The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, in Virginia is passing out extra benefits to people who need food assistance. These additional benefits are being given out at different times depending on the last digit of the recipient’s Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card number. People are getting between $95 and $281 extra per person. The extra benefits are available until further notice. Those who receive benefits on the first through third day of the month received their extra allotment in January. Others whose card numbers end with 4–6 will get their money on Feb. 11. And those ending with 7–9 will get extra benefits on Feb. 23. For more details, call Virginia’s customer service line at 855-635-4300.
Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS): Eligibility and Application
The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is responsible for administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as food stamps, in the state of Virginia. To be eligible for SNAP benefits, households must meet certain income and asset limits. The eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Income: Gross income must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. For a household of one person, this means an income of $1,791 or less per month. For a household of four, the income limit is $3,729 per month.
- Assets: Households can have up to $2,500 in countable assets, such as cash, bank accounts, and stocks. However, vehicles and homes are not counted as assets.
- Work requirements: Able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 49 without dependents must meet work requirements to receive SNAP benefits. They must work at least 20 hours per week or participate in a workfare program.
Households that meet the eligibility criteria can apply for SNAP benefits online or at their local VDSS office. The application process typically takes 30 days, but it can take longer if additional information is needed.
Once approved, SNAP benefits are issued on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. The EBT card can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
| VDSS Headquarters | Local VDSS Offices |
|---|---|
| 800-332-6300 | Find your local VDSS office: VDSS Local Offices |
Emergency Allotments: Continuation and Disbursement Schedule
The federal government has extended the Emergency Allotments (EA) program for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps, through September 2023. These additional benefits are designed to help individuals and families struggling with food insecurity amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Let’s explore the details of the EA program and when you can expect to receive these extra benefits in Virginia.
Emergency Allotments (EA) Program:
- The EA program provides supplemental SNAP benefits to all current SNAP households, regardless of their benefit amount.
- The additional benefits are based on household size and are intended to bring all SNAP households up to the maximum benefit level.
- These extra benefits are added to recipients’ existing SNAP benefits on their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
Disbursement Schedule:
The disbursement schedule for the EA benefits in Virginia is as follows:
| Month | Disbursement Date | Benefit Amount |
|---|---|---|
| March 2023 | March 10, 2023 | $95 per person |
| April 2023 | April 10, 2023 | $95 per person |
| May 2023 | May 10, 2023 | $95 per person |
| June 2023 | June 10, 2023 | $95 per person |
| July 2023 | July 10, 2023 | $95 per person |
| August 2023 | August 10, 2023 | $95 per person |
| September 2023 | September 10, 2023 | $95 per person |
Please note that the disbursement dates may vary slightly depending on your county. Contact your local Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) office for more information.
To ensure you receive the EA benefits, make sure your SNAP case is active and you have a valid EBT card. If you have questions or need assistance with your SNAP benefits, reach out to your local VDSS office or visit the Virginia Department of Social Services website.
Budget and Allocations: State and Federal Funding
In the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, is a vital resource for households struggling with food insecurity. The funding for SNAP in Virginia comes from a combination of state and federal sources, ensuring that eligible individuals and families have access to nutritious and affordable food.
1. Federal Funding:
- The majority of SNAP funding in Virginia comes from the federal government through the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).
- The federal government sets the overall funding level for SNAP nationwide, which is then allocated to states based on their population and poverty rates.
- The federal government also provides additional funding for specific SNAP initiatives, such as the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program.
2. State Funding:
- The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is responsible for administering the SNAP program in the state.
- The state provides funding to cover administrative costs associated with running the program, such as staffing, outreach, and eligibility determination.
- The state may also provide additional funding to supplement the federal SNAP benefits, although this is not required.
The following table provides a breakdown of the SNAP budget in Virginia for the fiscal year 2023:
| Source of Funding | Amount |
|---|---|
| Federal Funding (USDA FNS) | $2.46 billion |
| State Funding (VDSS) | $176.5 million |
| Total SNAP Budget | $2.64 billion |
The combined state and federal funding ensures that SNAP remains a robust and comprehensive program, reaching a significant portion of Virginia’s population in need of food assistance.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP, previously known as Food Stamps, is a federal nutrition assistance program that temporarily provides extra nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. This program helps them buy nutritious food at authorized stores and retail locations.
To be eligible for SNAP, you must meet all citizenship, residency, resource, and income requirements. U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, and specific types of non-citizens may be eligible for SNAP.
Program Overview and Guidelines
- SNAP benefits are issued on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that works like a debit card. You can use your EBT card to purchase eligible food items at authorized retail locations.
- SNAP benefits are based on your household size and income. The amount of benefits you receive will vary depending on these factors.
- To apply for SNAP, you must submit an application to your local SNAP office. You can find your local SNAP office by visiting the USDA website or contacting your local Department of Social Services.
- Once you have completed the application process, a SNAP caseworker will determine your eligibility and benefit amount. You will be notified of the decision in writing.
Income Eligibility Guidelines
The following table shows the income eligibility guidelines for SNAP in Virginia for a family of four as of August 2023:
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income | Net Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,694 | $1,303 |
| 2 | $2,265 | $1,704 |
| 3 | $2,837 | $2,105 |
| 4 | $3,408 | $2,506 |
| 5 | $3,980 | $2,907 |
| 6 | $4,551 | $3,308 |
| 7 | $5,123 | $3,709 |
| 8 | $5,694 | $4,110 |
Well, folks, that’s all there is to know about the extra food stamps in Virginia this month. I hope you found this information helpful. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to your local Virginia Department of Social Services office. Thanks for reading, and be sure to visit again later for more helpful insights and updates on all things Virginia. Take care!