthly gross and net income (100% FPL) most people or families can earn and still get SNAP benefits.

What do the terms “gross” and “net” mean? 

  • Gross monthly income is the amount before taxes or other deductions are taken out.
  • Net monthly income is what is left of gross income after certain allowable expenses are subtracted. 
Family size Max net monthly income
1 $1,255
2 $1,704
3 $2,152
4 $2,600
5 $3,049
Additional person, add  +$449
Source: USDA.gov, SNAP Eligibility (October 2024). These figures are effective for 2024 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025).

You may be eligible for $158 a month in SNAP benefits.

Many older adults do not know they can get SNAP benefits. Click below to see if you can get help paying for healthy, nutritious food.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps low-income older adults buy the food they need for good health.
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