EBT Guides
Apr 10, 2025
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides essential food assistance to low-income individuals and families in Virginia, helping them afford nutritious meals and improve their overall well-being.
SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in Virginia
Income limits and benefit amounts for SNAP in Virginia are determined based on the household size and gross monthly income. These limits ensure that assistance is provided to those who need it most. Below is a detailed breakdown of the maximum monthly income limits and SNAP benefit amounts for different household sizes:
Household Size: 1
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $1,383
Maximum Benefit Amount: $250
Household Size: 2
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $1,868
Maximum Benefit Amount: $459
Household Size: 3
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,353
Maximum Benefit Amount: $658
Household Size: 4
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,839
Maximum Benefit Amount: $835
Household Size: 5
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,324
Maximum Benefit Amount: $992
Household Size: 6
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,809
Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,190
Household Size: 7
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $4,295
Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,316
Household Size: 8
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $4,780
Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,504
Household Size: Each additional person
Gross Monthly Income Limit: +$486
Maximum Benefit Amount: +$188
For the most current information, please visit the official Virginia SNAP website.
Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in Virginia
To qualify for SNAP benefits in Virginia, applicants must meet several eligibility criteria:
Income Limits: Applicants must meet both gross and net income limits based on household size.
Residency Requirements: Applicants must reside in Virginia.
Citizenship Status: U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens can qualify.
Work Requirements: Certain work-related conditions must be met.
Special Conditions: Special considerations are given to seniors, disabled individuals, and students.
For detailed and up-to-date information, please visit the Virginia SNAP website.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Virginia
Applying for SNAP benefits in Virginia can be done online, in-person, or by mail, providing multiple convenient options for individuals seeking assistance.
Applying Online
To apply for SNAP benefits online as a Virginia resident, follow these steps:
Visit the official SNAP application website
Go to the CommonHelp portal to start your application.
Create an account or log in
Sign up for a new account or log in if you already have one.
Complete the application form
Fill out the online form with your household and financial details.
Submit required documents electronically
Upload necessary documents such as proof of income and residency.
Review and submit your application
Double-check all information and submit your completed application.
Applying In-Person
To apply for SNAP benefits in-person, follow these steps:
Locate your nearest SNAP office
Find the closest Department of Social Services (DSS) office using the DSS office locator.
Gather necessary documents
Collect essential documents like ID, proof of income, and residency verification.
Visit the office during business hours
Go to the DSS office during their operating hours, typically Monday to Friday.
Complete the application form
Fill out the application form provided at the office with your household details.
Submit your application to a caseworker
Hand your completed application to a caseworker for review and processing.
For more information, contact your local DSS office or visit the Virginia SNAP website.
Applying by Mail
To apply for SNAP benefits in Virginia by mail, follow these steps:
Download and print the SNAP application form
Visit the Virginia SNAP website to download and print the application form.
Fill out the form completely
Provide all required household and financial details on the application form.
Photocopy necessary documents
Make copies of essential documents like ID, proof of income, and residency verification.
Mail the application and documents
Send the completed application and photocopied documents to the address provided on the form.
Wait for confirmation or further instructions
After mailing, wait for a response from the Department of Social Services with next steps.
Special SNAP Services in Virginia
In Virginia, residents may qualify for special SNAP services such as expedited benefits for urgent needs, disaster assistance, and support for homeless individuals. Visit the Virginia SNAP website to learn more and see if you qualify.
Expedited SNAP Services in Virginia
Residents of Virginia facing emergency situations can receive expedited SNAP benefits to address urgent food needs. To qualify for expedited services, applicants must meet specific criteria. These include having extremely low income, limited resources, or an urgent need for food assistance. For instance, households with less than $150 in monthly gross income and less than $100 in liquid resources may qualify.
Additionally, households with combined monthly income and liquid resources that are less than their monthly rent or mortgage and utility costs can also be eligible. The expedited process ensures that eligible individuals receive their benefits within seven days, providing immediate relief during critical times.
