SNAP Hot Food Waiver Has Ended
As of December 11, 2024, the hot food waiver that allowed SNAP recipients to use their benefits to purchase hot, ready-to-eat food at select locations in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene is no longer in effect. Recipients can still enjoy normal SNAP purchasing choices for food and grocery items. Learn more.
Virginia SUN Bucks Notice of Benefits Expiring
If you received an expungement letter about your SUN Bucks benefits expiring soon, but never received the SUN Bucks card, please call the 24/7 Virginia EBT help line at 866-281-2448. When prompted, select 1 to receive a replacement card.
Hurricane Helene Recovery Resources
If you've been impacted by Hurricane Helene, help is available through 211 Virginia. You can search 'Disaster Recovery' on 211Virginia.org or text 'Storm' to 247-211 to be connected to resources and information. For help navigating support services in your area, you can speak to a live Community Resource Specialist by calling 211 or 1-800-230-6977. This free service is here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
SNAP Interviews Return
Beginning November 1, 2024, all local departments of social services will require a face-to-face or telephone interview after you apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Be sure to check out the SNAP Interviews page for helpful tips on how to prepare for the interview. Learn more.
Deadline to Apply for Stolen SNAP Replacement Funds
The federal program that allows the Virginia Department of Social Services to replace missing or stolen SNAP EBT funds will end after Sept. 30, 2024. If your SNAP benefits were stolen from your EBT card within the last 30 days, you must take action before the Dec. 20 deadline to apply for SNAP reimbursement funds. Learn more.
Preparing for SNAP Interviews
When applying for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, be sure to check the SNAP Interviews page that has helpful tips on how to prepare for the interview, including where it will take place (in person or by phone), what you'll be asked (what are your expenses and income), and what you'll need to bring with you (personal identification, utility bills). Learn more.
Survey Results of the Virginia Community Engagement Index (VCEI) Are In
VDSS is excited to share the launch of the Virginia Community Engagement Index! Earlier this year, Serve Virginia launched a comprehensive, first-of-its-kind study to understand the state of service, volunteerism, and civic action in Virginia, as well as identify community priorities on the state and local levels. Read the survey findings.
Real Stories of Adoption & Foster Care
Virginians share their true stories of adoption, foster care, and reunification. These stories all share a common theme - families were strengthened through foster care and adoption. If you would like to share a personal story of adoption or foster care, please email public.affairs@dss.virginia.gov. Read the stories.
Benefit Expungement
A change in federal regulations has occurred and any SNAP or P-EBT funds on inactive cards (those with no spend activity for nine months) will expire if no action is taken. If a card is not "active," benefits issued more than nine months ago are required to be removed from the account. To avoid losing benefits, households must make a food purchase on their P-EBT or EBT card at least once every nine months. Learn more.
