Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are now issued by way of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT). You will receive a card which works at the grocery store like a debit card. The benefits are deposited into an account which is accessed via the credit card/debit card machine at the check-out line in the grocery store. After the SNAP card holder swipes the card and enters a personal identification number (PIN), the amount of the purchase is deducted from the account. The SNAP card holder receives a receipt showing the amount of the purchase and the balance on the account. An authorized representatives for the SNAP card holder receives a separate card and has unlimited access to the account.
SNAP (FOOD STAMP) BENEFITS – IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Beginning September 1, 2012, your monthly SNAP benefits will be put on your cad according to this schedule:
Case Number |
September 2012 |
October 2012 and after |
Case numbers ending in 0, 1, 2, or 3 |
1st Day of the Month |
1st Day of the Month |
Case numbers ending in 4 or 5 |
4th Day of the Month |
4th Day of the Month |
Case numbers ending in 6 or 7 |
4th Day of the Month |
7th Day of the Month |
Case numbers ending in 8 or 9 |
4th Day of the Month |
9th Day of the Month |
Benefits are added at 12:01 AM on the date above, even if that date falls on a weekend or holiday.
- Virginia is one of only nine states to issue Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly known as food stamps, once a month. The new process will expand the issuance of benefits to four times each month.
- The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) sent letters to all current SNAP customers in Virginia explaining the new schedule.
- Staggering the issuance of (SNAP) benefits ensures access to healthy and affordable foods for Virginians enrolled in the program.
- VDSS is phasing in this change over a two-month period to help SNAP recipients adjust to the new schedule.
- SNAP/EBT Cards will now be reloaded on either the first, fourth, seventh or ninth of each month depending on the last digit of the SNAP recipients’ case number. The case number is a 7 digit number identified as "Case Number" found on correspondence mailed from Virginia Beach Human Services. It is NOT the 16 digit number on the front of your Virginia EBT card or Cardinal Card.
- Both VDSS and Virginia’s Local Departments of Social Services (LDSS) are working closely with community organizations and food banks in preparation for the transition months of September and October. Individuals and families adjusting to the new SNAP benefit schedule are encouraged to use local Food Banks.
- For more information, please visit www.dss.virginia.gov and click on SNAP Changes Coming or email SNAPstaggering@dss.virginia.gov
How can a person apply?
You can apply for SNAP benefits at the department of Human Services and there are 3 steps:
- You must submit an application
- You must supply needed verifications (listed below)
- You will need to have an interview if applying for SNAP or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Applications are accepted at any time in person, electronically or by mail. Face-to-face interviews, if needed, will be scheduled each day by appointment. You also have the option to have a telephone interview.
If all interview slots are filled or you cannot stay for your interview, you have the option to complete and leave a signed and dated application with us. If applying for SNAP or TANF, you may need to return another day to complete the application interview process; an appointment day and time will be scheduled for you.
If applying for TANF or General Relief (GR), the application is also considered for SNAP benefits.
Verifications Needed When Applying for SNAP, TANF, Families & Children Medicaid and/or Adult & Long Term Care Medicaid
SNAP
- Social security numbers for ALL household members
- Identification for applicant
- Current medical bills if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or are over age 60
- Verification of:
- Income/Benefits/Child Support
- Residence
- Termination of employment (need date, reason, amount of last pay)
TANF
- Birth certificates for children
- Social security numbers for ALL applicants
- Verification of:
- Residence
- Income/Benefits/Child Support/Child Care
- Marriage/Divorce
Families and Children Medicaid
- Social Security numbers for ALL applicants
- Other insurance cards
- Verification of:
- All Income/Benefits/Child Support
- Pregnancy
Adult and Long term Care Medicaid
- Social security number for self and spouse
- Proof of citizenship and identity (unless you receive SSI, SSDI or Medicare)
- Medicare card and all health insurance cards
- Medical bills/receipts for the last three months
- Verification of:
- All Income/Benefits for you and spouse
- Resources (bank accounts, property, life insurance) for you and spouse
- Health insurance Premiums
NOTE: this list may not include everything you need. You will be given a checklist and time frame for returning all necessary verifications.
Work requirements to receive food stamps
If you are age 18 to 50 and able to work, you may be subject to a work requirement in order to receive SNAP. You may be exempt from this work requirement if you are currently working or participating in an approved work program; responsible for the care of a child; pregnant; medically certified as unable to work; meet one of several work registration exemption reasons or live in an exempt locality.
To learn more about SNAP, visit the Virginia Department of Social Services Web site: click here.
For additional information, contact Jayne Scholl, (757) 385-3229