Disaster Assistance for SNAP Beneficiaries
In Virginia, individuals affected by disasters such as fires or power outages can request replacement SNAP benefits to cover lost food. Those who qualify include current SNAP recipients and individuals not already on SNAP but facing food loss due to the disaster.
To apply, current SNAP recipients should contact their local Department of Social Services (DSS) office and report the loss within ten days of the disaster. Non-recipients can also apply for emergency SNAP benefits by visiting the DSS office and completing an application form.
Applicants may need to provide documents such as identification, proof of residence, and details of the disaster's impact on their food supply. This ensures that those in need receive timely assistance to replace lost food.
SNAP for Seniors and People with Disabilities
SNAP in Virginia provides tailored support for older adults (60+) and individuals with disabilities, recognizing their unique needs. These groups often face fewer eligibility restrictions, making it easier for them to qualify for benefits.
Application options are simplified for seniors and disabled individuals, allowing them to apply online, in-person, or by mail with assistance available if needed. This ensures that the process is accessible and straightforward.
Common deductions for these applicants include out-of-pocket medical expenses, which can significantly reduce their countable income, thereby increasing their SNAP benefit amounts. This helps alleviate the financial burden of healthcare costs.
How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Virginia
Once approved for SNAP benefits, it's important to understand how to use them effectively, including what you can buy and where.
What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?
EBT cards, or Electronic Benefit Transfer cards, are used by SNAP recipients to access their benefits. Similar to a credit or debit card, an EBT card is swiped at the point of sale to purchase eligible food items. The card is linked to the recipient's SNAP account, automatically deducting the purchase amount from their available balance. This system ensures a convenient and discreet way for individuals to use their SNAP benefits.
What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?
Recipients in Virginia can use their EBT card to purchase a variety of eligible food items, ensuring they have access to nutritious options. These items include:
Fruits
Vegetables
Dairy products
Bread and cereals
Meat, poultry, and fish
Non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants that produce food for the household
However, there are restrictions on what can be purchased with an EBT card. Ineligible items include:
Alcoholic beverages
Hot foods and foods meant to be eaten in the store
Vitamins and supplements
Non-food products such as cleaning supplies, paper products, and pet foods
Personal care items like soap and toothpaste
Download Benny for Free and Earn Cash Back on EBT
With Benny, you can earn cash back on groceries from stores like Target, Walmart, and Dollar Tree, as well as services such as Uber and Lyft. Download Benny for free. Connect your EBT card and earn cashback as you shop.
Where Can You Use Your EBT Card?
Recipients in Virginia can use their EBT card at a variety of locations, including grocery stores, corner stores, and farmers' markets. These venues offer a wide range of eligible food items, ensuring access to nutritious options.
Additionally, EBT cards can be used for online purchases at approved retailers like Amazon and Walmart, providing further convenience. This flexibility allows recipients to shop for groceries in a way that best suits their needs and lifestyle.
How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits
Managing SNAP benefits effectively ensures recipients maximize their food assistance, avoid running out of funds, and maintain eligibility. Here's how to check your EBT balance, understand deposit schedules, and renew benefits.
EBT Deposit Schedule in Virginia
In Virginia, SNAP benefits are typically deposited onto EBT cards based on the last digit of the case number. Here's a quick breakdown:
Case numbers ending in 0-3: Benefits deposited on the 1st of the month
Case numbers ending in 4-5: Benefits deposited on the 4th of the month
Case numbers ending in 6-7: Benefits deposited on the 7th of the month
Case numbers ending in 8-9: Benefits deposited on the 9th of the month
Understanding the deposit schedule is crucial for managing SNAP benefits effectively, ensuring recipients can plan their grocery shopping and avoid running out of funds.
For more details, check out our guide on EBT deposit schedule in Virginia to learn about common reasons for delays and other helpful tips.
