The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Virginia, also known as the Food Stamp program, is a government program that provides financial assistance to low-income households to purchase nutritious food. The program aims to help families and individuals transition out of poverty and combat hunger. Participants in the program use coupons and Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to purchase qualified foods at authorized retail food outlets. This program is intended to help low-income families and individuals have access to nutritious food and improve their overall well-being.
Ensure Your Eligibility Before SNAP Benefits Application
Before applying for SNAP benefits in Virginia, it’s required to guarantee your eligibility for its application.
- Income requirements
- Citizen requirements
- Live in Virginia;
- Be a U.S. citizen or meet certain requirements if you are an immigrant
If you meet the following requirements, you will qualify for Expedited Service:
- 1) your gross monthly income must be less than $150 and liquid resources $100 or less;
- 2) your monthly shelter bills must be higher than your household’s gross monthly income plus your liquid resources;
- or 3) someone in your household must be a migrant or seasonal farmworker with little or no income and resources.
If Your household qualifies for Expedited Service, you can receive SNAP benefits within 7 days if you are eligible. If you are not qualified for Expedited Service, your application will be processed within 30 days.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Virginia
Virginia citizens are allowed to apply for SNAP in three ways, online, in person, and in writing.
Online
Visit the official website https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/access/ to apply for SNAP online.
Phone
Apply for SNAP over the phone by calling 855-635-4370.
In Person
Take the application form to your local department of social services (LDSS). This method for SNAP application isn’t suggested during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Fax
Mail or fax the application to your LDSS.
How to Use SNAP Benefits?
You can purchase nutritious food for their households, including seeds or plants to grow their own food. However, certain items such as hot food ready to be eaten in the store, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, soap, paper products, or other non-food items are not permitted to be purchased with SNAP benefits.You can also buy food items online, but it’s important to note that SNAP benefits cannot be used to pay for fees such as delivery, service, or convenience fees.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Virginia from a Phone
It’s the easiest to apply for SNAP or other programs when a smartphone is used. FAX app is capable of changing a phone into a fax machine allowing users to fill, sign and send SNAP application form anytime and anywhere.
- Step 1. Download FAX app and install it on your device, iOS or Android.
- Step 2. Finish filling your SNAP application form and scan it with the webcam on your phone.
- Step 3. Sign your SNAP application form, add a cover sheet, edit and preview your fax document.
- Step 4. Fill in the fax number and tap the “Send” button to complete faxing.
Related Articles: