While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Food Stamps, helps eligible low-income individuals and families buy the food they need to stay healthy in the form of monthly benefits.
SNAP uses Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to distribute the benefits.
The Virginia SNAP food assistance program is administered by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS). Learn more about SNAP on the Virginia Department of Social Services website here.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, SNAP benefits can be used to purchase approved food items. These include:
See a more comprehensive list of what you can buy with SNAP benefits here and a list of approved snacks and meal supplements here.
There are also food items that cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits, including alcoholic beverages and hot prepared food. See a comprehensive list of what you cannot buy with SNAP benefits here.
SNAP provides monthly benefits, known as an allotment, to eligible households. The allotment amount you can receive is based on 1) the number of people in your household and 2) your household income.
To calculate your allotment amount, multiply your household’s net income by 0.3 and then subtract that number from the federal maximum monthly benefit amount in the table below.
| Household Number | Federal Maximum Allotment Per Month |
| 1 | $291 |
| 2 | $535 |
| 3 | $766 |
| 4 | $973 |
| 5 | $1,155 |
| 6 | $1,386 |
| 7 | $1,532 |
| 8 | $1,751 |
| Each additional household member | +219 |
You have one year (365 days) to use your allotment or the benefits on your EBT card will be canceled.
To learn more about your benefit amount in Virginia, click here.
To qualify for SNAP in Virginia, you must meet the following requirements:
Learn more about Virginia’s income limits and other eligibility criteria here.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Virginia Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on the Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS) website here. You can also view a copy of the application here to see what information is required.
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on Virginia’s Assistance Portal here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, you will need to fill out an “Application for Benefits” found here and then drop it off at your local DSS office. To find the nearest Virginia DSS office location, click here.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Virginia Department of Social Services at 1 (855) 635-4370 or send an email to citizen.services@dss.virginia.gov.
If you need an application in Spanish, click here.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
If you applied for SNAP online or in person, you will receive a call within 30 days to undergo an eligibility interview. Once you have completed the interview, you will receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Social Services with your determination and benefit amount.
If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail within 14 days of your determination letter.
Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.
SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card or 1 (866) 281-2448. You can also check your balance online here or download the Virginia ConnectEBT app.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Virginia Department of Social Services, you can appeal your decision in person or by mail within 90 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file an appeal for a Fair Hearing by mail, you will need to write a letter that includes the following information:
You must also enclose a copy of your determination letter when filing an appeal by mail. Once you have written your Fair Hearing request letter and made copies of your determination letter, you can send all your documents to the following address:
Hearing and Legal Services Manager
Virginia Department of Social Services
801 East Main Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219-2901
If you have any further questions about the appeals process, click here.
You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card or 1 (866) 281-2448. You can also check your balance online here or download the Virginia ConnectEBT app for quick and easy access on the go.
Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the Virginia Department of Social Services EBT card page here.
If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call Virginia’s EBT customer service number at 1 (866) 281-2448.
You cannot obtain a replacement EBT card in person at a DSS office in Virginia.
For more answers to common questions related to EBT cards, click here.
For help with obtaining SNAP benefits, or for any further questions about your application, call the Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS) at (804) 726-7000. You can also send your inquiries via email to: citizen.services@dss.virginia.gov.
For emergencies, you can also contact the SNAP Hotline at 1 (800) 552-3431.
To send the Virginia Department of Social Services information physically, you can mail your documents using the following address:
Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS)
801 E. Main Street
Richmond, VA 23219-2901
You can also visit or call a local DSS Office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Food Stamps program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, requirements for program eligibility, and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.
Last Updated: February 2, 2024
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Virginia Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on the Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS) website here. You can also view a copy of the application here to see what information is required.
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on Virginia’s Assistance Portal here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, you will need to fill out an “Application for Benefits” found here and then drop it off at your local DSS office. To find the nearest Virginia DSS office location, click here.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Virginia Department of Social Services at 1 (855) 635-4370 or send an email to citizen.services@dss.virginia.gov.
If you need an application in Spanish, click here.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
If you applied for SNAP online or in person, you will receive a call within 30 days to undergo an eligibility interview. Once you have completed the interview, you will receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Social Services with your determination and benefit amount.
If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail within 14 days of your determination letter.
Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.
SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card or 1 (866) 281-2448. You can also check your balance online here or download the Virginia ConnectEBT app.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Virginia Department of Social Services, you can appeal your decision in person or by mail within 90 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file an appeal for a Fair Hearing by mail, you will need to write a letter that includes the following information:
You must also enclose a copy of your determination letter when filing an appeal by mail. Once you have written your Fair Hearing request letter and made copies of your determination letter, you can send all your documents to the following address:
Hearing and Legal Services Manager
Virginia Department of Social Services
801 East Main Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219-2901
If you have any further questions about the appeals process, click here.
You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card or 1 (866) 281-2448. You can also check your balance online here or download the Virginia ConnectEBT app for quick and easy access on the go.
Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the Virginia Department of Social Services EBT card page here.
If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call Virginia’s EBT customer service number at 1 (866) 281-2448.
You cannot obtain a replacement EBT card in person at a DSS office in Virginia.
For more answers to common questions related to EBT cards, click here.
For help with obtaining SNAP benefits, or for any further questions about your application, call the Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS) at (804) 726-7000. You can also send your inquiries via email to: citizen.services@dss.virginia.gov.
For emergencies, you can also contact the SNAP Hotline at 1 (800) 552-3431.
To send the Virginia Department of Social Services information physically, you can mail your documents using the following address:
Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS)
801 E. Main Street
Richmond, VA 23219-2901
You can also visit or call a local DSS Office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Food Stamps program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, requirements for program eligibility, and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.
Last Updated: February 2, 2024