Step 1 (optional): Take the pre-screening test here.
Step 2: Apply in one of the following ways:
- Apply online here. (currently unavailable)
- Print out an application here.
Step 3: Mail, fax, or deliver your completed application to your local department of social services. Click here to find the nearest location.
Note: For assistance, please call: 1-800-552-3431 or 804-692-2198 (in-state)
Applying For Virginia Food Stamps
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was created to assist families who don’t have the money to afford their food every month. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (aka food stamps) aids millions of people. In fact, it helped over 40 million persons in the year 2010.
It doesn’t matter what their race, gender, or faith is – applying for food stamps is available to every person located in the United States. How much a person receives in assistance from SNAP depends on a few factors, but in the year 2008, the average person received $101 a month.
To be accepted into the food stamp program, you have to meet some monetary as well as situational requirements. During the application process, and interview, you will need to have particular documents available.
In most instances, if you are under 60 years old, it is a requirement for you to not have any more than $2,000 in assets. If you or someone in your home is no less than 60 years old, that limit is raised to $3,000. Assistance from TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program), or SSI (Supplemental Security Income), do not count as assets when applying for food stamps. Resources that do count towards your total assets include cash, money saved in a bank account and in some cases a vehicle.
Another requirement is an income limit, which is affected by the number of people you’ve got dwelling at your household when you are requesting for food stamps.
Your expenses are also taken into account when you apply for food stamps. If you are paying for child or elderly care, rent, mortgage, or utilities; all of those costs will be taken into account. On top of that, there are also particular medical expenses that may add up towards your total expenses when you are applying for food stamps.
In Virginia, if you want to get food stamps you may be required to work a job. Individuals between the ages of 18 and 50 who are not disabled and can find work will probably be required to do so. If you are required, then the number of months that you can receive food stamp benefits will be limited to only 3 months out of every 3 years. If this is not enough time, you may work with your caseworker to extend it another 3 months, but you may have to finish some other work requirements to qualify. If you are pregnant, caring for a small child, trying to find a job, disabled or are otherwise found exempt, this will not apply to you.
The Virginia EBT Card
Those who pass the requirements and have their application approved to begin getting SNAP benefits, will be given an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card. The EBT card can be used like a debit card to buy food at certain grocery stores, convenience stores, or possibly farmer markets.
What Happens If I Do Not Use All Of My Benefits?
If you do not need or use all of your food stamp benefits in a month they will rollover into the next month to give you an opportunity to use them. Make sure that you use your card at least once within every 3 month period or your card will be deactivated and you will need to call your social services office to reinstate your account.
How To Replace Your EBT Card
Whether your card is stolen, lost or broken, it will need to be replaced. If missing, make sure that you report it gone right away as any benefits stolen from your card will not be returned to your account. To report and replace your card, call 1-866-281-2448. This number is available 24/7.
When Are My Virginia Food Stamps Available Each Month?
All food stamp beneficiaries in Virginia will receive their food stamps on the 1st of the month at 12:00 am (midnight) for every month that they qualify to stay in the program.