The processing and mailing of notices for benefit programs, including SNAP, may be delayed. If you are experiencing delays in receiving forms or notices for programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF, Medical Assistance, or others, please be assured that the relevant agencies are working to resolve these issues and support affected individuals.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a crucial government initiative, often referred to as Social Security Food Assistance, designed to combat food insecurity. It functions much like cash, enabling eligible families and individuals to purchase nutritious food from authorized retailers. Look for the “We Welcome SNAP EBT Customers” poster at participating stores.
Upon approval for SNAP, households receive monthly deposits into an account accessible via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. This EBT card, similar to a debit card, deducts the cost of eligible food items at the point of sale. A confidential Personal Identification Number (PIN) ensures secure transactions. To gain a comprehensive understanding of SNAP and the application process, interactive learning modules are available to guide you.
Eligibility for SNAP is determined by specific income limits that adjust based on household size. Detailed information regarding Net Monthly Income, Gross Monthly Income, and Maximum SNAP Allotments per household size can be found in our dedicated income eligibility section.
Eligibility Income Limits
Guidance & Procedures
Screening for Eligibility & Applying
Key Points to Note:
- For most new SNAP applicants and those recertifying, an interview with a benefit program specialist may be necessary.
- During your SNAP interview, ensure you bring proof of identity, such as a driver’s license or photo ID, and documentation verifying your residence, income, resources, and housing expenses.
- A manual SNAP application is only considered complete once it is signed and received by your local department of social services.
- College students enrolled at least part-time may also qualify for SNAP benefits – explore specific eligibility criteria for students.
- Applications for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or General Relief (GR) are automatically considered applications for SNAP, unless you specifically opt out.
- Households where all members receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can apply for SNAP at their local Social Security office.
Flyers/Brochures
Forms
Related Links
SNAP Employment & Training Program (SNAP E&T)
SNAP Income Eligibility Limits
The following chart outlines the income eligibility standards and maximum allotments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for the federal fiscal year 2025, effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Meeting certain criteria is essential to qualify for SNAP and receive benefits. In the majority of cases, households must satisfy both the gross and net income limits detailed below to be eligible for SNAP benefits.
Gross income refers to a household’s total income before any deductions, excluding specific income types.
Net income is calculated as gross income minus allowable deductions.
The total SNAP benefit amount a household receives monthly is termed an allotment. SNAP benefits are designed to supplement a household’s food budget, recognizing that households are typically expected to contribute about 30 percent of their resources towards food. The allotment is calculated by multiplying the household’s net monthly income by 0.3 and subtracting this figure from the maximum monthly allotment for the corresponding household size.
Households where all members receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or other forms of general assistance may be automatically considered “categorically eligible” for SNAP. This is because eligibility for these programs often implies meeting the income and resource criteria for SNAP.
Furthermore, “broad-based categorical eligibility” (BBCE) may extend SNAP eligibility to households where at least one member receives or is authorized to receive a TANF-funded service that benefits the entire household.
To apply for SNAP, you can utilize the online portal CommonHelp, call 833-522-5582, or visit your local department of social services.
SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM INCOME ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS AND MAXIMUM ALLOTMENTS
OCT. 1, 2024, TO SEPT. 30, 2025
*Federal Poverty Level (FPL) *Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE)
| Household Size | Non-BBCE Net Monthly Income (100% FPL) | Non-BBCE Gross Monthly Income (130% FPL) | BBCE Gross Monthly Income (200% FPL) | Maximum SNAP Allotments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,255 | $1,632 | $2,510 | $292 |
| 2 | $1,704 | $2,215 | $3,407 | $536 |
| 3 | $2,152 | $2,798 | $4,303 | $768 |
| 4 | $2,600 | $3,380 | $5,200 | $975 |
| 5 | $3,049 | $3,963 | $6,097 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $3,497 | $4,546 | $6,993 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $3,945 | $5,129 | $7,890 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $4,394 | $5,712 | $8,787 | $1,756 |
| Each additional member | $449 | $583 | $897 | $220 |
For detailed information on SNAP eligibility criteria, please refer to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s webpages: SNAP FY 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustments, SNAP Eligibility and Income Eligibility Standards.
SNAP Legal Basis
- Federal Legal Base – Food and Nutrition Act of 2008
- Federal Regulation Base – 7 CFR, 271 through 283
- State Legal Base – Code of Virginia, Section 63.2-801
SNAP Online Shopping
Changes To SNAP Work Requirements
[ DID YOU KNOW COLLEGE STUDENTS CAN QUALIFY FOR SNAP?
CLICK TO LEARN MORE ](https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/snapcollege.cgi)
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