Special SNAP Services in Virginia

Virginia offers special SNAP services for residents facing emergencies, disasters, or other specific circumstances. These programs include expedited processing for urgent needs, disaster relief, and simplified applications for seniors.

Expedited SNAP (Emergency Processing)

Virginia provides “expedited” SNAP to get benefits to households with little or no money within seven days, much faster than the standard 30-day processing time. This service exists to prevent hunger when a family’s financial situation prevents them from buying food immediately.

Eligibility is for households with under $150 in gross monthly income and under $100 in resources. Households whose shelter costs exceed their income and resources, or certain migrant farm-worker households with very low resources, also qualify. Apply via CommonHelp, phone, or a local office and answer the screening questions.

If the criteria are met, the local Department of Social Services will issue the first month’s benefits within seven days. You can find more details on expedited service online.

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

D-SNAP provides short-term food benefits after a major disaster declaration. It helps households that do not normally receive SNAP or need extra assistance due to disaster-related costs, such as home damage or lost income. The program is only activated in specific, federally-declared disaster areas.

For example, the USDA approved Virginia to operate D-SNAP in eight counties following Tropical Storm Helene. To be eligible, you must live in a designated disaster area, meet the federal Disaster Gross Income Limit, and have incurred disaster-related expenses or losses.

Applications must be submitted in person at temporary sites announced by the state during a limited period. You will need to bring identification and proof of address. Check for current D-SNAP activations and details.

SNAP Replacement Of Food Destroyed In A Disaster

Current SNAP households can replace benefits used to buy food that was later destroyed in a household misfortune. This includes food spoilage from long power outages after a storm. The service allows families to recover the value of the food they lost.

Any SNAP household that loses food in a misfortune is eligible. During declared disasters, like the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, the normal 10-day reporting deadline may be extended for affected counties. This policy helps families focus on immediate safety without worrying about short deadlines.

To request a replacement, you must file Form DSNAP-1 or a written statement with your local DSS office within the specified timeframe. Benefits are re-issued to your EBT card once the claim is approved. Check for current waiver notices.

Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)

The Elderly Simplified Application Project, or ESAP, streamlines the SNAP process for older Virginians. It aims to remove paperwork barriers by waiving the interview requirement, allowing for simplified verification of information, and granting a longer three-year certification period for benefits.

To qualify, every member of the household must be aged 60 or older and have no earned income. The program is designed specifically for households with stable, non-wage income sources, making recertification easier and less frequent for seniors on a fixed income.

Apply using the shortened ESAP application through the CommonHelp portal or your local DSS office. Recertifications are handled automatically unless your household information changes. You can learn more about ESAP online.

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Virginia

Once approved for SNAP benefits, you need to understand how to use them effectively, including what you can buy and where.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

An Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is how you receive and spend SNAP benefits. It works just like a debit card. Your monthly food assistance funds are loaded onto the card, replacing the old paper food stamp system with a secure, electronic method.

At an authorized store, you swipe the card at checkout and enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN). The purchase amount is then deducted from your SNAP account balance, similar to a debit transaction from a bank account.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

SNAP benefits are for purchasing staple food items for your household. This covers most groceries you would prepare at home. Eligible purchases include:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Dairy products

• Breads and cereals

• Non-alcoholic beverages

However, some items cannot be bought with SNAP. These restrictions cover non-food goods and items meant for immediate consumption. Ineligible items include:

• Alcoholic beverages and tobacco

• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements

• Hot foods sold ready-to-eat

• Non-food items like pet food or cleaning supplies

Where Can You Use Your EBT Card?

In Virginia, your EBT card is accepted at most major grocery stores, superstores, and corner stores. Look for the Quest® logo or a sign that says “EBT Accepted Here” at the store entrance or checkout lane to confirm they take SNAP payments before you start shopping.

Many farmers’ markets across the state also accept EBT, offering a great way to buy fresh, local foods. Participating markets will have a central point where you can swipe your card to get tokens or vouchers to spend at individual stalls that sell eligible food items.

You can also use your EBT card to buy groceries online from approved retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and others for delivery or pickup. SNAP funds cover the cost of eligible food, but they cannot be used to pay for delivery fees or other non-food charges.

Download Benny for Free and Earn Cash Back on EBT

With the Benny app, you can stretch your budget by earning cash back on groceries at stores like Target, Walmart, and Dollar Tree. You can also get money back from services you use often, such as Uber and Lyft, helping you save on everyday expenses.

Download Benny for free. Connect your EBT card and earn cashback as you shop.