How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Virginia

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This information is current as of July 15, 2022.

If you live in Virginia and are considering applying for SNAP benefits, it’s a straightforward process and can help you through tough financial times. Applying for SNAP is nothing to be ashamed of; regardless of income, everyone deserves access to healthy food.

*How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Virginia*

In case you’re wondering how to apply for SNAP in Virginia, look no further as we go through the process in this article.

Read on to find out how to access affordable food for your family.

What Is SNAP?

SNAP, short for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, helps fight hunger and provides food assistance for deserving families in the Commonwealth of Virginia. SNAP helps low-income families purchase healthy food with coupons and Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.

SNAP clients can use their benefits to buy eligible food in retail grocery or convenience stores. The stores must be authorized to accept SNAP. Today, over eighty percent of retailers in the United States take EBT as payment.

The SNAP program is the foundation of the food assistance program in America. It provides critical support to needy families and households and is also a fundamental tool for those transitioning back to the workforce after hardship.

Am I Eligible for SNAP?

To qualify for the program, you must be a resident in the Commonwealth of Virginia and meet one of the following requirements:

You must have a current banking balance of under $2,001, both checking and savings combined.
You must have a current banking balance of under $3,001, both checking and savings, and share your home with a person over age 60 or someone with a disability (yourself, your spouse, or your child)

You also must have an annual household income that falls beneath the following amounts:

A household of 1 must have an income of below $17,667
A household of 2 must have an income below $23,803
A household of 3 must have an income below $29,939
A household of 4 must have an income below $36,075
A household of 5 must have an income below $42,211
A household of 6 must have an income below $48,347
A household of 7 must have an income below $54,483
A household of 8 must have an income below $60,619
A household of more than 8 should add $6,136 per person

Check with the SNAP program managing agency to ensure accuracy. In addition, the Commonwealth of Go here to visit Virginia’s site where you can check to see if you are eligible for benefits.

How Do I Apply for SNAP?

To apply for SNAP benefits in the Commonwealth of Virginia, you must visit the Department of Human Services in person or online to complete an application.

If you choose to fill out your application online, you can do so here.

You can also visit the Department of Human Services at one of the following locations:

2525 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301
1300 Courthouse Rd., Stafford, VA 22554
2400 Washington Ave., Newport News, VA 23607
1320 LaSalle Avenue, Hampton, VA 23669
2100 Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA 22204
5249 Olde Towne Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188
99 9th St., Lynchburg, VA 24504
1510 Williamson Rd. NE, Roanoke, VA 24012
100 Outlaw St., Chesapeake, VA 23320
8600 Dixon Powers Dr., Richmond, VA 23228
9019 Old Battlefield Blvd., Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA 22553
510 Patton St., Danville, VA 24541
6641 Short Ln., Gloucester, VA 23061
3811 Corporate Rd., Petersburg, VA 23805
Historic District, 9324 West St., Manassas, VA 20110
608 Jackson St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401
DHS dept, 900 E. Marshall St., Richmond, VA 23219
120 7th St. NE, Charlottesville, VA 22902
119 E Main St., Bedford, VA 24523
15068 Lee Hwy #100, Bristol, VA 24202

When applying for SNAP, you’ll need to following verifications:

The social security number for all those living in the household
Identification of the applicant
If you already receive SSI (social security income) or SSDI (social security disability insurance) or are over 60, you will need your current medical bills.
Verification of income, any benefits you are receiving, and any child support you are receiving.
Proof of residency

You can also apply to the Department of Social Services by calling 1-855-635-4370.

Additional Info About Income Eligibility

Many folks get confused about income eligibility. What is gross income? What are deductions? What exactly is counted as income?

Your gross income is your total income before taxes or any other subtractions from your paycheck.
Deductions can be for child support payments, housing costs, medical expenses, or childcare.
Your net income is what’s left after your deductions.

A household must meet both income limits to qualify for SNAP. However, if someone 60 or over or with a disability resides in the home, you must only meet the net income qualification.

If everyone in the household already receives SSI or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), there is no income limit to meet.

The maximum income to qualify for SNAP is 130 percent of the federal poverty level.

What Are Some Examples of Income?

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, the following may be considered income:

Child support payments
Veteran’s benefits
Gross income from employment
Educational grants
Unemployment compensation
Worker’s compensation
Old age, survivor, or strike benefits
Any payments from public assistance
Retirement benefits
Disability benefits
Pensions
Dividends
Interest and similar payments
Alimony payments

How Will My Application Be Reviewed?

Applications for SNAP are accepted anytime, either online, in person, or by mail. A face-to-face interview may be scheduled, or you have the option for a phone interview.

What About SNAP and Being a Public Charge?

A public charge is an alien who has received public benefits for more than 12 months within 36 months.

Applying for SNAP in the Commonwealth of Virginia does not make you a public charge, and you will not be considered as such during determination.

Applying for SNAP will not affect your right to remain in the country, get or keep a green card or permanent legal resident status, or become a U.S. citizen.

You may also apply for SNAP on behalf of eligible immigrants or U.S. citizens in your family. You do not need to apply for yourself. Applying for another will not affect your or their immigration status.

An example of this would be a parent who is not eligible for SNAP because of their immigration status. However, these parents can still apply for their children. You will not be asked about your immigration status if you apply for someone else.

What Can I Use My SNAP Benefits for?

Your SNAP benefits can be used for food, food plants, and seeds to grow food for your household. Your SNAP benefits cannot be used for the following:

Pet food
Soaps
Household supplies
Paper products
Cosmetics
Toothpaste
Alcohol or tobacco
Any hot food prepared in the store
Vitamins and medications

When using your SNAP benefits, sales tax cannot be charged.

Please remember, if you or any family members need food, do not hesitate to apply for SNAP benefits for the good of your family.

Save Money on Your Wireless Phone Service

If you qualify for SNAP, you may also be eligible for Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Lifeline and ACP are government-run programs that help low-income consumers receive free or heavily discounted communication services.

Click here to find out more and apply for this valuable benefit.

Get a Tablet for $10.01

If you qualify, you can get an 8″ tablet for just $10.01. Apply here to get started!

Save Even More With Recommended Resources and Amazon Deals

Looking to save on additional items? You may want to check out our Recommended Resources page. For example, you can learn how to save 50% on Amazon Prime membership and use your EBT card.