# SNAP in Virginia

[Benefits guides](/benefits/)

This Virginia SNAP guide covers who qualifies under current federal income limits, how much you could receive, and exactly where to apply, online and in person.

      Program nameSNAP
      Run byVirginia Department of Social Services (locally administered)
      Apply online[CommonHelp](https://commonhelp.virginia.gov)
      Apply in personyour local department of social services
      Figures current forOctober 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027

## How to apply in Virginia

Apply online through [CommonHelp](https://commonhelp.virginia.gov) or in person at your local department of social services. You can also check the [USDA SNAP state directory](https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory) for the official application link and local office contact info.

## Income limits

Most households must pass a gross income test at 130 percent of the federal poverty level. After deductions, net income must be at or below 100 percent of poverty. These federal income guidelines decide whether your household qualifies in Virginia, and they apply to every state:

SNAP monthly income limits, FY2027 (48 states and DC)
Household sizeGross income limit (130% of poverty)Net income limit (100% of poverty)

1$1,729$1,3302$2,345$1,8043$2,960$2,2774$3,575$2,7505$4,191$3,2246$4,806$3,6977$5,421$4,1708$6,037$4,644
Each additional person+$616+$474

## How much you could get

Your monthly benefit equals the maximum allotment for your household size minus 30 percent of your net income. A household with no countable income gets the maximum. Benefits arrive monthly on an EBT card, which works like a debit card at grocery stores and farmers markets.

**Worked example:** a household of 4 with $1,000 in net monthly income takes the $1,023 maximum allotment, subtracts 30 percent of net income ($300), and gets $723 per month. With no net income, the same household gets the full $1,023.

Maximum monthly SNAP allotment, FY2027 (48 states and DC)
Household sizeMaximum monthly benefit

1 person$3062 people$5623 people$8084 people$1,0235 people$1,2176 people$1,4637 people$1,6168 people$1,841
Each additional person+$225

Minimum benefit for one- and two-person households: $25 per month. Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the Virgin Islands use higher amounts.

## Work requirements

Adults aged 18 to 64 without dependents generally must work, train, or volunteer at least 80 hours a month to keep benefits beyond 3 months in a 36-month period. Exemptions include disability, pregnancy, and caring for a child under 14. These rules were tightened under federal law signed in 2025, so check with Virginia Department of Social Services (locally administered) if you are unsure whether they apply to you.

## Track your food budget

Once you know your benefit amount, our [tip calculator](/tip-calculator/) and [discount calculator](/discount-calculator/) can help stretch grocery dollars, and the [compound interest calculator](/compound-interest/) shows what small monthly savings grow into over time.

