Don’t forget to create an account to save your answers!
Create Account
Print Page
Share
Copy Link 
Email 
Facebook 
X 
LinkedIn 
Pinterest You may be eligible to receive
$158/month
in SNAP benefits. Click to apply online below and get help paying for food.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Support or Food Stamps, helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Virginia pay for food.
If you're approved for SNAP benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (or EBT card). This EBT card looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, with a unique 16-digit account number and a magnetic strip on the back. Your card can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets to buy SNAP-approved food items. You can also make SNAP purchases on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
- How does SNAP work in Virginia?
- What is the application process like?
- How do I know if I'm eligible?
- How do I prepare to apply?
- How do I apply for SNAP in Virginia?
- What happens after I apply?
- How can I get help with my application?
- Other important tips to know
How does SNAP work in Virginia?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), once known as Food Support or Food Stamps, is run by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS). Social services offices across the state provide local support for people who receive SNAP and other types of public assistance.
SNAP can help you stretch your grocery dollars further every month. This is because the money you would have spent on groceries can now be spent on other basic living costs like your utility bills, prescriptions, and medical bills. There are many items that are SNAP-eligible, and then others that are not covered under your benefits.What is the SNAP application process like in Virginia?
While the idea of applying for SNAP may seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or social services worker can assist you.
Generally, here are the steps to apply for Virginia SNAP:
- Check your eligibility: Virginia Poverty Law Center offers a short eligibility screening questionnaire. Answer the questions to see if you may qualify for SNAP benefits.
- Fill out an application: You can apply for Virginia SNAP online, in person, or over the phone. Completing the application can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes. Note: A partially completed will be accepted as long as it has your name, address, and signature filled in. If you are approved for Virginia SNAP, your benefits will start from the date you first submitted your application.
- Have an interview: You must take part in a phone or face-to-face interview with a social services worker once your local VDSS office receives your application.
- Wait for a decision: Most Virginia SNAP applications are processed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed faster.
- Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you’ll receive your new EBT card in the mail with a guide on how to use it.
How do I know if I'm eligible for SNAP?
To be eligible for Virginia SNAP, your household (defined as people who live together and buy food and prepare meals together) must meet certain guidelines:
- You must 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.
- You must meet certain income and resource limits, with some exceptions.
- Able-bodied adults with no dependents in the household must meet certain work requirements, with some exceptions.
The amount of money you will get in 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 the Virginia SNAP income limits?
The chart below shows the maximum monthly gross and net income most people or families can earn and still get SNAP benefits. 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.
Households are considered to have broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE) if they qualify for a non-cash Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or state maintenance of effort (MOE) funded benefit. These households must meet a gross income limit of 200% FPL.
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 | Maximum net monthly income (100% FPL) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $ 1,255 |
| 2 | $ 1,704 |
| 3 | $ 2,152 |
| 4 | $ 2,600 |
| 5 | $3,049 |
| For each additional person, add: | +$ 449 |
You may qualify for deductions that reduce your countable income. This can help your household meet the SNAP income limit. Common deductions include:
- Standard deduction based on household size
- 20% earned income deduction
- Shelter expenses
- Dependent care costs
- Unreimbursed medical expenses above $35 per month
- Homeless shelter allowance
- Child support payments paid
A social services worker can tell you which deductions your household qualifies for.
What are the Virginia SNAP resource (asset) limits?
Households may have $2,750 in countable resources (such as cash or money in a bank account) or $4,250 in countable resources if at least one member of the household is age 60 or older, or has a disability. If you own a home, the home and the land it sits on are not counted toward the resource limit. Most retirement and pension plans are not counted (although withdrawals from these plans may be counted as income).
BBCE households do not have to meet an asset limit.
How do I prepare to apply?
When applying for Virginia SNAP, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month.
Before you start, gather the following information to make your application process easier:
- Household income from jobs, child support, and other income sources
- Social Security numbers and birth dates of all household members
- Housing (rent/mortgage) and utility (phone, electric, gas, water) costs
- Child care or dependent care costs
Examples of documents you may need to verify (prove) the information above include:
- Driver's license or other government-issued ID
- Birth certificate
- Bank statements
- Pension statements
- Social Security statements
- Pay stubs
- Tax returns
- Social Security card
- Proof of household expenses (such as utility and phone bills)
- Marriage license or divorce decree
If you would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your SNAP application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your application.
How do I apply for SNAP in Virginia?
The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP in Virginia is online. You’ll be glad to know that when you do, all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology. To get started:
- Visit the CommonHelp website and click 'Apply for All Benefit Programs.'
- Click on 'New to CommonHelp? Click here to create an account.'
- On the next screen, follow the instructions to set up your username and password.
