Virginia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Program Overview

The Virginia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (also known as Food Stamp Program) helps eligible low-income families to purchase food. Eligible families are provided with Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to purchase food from the authorized retail food stores. To get SNAP benefits, aspiring families must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria and then can apply at their state office. Every household get different benefit amount which depends upon the household size and the income. The Virginia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has proved as the first line of help for the residents of Virginia. The program is immensely beneficial to the families that are transitioning from welfare to work.

The Virginia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is funded by the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA). In Virginia, the program is run by the Virginia Department of Social Services.

Program Objectives

The main aim of the Virginia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is to provide the underprivileged families living on a fixed budget with an opportunity to improve their food quality. It helps them add valuable nutrition to their diet by purchasing food that is healthy and nutritious. This leads them to live a healthy and self- sustaining lifestyle subsequently increasing the quality of life of the people in the state.

The eligible families for Virginia SNAP are linked with government agencies, nutritionists, and local community-based organizations. These organizations make sure the families are fully educated about the program so that they can approach the application process in a well-informed manner. This helps families to make adequate decisions to take full benefit from the largest hunger preventive program in the country.

Eligibility Requirements

Only eligible applicants can avail the benefits of the Virginia Supplemental Nutrition Food Supplement Program (SNAP) and the eligibility requirements include:

• SNAP benefits are available to elderly and disabled
• If the applicant is unemployed, working on low wages or a part time worker
• If the applicant is receiving assistance from other benefit programs.
• The applicants age 18 to 50 and able to work, may be subject to a work requirement in order to receive SNAP.
• The applicant is exempt from work requirements if participating in an approved work program, taking care of pregnant woman and children.
• Persons with disabilities are exempt from work requirements.
• Persons living in exempted locality are exempt from work requirement.

In order to qualify for the SNAP program in the state of Virginia the residents fall in two categories: (1) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $3,001  

The number of members in a household and total household income is also very important factors while considering a candidate for the Virginia Supplemental Food Assistance Program.

The amount of the maximum gross income level before taxes must be less than or equal to:

An additional amount of $5,746 will be added per additional person if the size of the household exceeds more than 8 people. Also, it’s important to stay in touch with a proper managing agency in your locality to receive accurate guidelines and future policies related to the program. Before filling the application form make sure you have all the required information to speed up the process.

How to Apply

There are multiple ways to apply for the Virginia Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Online Application

To apply for the Virginia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) visit Virginia CommonHelp. Here you can access the online application which you can then fill out and submit online to get the program’s benefits.

Apply through the local office

Another easy way of applying for the Virginia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is by applying through your local department of social services. The office will provide the possible assistance and the representatives there will make the whole process easy by providing the necessary information.

Apply via phone call

Eligible households in the state of Virginia can contact the program office by calling at 1-800-552-3431

For Further Information

In case of queries or any extra data required, information about the Virginia Supplemental Assistance Program (SNAP) is available on the official website. The website provides information regarding the program policies and guidelines to applicants to help them get a better understating of the program.

You can Screen for eligibility and/or apply online through CommonHelp. Fill out an “Application for Benefits” from the forms section on this page and return it to your local department of social services. Once the application is submitted you cannot change it hence it is advisable to be careful while filling out the application form. 

You must carefully read the instructions and submit the form according to it, as giving false information can lead to penalties. You cannot receive cash from the retailer from your EBT card. You cannot buy non-food items such as alcohol, tobacco or paper products. If benefit holders violate the law then they may be barred from receiving the benefits and such violation is subject to $250,000 fine.

Also Read: Alaska Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)