SNAP is an anti-hunger program that provides low-income households with nutrition benefits to supplement their monthly food budget. In Virginia, SNAP is administered by the Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS) and determines eligibility for the program. Benefits are distributed into SNAP accounts each month, according to the same monthly schedule. February’s SNAP payments are only sent out over three days.
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Eligibility for SNAP in Virginia is determined by household size, income and certain expenses. You can check to see if you’re eligible or apply for SNAP benefits through CommonHelp, an online benefits portal, or fill out a paper application. Select “Application for Benefits” under the forms section and return it to your local department of social services.
Once approved for SNAP, your household will receive a Virginia EBT card. EBT cards look like debit cards and allow SNAP participants to pay for food using their monthly benefits.
Benefits are sent out on the first, fourth and seventh of every month, according to the last digit of your case number. Benefits are added at 12:01 AM on your scheduled date, even on weekends or holidays.
Here is when you can expect your February 2023 SNAP payments in Virginia:
| Case number ends in: | Benefits available: |
| 0-3 | Feb. 1st |
| 4-5 | Feb. 4th |
| 6-9 | Feb. 7th |
Once your Virginia EBT card is loaded with your monthly benefits, you can purchase eligible food items from authorized retailers displaying either the Quest logo or a picture of a Virginia EBT card. SNAP can be used on most foods for the household, as well as seeds and plants which produce food to eat. Benefits cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, minerals, supplements or any other nonfood items.
EBT cards come with additional perks, too. For example, Virginia SNAP recipients can sign up for an Amazon Prime EBT discounted subscription for 50% off, which is $6.99 per month. Your EBT card can also be used for free or discounted admission to hundreds of museums, aquariums and zoos nationwide via the Museums For All initiative. Virginia also participates in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), allowing certain individuals receiving SNAP to use their EBT card to purchase prepared meals from participating restaurants.
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Your Virginia EBT card can also be used online. Select your state to find participating online retailers. EBT cards can be used to purchase food at participating farmers’ markets across the state. Look for farmers’ markets that offer “Virginia Fresh Match“, which matches each SNAP dollar you spend.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Virginia SNAP Benefits: When Are February Food Stamps Scheduled?
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