How to Check Your EBT Card Balance
There are several methods available for checking your EBT balance in Virginia:
Online Portal: Visit the ConnectEBT website and log in to view your balance and transaction history.
Benny App: Download Benny, link your EBT card, and check your balance and transactions in real time.
Phone Number: Call the customer service number on the back of your EBT card and follow the prompts to check your balance.
ATM Receipt: Insert your EBT card into an ATM, select "Balance Inquiry," and your balance will be printed on the receipt.
For additional information on each method for checking your EBT balance, check our guide on EBT Balance Check in Virginia.
How to Renew Your SNAP Benefits
In Virginia, SNAP recipients typically need to renew or recertify their benefits every 6 to 12 months. Required documents include proof of income, residency, and household expenses. The recertification process can be completed online via the CommonHelp portal, by mail, or in-person at a local DSS office.
Timely recertification is important to ensure continuous access to benefits. Recipients should start the process as soon as they receive their renewal notice to avoid any interruptions. For more details, visit the Virginia SNAP website.
EBT Customer Support in Virginia
SNAP and EBT customer support in Virginia ensures recipients have access to assistance for managing their benefits, resolving issues, and answering questions. For contact details and support options, check out our guide on EBT customer service in Virginia to learn more about common issues and how to fix them.
How to Contact EBT Customer Service in Virginia
EBT Customer Service Phone Number: Call 1-866-281-2448 for assistance.
Hours of Operation: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Services Offered:
Report lost or stolen EBT cards
Reset or change your PIN
Check your EBT card balance
Review recent transactions
Get answers to general questions about your EBT account
Local SNAP Office Locations and Contact Info
Finding your nearest SNAP or Department of Human Services (DHS) office is straightforward with several available tools. You can use online locator tools, call dedicated phone lines, or book appointments directly. These methods ensure you get the assistance you need promptly and efficiently.
Here are the steps to find your nearest SNAP or DHS office:
Online Locator Tool: Visit the DSS office locator to find the closest office by entering your zip code or city.
Phone Line: Call the Virginia Department of Social Services at 1-800-552-3431 for assistance in locating your nearest office.
Appointment Booking: Some offices offer online appointment booking through their websites or by calling the office directly.
Multi-Langual Support
In Virginia, SNAP application materials and assistance are available in multiple languages to support non-English speakers. This ensures that all residents can access the benefits they need. The most common languages in which assistance is available include:
Spanish
Chinese
Vietnamese
Korean
Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny
Managing your SNAP benefits in Virginia is easier with Benny. This app allows you to check your EBT balance and transactions instantly, ensuring you stay on top of your benefits. Additionally, Benny offers cash back on groceries and other purchases at stores like Walmart, Target, and 7-Eleven.
With Benny, you can make the most of your SNAP benefits while earning extra savings. Learn more about Benny and start managing your benefits more effectively today.
Frequently Asked Questions about SNAP in Virginia
Who qualifies for SNAP benefits in Virginia?
To qualify for SNAP benefits in Virginia, applicants must meet income limits based on household size, reside in Virginia, and be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. They must also meet certain work requirements and may receive special considerations if they are seniors, disabled, or students. For more details, visit the Virginia SNAP website.
Can college students apply for SNAP?
Yes, college students can apply for SNAP in Virginia if they meet certain conditions. These include working at least 20 hours a week, participating in a state or federally funded work-study program, or caring for a dependent under 6 years old. For more details, visit the Virginia SNAP website.
Can I get SNAP benefits if I’m an immigrant?
Some immigrants may qualify for SNAP benefits depending on their immigration status. Eligible non-citizens include those with legal permanent residency, refugees, and asylees. It's important to check specific eligibility criteria. For detailed information, visit the Virginia SNAP website.
How often do I need to renew my SNAP benefits?
SNAP recipients in Virginia typically need to renew their benefits every 6 to 12 months. The exact renewal period depends on specific state rules and individual circumstances. It's important to complete the renewal process on time to ensure continuous access to benefits.