- Once you're logged in to your account, you will see a Confidentiality Agreement for your review. If you wish to continue after reading, click 'I Accept.'
- On the next screen, choose SNAP as the program you want to apply for.
- You’ll then be asked to complete a short Food Security screening. After that, follow the prompts to complete your SNAP application.
- It should take you about 30 to 45 minutes to complete your application. Fill out as much information as you can. You can start your application and then save it and come back later to finish it.
- Once you have answered all the questions, you will be asked to electronically sign your application. You will receive a confirmation number when it has been successfully submitted. Keep this number handy, since you may need it later on.
Tips for success:
- To switch from English to Spanish, click Habla Español? on the CommonHelp Home page.
- If you need technical assistance, contact the Enterprise Call Center at 1-855-635-4370.
Apply for SNAP over the phone by calling 1-855- 635-4370 during normal business hours.
Download and print the Combined Application for Benefits form:
- Application for Benefits (English)
- Application for Benefits (Spanish)
Mail or bring the completed form to your local social services office. Find an office near you.
Is everyone in your household age 60 or older?
If the answer is yes, you qualify for the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP). In addition to a shorter application form, ESAP households have a 36-month certification period (the length of time you can receive benefits) instead of the typical 12 months. You also will not be required to have a recertification interview when your SNAP benefits are due to renew.
Download and print the Simplified SNAP Application:
- Simplified SNAP Application (English)
- Simplified SNAP Application (Spanish)
What if I need food assistance right away?
You may be able to get Virginia SNAP benefits sooner (within 7 days from the date on your application) if your food needs are urgent. You may qualify for expedited (faster) benefits if your household meets the following requirements:
- Your gross monthly income must be less than $150 and liquid resources $100 or less.
- Your monthly shelter bills must be higher than your household’s gross monthly income plus your liquid resources.
- Someone in your household must be a migrant or seasonal farm worker with little or no income and resources.
Need food today? Search for food banks in your area to find resources while you wait for your Virginia SNAP application to be processed.
How can I get help with my application?
There are several ways to get help filling out your Virginia SNAP application.
You can:
- Contact your local social services office.
- Fill out a form on the Federation of Virginia Food Banks website. An application specialist will contact you by phone or text over the next 1 to 2 days.
- Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.
What happens after I apply for SNAP in Virginia?
It can take up to 30 days for VDSS to process your SNAP application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits). If you’re approved, the date you submit your application is the earliest date your benefits can begin.
After applying, you must have an interview with a social services worker. These are usually done over the phone, but can also be done face to face. Your local VDSS office will contact you to schedule an appointment. To make sure you don't miss a letter or call from your local office, it's important to check your mail regularly and pick up the phone (even for calls from “unknown” or blocked numbers).
What can I expect during my SNAP interview?
Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your social services worker can tell you more about the program, answer any questions, and help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing.
During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as:
- What is your full name and birthday?
- What is your Social Security number?
- Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
- Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
- What is your monthly income?
- Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
- What other regular bills do you have?
It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.
Once all requested information is received, you should receive a letter regarding your Virginia SNAP eligibility within 30 days. This notice will explain whether or not your household is eligible for food assistance benefits.
What happens after I am approved for SNAP?
If you are approved for Virginia SNAP, the letter you receive will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for (this is called your “certification period”). For most households in Virginia, that period is 12 months.
Shortly after you are approved for SNAP, you will receive your Virginia EBT card in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. The card will be loaded with your first month of benefits once they are authorized. Going forward, benefits will be deposited between the 1st and 7th of each month depending on the last digit of your case number.
Other important tips and information when applying for SNAP in Virginia
If your application for SNAP is denied, and you disagree with the reasons for that decision, you have the right to file an appeal and request a fair hearing. You can make a request for a SNAP appeal online, by mail, by fax, by email, or over the phone.
To create or change your Virginia EBT card PIN number, check the balance on your card, or report a lost or stolen card, visit the ConnectEBT website or download the ConnectEBT app from Google Play or the Apple AppStore. You can also call the toll-free customer service help desk at 1-866-281-2448 (or the number on the back of your card).
For Virginia SNAP, you must report certain changes that can impact your benefit amount. These include a change of address, increases in household income, a change in size of household, and a reduction in working hours for members who are required to work. Changes can be reported online or by filling out a change report form. Changes must be reported within 10 days from when they occur but no later than the 10th day of the next month.
You must renew your Virginia SNAP benefits before your certification period ends to keep receiving benefits. You’ll get a notice in the mail when it’s time to renew along with instructions on how to do so.
Not sure if you should apply?
BenefitsCheckUp helps assess whether you can get help from programs before you apply. Answer questions anonymously to find out if you may be eligible for key benefits assistance, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS) - Extra Help, among others.
