SNAP / Food Stamps
Apply for SNAP and Manage Your Benefits on CommonHelp
Navigate this Page:
- General Information
- Eligibility
- Monthly Income Limits
- Monthly Income Limits (Over 60 or disabled)
- How to Apply
- Documents Required
- Anti-Discrimination Policy
- More Food Assistance Resources
General Info
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides financial assistance to households with low income to buy food.
- Benefits are provided through the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) debit card that can be used at any retail store or food vendor authorized by the USDA.
- The EBT debit card is credited monthly with the food stamp benefit, which is based on income and household size.
- An application with name, signature and date starts the application process. Contact information is also necessary.
- SNAP information line: 703-228-1324
Eligibility
- Identification necessary
- Arlington Resident
- U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant
- Social security number for all eligible household members or proof of application before certification
- A face-to-face interview may be required, however a phone interview in most situations is adequate
- Resource levels usually do not apply for this program
- Each participant is assessed for time-limited benefits
SNAP Household Maximum Monthly Income Limits
| Household Size |
Monthly Gross Income |
| 1 |
$2,430 |
| 2 |
$3,287 |
| 3 |
$4,143 |
| 4 |
$5,000 |
| 5 |
$5,857 |
| 6 |
$6,713 |
| 7 |
$7,570 |
| 8 |
$8,427 |
| Each Additional |
+ $857 |
Expires October 2024
Separate income limits apply to households with a member over 60 years of age or who is disabled.
Household Maximum Monthly Income Limits (over 60 or disabled)
| Household Size |
Monthly Net Income |
| 1 |
$1,215 |
| 2 |
$1,664 |
| 3 |
$2,072 |
| 4 |
$2,500 |
| 5 |
$2,929 |
| 6 |
$3,357 |
| 7 |
$3,785 |
| 8 |
$4,214 |
| Each Additional |
+ $429 |
How to Apply
OR
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All people interested in the SNAP program must, by law, be told the following:
• You may obtain an application at our office or we will mail one to you the same day of the request
• You are encouraged to file an application the same day you contact the agency
• You may return the application to the agency either by mail, in person, via fax, or electronically to the extent that the agency can receive the application
• The processing time and amount of benefits you will receive, if your household is eligible, will depend on the application date
• Benefits the first month are prorated
• Separate rules exist for the SNAP Program and other programs, so you should apply even if other programs have limitations on the receipt of benefits
Above information also available on the SNAP line at (703) 228-1324.
• Agency may be blind tested to ensure we provide client with the above information
• An application received outside of 2100 Washington Blvd., 1st Floor, must be faxed immediately to (703)228-1011
• If applicant is homeless, offer to leave application and program information at the reception desk at 2100 Washington Blvd., 1st Floor, for them to pick up
Documents Required
- Complete Department of Social Services Application for Benefits
- Verification of citizenship or eligible immigrant status
- Proof of identity
- Verification of residency
- Verification of all household income
- Verification of household assets
- Social Security number or proof of application for all members in household
Anti-Discrimination Policy
The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) and local social services offices, in accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion or political beliefs. The VDSS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) works to ensure civil rights by:
- Upholding equal access and opportunity to participate in social service programs
- Investigating allegations of discrimination
- Conducting compliance reviews of local socials service offices
- Providing guidelines and resources to both the general public and to VDSS local offices
Guidance & Procedures:
- Declaracion de no discriminacion (PDF)
- Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
- How to File a Civil Rights Complaint (PDF)
- Legal Authorities (PDF)
More Food Assistance Resources