SNAP / Food Stamps
Apply for SNAP online at CommonHelp
Since the start of the Covid pandemic, SNAP recipients have gotten extra benefits in the middle of each month on top of their standard benefits. This will be ending after February 2023. Learn what you need to do.
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.
- Food Stamps information line: 703-228-1324
- Learn more about SNAP:
Eligibility
- 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 $2,250/elderly, disabled $3,500 (effective 10/2017)
SNAP Household Maximum Monthly Income Limits
| Household Size |
Monthly Gross Income |
| 1 |
$ 1,396 |
| 2 |
$1,888 |
| 3 |
$2,379 |
| 4 |
$2,871 |
| 5 |
$3,363 |
| 6 |
$3,855 |
| 7 |
$4,347 |
| 8 |
$4,839 |
| Each Additional |
+$492 |
Expires Sept 20 2022
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 |
$ 1,074 |
| 2 |
$1,452 |
| 3 |
$1,830 |
| 4 |
$2,209 |
| 5 |
$2,587 |
| 6 |
$2,965 |
| 7 |
$3,344 |
| 8 |
$3,722 |
| Each Additional |
+$379 |
How to Apply
Apply for SNAP online at CommonHelp
Call DSS Call Center 855-635-4370 or download the forms from Virginia DSS
or
Apply in person or
via mail to: Bureau of Assistance Programs
2100 Washington Boulevard, 1st Floor
Arlington, VA 22204
or
Call 703-228-1350 to have an application mailed to you; fax completed application to 703-228-1011
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)