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Food

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for seniors in Virginia

Virginia runs SNAP through local departments of social services, with benefits on a Virginia EBT card.

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From the Virginia Department of Social Services
An older man unpacks fresh vegetables, apples and eggs in his kitchen

People 60 or older who get SNAP may also use it to buy hot meals at restaurants in the Virginia Restaurant Meals Program. Older households in Virginia's Elderly Simplified Application Project may be approved for up to three years at a time.

How to apply in Virginia

In person
Visit your local department of social services.

Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.

Apply on the official site

Who may qualify in Virginia

Who may qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Savings limit, household with someone 60+ or disabled, gross income at or under 200% of povertyNo limit

Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Administration (source 4)

Savings limit if gross income is over 200% of poverty (Oct. 2026 to Sept. 2027)$4,750

Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Administration (source 5)

Gross income limit for Virginia's broad-based categorical eligibility rule200% of the poverty level

Source: Virginia Department of Social Services (source 1)

Dates, renewals and waiting lists

Dates and renewals
How long approval can last under the Elderly Simplified Application ProjectUp to 3 years (36 months)

Source: Virginia Department of Social Services (source 1)

How Virginia is different

Where Virginia's rules differ from the federal rules for SNAP for seniors.

  • Elderly Simplified Application Project, with approvals of up to three years
  • Restaurant Meals Program: SNAP customers 60 or older, people with disabilities, and their spouses may buy hot meals at participating restaurants

Source: Virginia Department of Social Services (source 1)

Good to know

  • Starting November 1, 2026, SNAP in Virginia can't be used for sweetened carbonated drinks. Your benefit amount doesn't change.
  • Virginia's Combined Application Project for SSI recipients (VaCAP) ended June 1, 2026. Those cases move to the Elderly Simplified Application Project at the next renewal. Benefits are then based on your income and expenses instead of a fixed amount, and you may need to give more information.
  • Virginia says a 2025 federal law raised the work-rule age: adults 55 to 64 who can work may now have to work or take part in a work activity, or be limited to three months of SNAP in three years. People 65 and older are exempt.

Source: Virginia Department of Social Services (source 1)

Free help

Free help with this in Virginia

More help in Virginia

SNAP food benefits in another state

Sources

  1. Virginia Department of Social Services, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  2. Virginia Department of Social Services, Virginia Restaurant Meals Program: For Eligible Customers (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  3. Virginia Department of Social Services, SNAP Requirements FAQs (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  4. USDA Food and Nutrition Administration, Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility chart (June 2026) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  5. USDA Food and Nutrition Administration, SNAP Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information: FY 2027 standards (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.

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