Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP is designed to reduce hunger and increase food security by providing supplemental financial assistance to eligible individuals and families who need help with buying nutritious food.
SNAP funds can be used by recipients like cash to buy eligible food items from authorized retailers. Authorized retailers will display either the Quest logo or a picture of a Virginia EBT card.
To learn more about SNAP, please visit the Virginia Department of Social Services website. For additional information, please call the Customer Contact Center at (757) 385-4306.
Protect Yourself From Scams
SNAP recipients should take steps to protect themselves from criminals who may attempt to steal your EBT card number and/or PIN. The Virginia Department of Social Services unable to replace stolen funds when scams occur.
Please review the Virginia Department of Social Services webpage for best practices to keep your card information secure and what steps to take if you believe your information has been compromised.
You can apply for SNAP benefits at the Department of Human Services.
There are 3 steps:
- First, submit an application
- Online at CommonHelp.Virginia.gov
- In person at 3432 Virginia Beach Blvd. OR the Housing Resource Center, 104 N. Witchduck Rd., Suite 316
- Over the phone at (855) 635-4370
- By mail, after requesting a paper application be mailed to you by calling (757) 385-4306 and returning it to our offices at 3432 Virginia Beach Blvd. OR the Housing Resource Center, 104 N. Witchduck Rd., Suite 316
- Second, supply all needed verifications:
- Social security numbers for ALL household members
- Identification for applicant
- Current medical bills if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or are over age 60
- Verification of:
- Income/Benefits/Child Support
- Residence
- Termination of employment (need date, reason, amount of last pay)
- Then complete an interview if applying for SNAP or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Applications are accepted at any time in person, electronically or by mail. No interviews are required at this time.
If all interview slots are filled or you cannot stay for your interview, you have the option to complete and leave a signed and dated application with us. If applying for SNAP or TANF, you may need to return another day to complete the application interview process; an appointment day and time will be scheduled for you.
If applying for TANF or General Relief, the application is also considered for SNAP benefits.
If you are age 18 to 50 and able to work, you may be subject to a work requirement in order to receive SNAP.
You may be exempt from this work requirement if you are currently working or participating in an approved work program; responsible for the care of a child; pregnant; medically certified as unable to work; or meet one of several work registration exemption reasons or live in an exempt locality.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are issued by way of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT). You will receive a card which works at the grocery store like a debit card.
The benefits are deposited into an account which is accessed via the credit card/debit card machine at the check-out line in the grocery store. After the SNAP card holder swipes the card and enters a personal identification number (PIN), the amount of the purchase is deducted from the account.
The SNAP card holder receives a receipt showing the amount of the purchase and the balance on the account. An authorized representatives for the SNAP card holder receives a separate card and has unlimited access to the account.
An authorized representative of a SNAP card holder will receive a separate card and has unlimited access to the account.
What can be bought with an EBT card?
You can use the EBT card (or SNAP) to buy food or seeds and plants to grow food in your home garden. You cannot use SNAP to buy:
- Alcoholic beverages or tobacco
- Hot foods ready for immediate consumption or foods to be eaten on the store premises
- Pet foods
- Soap or paper products or other non-food items
Using the EBT card at the store
- Know your balance before you go shopping
- Use the new mobile app to manage your account
- Check your last receipt
- Go to www.ebt.acs-inc.com
- Call Customer Service at 1 (866) 281-2448
- Look for the "QUEST" logo where you shop. Authorized EBT retailers will display either the Quest Logo or a picture of the Virginia EBT Card. If you are not sure if the store accepts the Virginia EBT card, ask the clerk before you begin shopping.
- At checkout, tell the cashier that you are using the Virginia EBT card.
- Separate your non-food items from your food items. The EBT card cannot be used for non-food items.
- Check to make sure the total amount entered is correct.
- If you need to spend more than the balance left in your account, you can pay the rest in cash. Let the cashier know if you want to use cash.
- Enter your 4-diget PIN on the PIN pad.
- The machine prints a receipt showing your beginning balance, the amount you spent and the remaining balance in your account.
- Always keep your receipt so that you know your balance the next time you shop.
When should I call the Customer Service help desk?
Call if:
- You receive your new Virginia EBT card and need to choose a PIN
- You want to change your PIN
- Your card is ever lost, stolen or damaged and you need to replace it
- Someone is using your Virginia EBT card without your approval and you need to report it
- You need to find out your balance
- You need help or have questions about your Virginia EBT card or account
Customer Service
(866) 281-2448
www.ebt.acs-inc.com
For more information, contact Jayne Scholl, (757) 385-3229
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (SNAPET) is a voluntary program designed to assist SNAP participants in becoming self-sufficient.
For more information please (757) 385-3201
Eligibility Requirements
- Currently receiving SNAP (food stamps)
- City of Virginia Beach resident
- Currently seeking employment
Participation Benefits
- Job readiness evaluation and referral to services that may enhance employability
- Work experience
- Transportation assistance
- Funding for job related expenses
- Funding for education and training
- Federal bonding services for returning citizens
- Additional "need-specific" supportive services are available
Priority services are given to those convicted of a recent or past misdemeanor or felony.
Additional requirements may be determined by your caseworker. Benefits are based on funding and distributed as needed.