## More states

- [**Alabama**SNAP in Alabama: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-alabama/)
- [**Alaska**SNAP in Alaska: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-alaska/)
- [**Arizona**SNAP in Arizona: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-arizona/)
- [**Arkansas**SNAP in Arkansas: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-arkansas/)
- [**California**CalFresh in California: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-california/)
- [**Colorado**SNAP in Colorado: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-colorado/)
- [**Connecticut**SNAP in Connecticut: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-connecticut/)
- [**Delaware**SNAP in Delaware: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-delaware/)
- [**District of Columbia**SNAP in District of Columbia: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-district-of-columbia/)
- [**Florida**SNAP in Florida: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-florida/)
- [**Georgia**SNAP in Georgia: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-georgia/)
- [**Hawaii**SNAP in Hawaii: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-hawaii/)
- [**Idaho**SNAP in Idaho: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-idaho/)
- [**Illinois**SNAP in Illinois: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-illinois/)
- [**Indiana**SNAP in Indiana: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-indiana/)
- [**Iowa**SNAP in Iowa: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-iowa/)
- [**Kansas**Food Assistance in Kansas: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-kansas/)
- [**Kentucky**SNAP in Kentucky: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-kentucky/)
- [**Louisiana**SNAP in Louisiana: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-louisiana/)
- [**Maine**SNAP in Maine: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-maine/)
- [**Maryland**Food Supplement Program in Maryland: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-maryland/)
- [**Massachusetts**SNAP in Massachusetts: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-massachusetts/)
- [**Michigan**Food Assistance Program in Michigan: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-michigan/)
- [**Minnesota**SNAP in Minnesota: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-minnesota/)
- [**Mississippi**SNAP in Mississippi: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-mississippi/)
- [**Missouri**SNAP in Missouri: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-missouri/)
- [**Montana**SNAP in Montana: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-montana/)
- [**Nebraska**SNAP in Nebraska: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-nebraska/)
- [**Nevada**SNAP in Nevada: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-nevada/)
- [**New Hampshire**SNAP in New Hampshire: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-new-hampshire/)
- [**New Jersey**NJ SNAP in New Jersey: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-new-jersey/)
- [**New Mexico**SNAP in New Mexico: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-new-mexico/)
- [**New York**SNAP in New York: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-new-york/)
- [**North Carolina**Food and Nutrition Services in North Carolina: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-north-carolina/)
- [**North Dakota**SNAP in North Dakota: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-north-dakota/)
- [**Ohio**SNAP in Ohio: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-ohio/)
- [**Oklahoma**SNAP in Oklahoma: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-oklahoma/)
- [**Oregon**SNAP in Oregon: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-oregon/)
- [**Pennsylvania**SNAP in Pennsylvania: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-pennsylvania/)
- [**Rhode Island**SNAP in Rhode Island: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-rhode-island/)
- [**South Carolina**SNAP in South Carolina: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-south-carolina/)
- [**South Dakota**SNAP in South Dakota: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-south-dakota/)
- [**Tennessee**SNAP in Tennessee: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-tennessee/)
- [**Texas**SNAP in Texas: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-texas/)
- [**Utah**SNAP in Utah: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-utah/)
- [**Vermont**3SquaresVT in Vermont: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-vermont/)
- [**Washington**Basic Food in Washington: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-washington/)
- [**West Virginia**SNAP in West Virginia: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-west-virginia/)
- [**Wisconsin**FoodShare in Wisconsin: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-wisconsin/)
- [**Wyoming**SNAP in Wyoming: income limits, benefit amounts, and how to apply.](/benefits/snap-wyoming/)

## Frequently asked questions

### How do I apply for SNAP in Virginia?

Apply online through CommonHelp (Virginia Department of Social Services (locally administered)). You can also apply in person at a local office or by mail. The USDA SNAP state directory links every state's official application.

### How long does SNAP approval take?

States must process most applications within 30 days. If your household has very little income or resources, you may qualify for expedited service with benefits issued within 7 days.

### How is my SNAP benefit amount calculated?

Take the maximum allotment for your household size and subtract 30 percent of your net monthly income (income after deductions). A household with no net income receives the maximum. Example: a household of 4 with $1,000 net income gets $1,023 minus $300, or $723 per month.

### Is there a SNAP benefits calculator for Virginia?

Use the formula above as your Virginia SNAP benefits calculator: maximum allotment for your household size minus 30 percent of your net monthly income. For a household of 4, that is $1,023 minus 30 percent of net income. The income limits table on this page tells you whether your household qualifies first.

### Is SNAP the same as food stamps in Virginia?

Yes. SNAP is the program formerly called food stamps. Virginia calls it SNAP, and benefits arrive on an EBT card instead of paper stamps. Income guidelines, benefit amounts, and work rules on this page all refer to the same program.

### Do I have to meet work requirements?

Adults 18 to 64 without dependents generally must work, train, or volunteer at least 80 hours a month to keep benefits beyond 3 months in a 3-year period, with exemptions for disability, pregnancy, and caregiving for a child under 14. Rules were tightened under 2025 federal law.

### Can I get SNAP if I am not a US citizen?

Eligibility is limited. Lawful permanent residents (generally after a five-year waiting period), Cuban-Haitian entrants, and COFA migrants may qualify. Undocumented immigrants are not eligible, though their US-citizen children can receive benefits.
