Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that 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, which is based on income and household size.
To apply online, visit CommonHelp. You may also visit the Arlington County Department of Human Services (DHS) at 2100 Washington Blvd., 1st Floor, Arlington, VA 22204 to request an application or receive assistance completing your application in-person. You may also call 703-228-1350 and we will mail one to you the same day. We encourage you to file an application the same day that you contact us. You may return the application in person to the address above, by email at dhs@arlingtonva.us, by fax at 703-228-1011, or by mail at the address above. You may also file an application through the Virginia Department of Social Services Call Center at 1-855-635-4370.
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.
Individuals may be eligible for SNAP if they meet the following qualifications:
- Have a gross household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
- Are US citizens, legal permanent residents for at least 5 years or other qualified legal immigrants
- Children who are U.S. citizens or eligible immigrants may be eligible even if the parents are not.
- Meet the SNAP work requirement or meet an exemption
- Abled-bodied adults (aged 18-64) without dependents under age 14 in the home must work, volunteer, or participate in an employment or education program for 20 hours or more a week.
- Individuals who are over age 60 or are disabled may be eligible even if their gross income exceeds 200% FPL. In this case, their net income after allowable expenses are deducted must be below 100% FPL and their available funds below the resource limit.
SNAP Household Maximum Monthly Income Limits
| Household Size |
Monthly Gross Income |
| 1 |
$2,608 |
| 2 |
$3,525 |
| 3 |
$4,442 |
| 4 |
$5,359 |
| 5 |
$6,278 |
| 6 |
$7,192 |
| 7 |
$8,109 |
| 8 |
$9,025 |
| Each Additional |
+ $916 |
Expires September 30, 2026
NOTE: some cases may be screened under 130% FPL income levels instead of the 200% FPL income levels.
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 |
$1,305 |
| 2 |
$1,763 |
| 3 |
$2,221 |
| 4 |
$2,680 |
| 5 |
$3,138 |
| 6 |
$3,596 |
| 7 |
$4,055 |
| 8 |
$4,513 |
| Each Additional |
+ $459 |
Online
- Go to CommonHelp to register, apply for assistance, renew existing benefits, or report changes in your situation.
Apply In-Person
OR
You may also file an application through the State Department of Social Services Call Center at 1-855-635-4370.
Application Process
- DHS staff contact applicant for verification documents after initial review. Documents must be provided within 30 days.
- Interview to confirm provided information.
- Verification of citizenship or immigrant status
- Proof of identity
- Verification of residency and housing expenses
- Verification of all household income
- Verification of recurring standard household expenses, including utilities and child care
- Social Security number for all members in the household applying for benefits
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 (USDA page)
- Legal Authorities (PDF)
Applying for or receiving SNAP food assistance does not make you a public charge and will not be considered in a public charge determination. Applying for or receiving SNAP will not affect your ability to:
- Remain in the United States
- Get a Green Card/Permanent Legal Resident Status
- Keep a Green Card/Permanent Legal Resident Status
- Become a U.S. Citizen
You can also apply for SNAP on behalf of the eligible immigrants or U.S. citizens in your family, even if you do not want to apply for benefits for yourself, without affecting your or their immigration status.
Browse a comprehensive list of free food and food assistance resources available to community members including food pantries, meals on wheels, public assistance programs and more.
Food Assistance and Free Food Resources in Arlington