The former federal food stamp program is now the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as the Food Stamp program, offers assistance to low-income families in the United States. The U.S. Department of Agriculture administers the program and, in Virginia, it operates under the Virginia Department of Social Services. Families with SNAP benefits receive an electronic card, like a debit card, for purchasing approved items.
Application Process
The SNAP application process consists of filling out a form, interviewing with agency representatives, either by phone or in person, and waiting for verification of the information. According to the SNAP program's manual, the agency must act quickly on all applications and provide retroactive benefits to the month of application. Prior to application in Virginia, potential SNAP participants are encouraged to participate in a survey to determine their eligibility for the program. The survey asks questions such as "How many people live in your household?" "Where do you live?" "How much money does your household earn each month?" and "How many people are 60 years of age or older or permanently disabled in your household?"
Work Requirements
Virginia applicants between the ages of 18 and 50, depending on their ability to work, may face limited SNAP benefits. Individuals able to work may receive only three months of benefits in a 36-month period, though extensions are available depending on circumstances. Exemptions to this requirement include those who are pregnant, a primary caregiver to a child, a member of an approved work program, doctor-certified as unable to work, or living in an exempt location.
Purchase Qualifications
Food bought with SNAP funds is exempt from state sales tax, but the user must pay tax in cash on the value of manufacturer's coupons. There are limitations of the types of items you can purchase using SNAP benefits. According to the Virginia Department of Social Services, these include water and ice, snack foods, baby formula, diabetic and diet foods, vegetable seeds and food-producing plants, and "food or food products meant to be eaten by people." Items ineligible for purchase with SNAP benefits include alcohol and tobacco, pet foods, medicines, vitamins or minerals, cleaning products, and prepared foods meant for consumption at the store.
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