In Virginia, most households may qualify for SNAP if their gross monthly income (income before taxes and deductions) is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Income limits depend on household size and are updated annually.

Virginia generally does not have an asset limit for SNAP eligibility. This means having money in a checking or savings account does not automatically disqualify you from receiving benefits.

SNAP eligibility and benefit amounts depend on several factors, including household size, income, allowable expenses, and other eligibility requirements. College students may also need to meet additional student eligibility criteria.

For current income limits and additional information, visit the Virginia Department of Social Services SNAP webpage.

You must currently live in Virginia to apply for SNAP benefits through the state, but there is no minimum length of time you must have lived here. Students attending JMU who live in Harrisonburg or the surrounding area may apply for Virginia SNAP benefits even if their permanent address is in another state.

You do not need to establish permanent Virginia residency to qualify, but you cannot receive SNAP benefits from more than one state at the same time.

College students may qualify for SNAP benefits if they meet general SNAP eligibility requirements and certain additional student eligibility criteria.

If you are enrolled at least half-time in college, you generally must meet at least one of the following exemptions:

• Are under age 18 or age 50 or older.

• Have a physical or mental condition that prevents you from working.

• Work at least 20 hours per week in paid employment. If you are self-employed, you must work at least 20 hours per week and earn at least the equivalent of 20 hours at the federal minimum wage.

• Participate in a state- or federally financed work-study program.

• Participate in an on-the-job training program.

• Care for a child under age 6.

• Care for a child age 6–11 and lack adequate childcare to attend school while working 20 hours per week or participating in work-study.

• Are a single parent enrolled full-time and caring for a child under age 12.

• Receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

• Are enrolled in college through certain qualifying employment and training programs, including SNAP Employment and Training (E&T), Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs, or other approved workforce training programs.

What if I'm enrolled less than half-time?

Students enrolled less than half-time are generally not subject to these additional student eligibility restrictions, although they must still meet other SNAP eligibility requirements.

Not sure if you qualify?

You only need to meet one of the student exemptions listed above, in addition to general SNAP eligibility requirements. If you're unsure whether an exemption applies to you, we encourage you to apply or contact your local Department of Social Services for guidance.

For more information, visit the USDA's SNAP for College Students webpage.

Students who have a physical or mental health condition that limits their ability to work may qualify for an exemption from SNAP's additional student eligibility requirements.

Virginia's Department of Social Services determines whether a student meets this exemption based on their individual circumstances. Students may be asked to provide documentation from a healthcare professional or other verification of their condition.

You do not necessarily need to receive disability benefits to qualify for this exemption. If you believe a physical or mental health condition affects your ability to work, you should discuss your circumstances with your SNAP benefits specialist when applying.

Students who receive more than half of their meals through a campus meal plan are generally not eligible for SNAP benefits.

However, having a meal plan does not automatically disqualify you. If your meal plan provides half or fewer of your meals, you may still qualify for SNAP if you meet other eligibility requirements.

If you're unsure how your JMU meal plan affects your eligibility, contact your local Department of Social Services for guidance.

Graduate students may qualify for SNAP benefits, but being enrolled in graduate school or taking a heavy course load does not automatically provide an exemption from SNAP's student eligibility requirements.

Students enrolled at least half-time generally must meet at least one of the student exemptions listed above. These include participating in a qualifying work-study program, working at least 20 hours per week, having certain caregiving responsibilities, or meeting other qualifying conditions.

You do not necessarily need to be employed to receive SNAP benefits. If you're unsure whether you qualify, contact your local Department of Social Services to discuss your circumstances.

Not necessarily. For SNAP purposes, your household is generally determined by who you regularly purchase and prepare food with, rather than simply who lives at the same address.

If you live with roommates but purchase and prepare your food separately, you may be considered a separate SNAP household and apply for benefits on your own. Sharing rent, utilities, or an apartment does not automatically mean you are part of the same SNAP household.

However, if you and your roommates regularly purchase and prepare food together, you may be considered part of the same SNAP household. Special rules also apply to certain family relationships, including students under age 22 who live with their parents.

Your local Department of Social Services will determine your SNAP household composition based on your individual circumstances.

Most international students attending JMU on F-1 or J-1 student visas are not eligible for SNAP benefits. However, some non-U.S. citizens may qualify depending on their immigration status and individual circumstances.

Certain lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and individuals with other qualifying immigration statuses may be eligible if they meet SNAP's other requirements, including any applicable waiting periods and student eligibility criteria.

If you're unsure whether your immigration status allows you to receive SNAP, contact your local Department of Social Services for guidance.

For additional information, visit the Virginia Department of Social Services SNAP Noncitizen Eligibility webpage.

You can apply for SNAP benefits in several ways:

• Online: Apply through CommonHelp Virginia, the state's online application portal for public assistance programs.

• By phone: Call the Virginia Department of Social Services at 833-522-5582 for assistance with applying for SNAP.

• In person: Visit the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Department of Social Services at 110 N. Mason Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22802, or contact your local Department of Social Services office to request an application.

After submitting your application, you will generally need to complete an interview with a benefits specialist. This interview may take place by phone or in person and helps determine your eligibility based on your household circumstances, income, expenses, and other requirements.

You do not need to have all your supporting documents ready before submitting your application. Your benefits specialist will let you know if additional information or verification is needed.

For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Social Services SNAP webpage.

When applying for SNAP benefits, you may be asked to provide documentation to verify your identity, income, household circumstances, and expenses. Having the following information available can help you prepare for your application and interview:

• Proof of identity: A driver's license, passport, birth certificate, or other accepted identification.

• Social Security number: Your Social Security number or card, if applicable.

• Proof of income: Recent paystubs, employment records, benefit award letters, or other documentation of income.

• Housing expenses: A lease, rent receipt, mortgage statement, or other documentation of housing costs.

• Utility expenses: Bills for electricity, gas, water, or other qualifying utilities.

• Financial information: Information about checking, savings, or credit union accounts.

• Other expenses: Documentation of childcare, medical expenses, or other qualifying expenses, if applicable.

• Student eligibility documentation: Information verifying a qualifying student exemption, such as participation in Federal Work-Study, employment, or other eligible circumstances.

After submitting your application, you will generally complete an interview with a benefits specialist from your local Department of Social Services. The interview may take place by telephone or in person.

You do not need to have all these documents ready before applying. Your benefits specialist will explain which information or verification is necessary for your individual circumstances.

For additional guidance, see the Virginia Department of Social Services SNAP Interview Resources.

• The application asks questions regarding employment, including number of hours worked per week, employer, amount of pay, and how often a paycheck is received.  
• Documentation is typically a paystub or letter from a supervisor.  After applying the applicant will be given a list of documents needed to approve their application.

• If not shown on a pay stub, a student can present their award letter or any form of proof of participating in federal work study.
• Students can also go directly to the Office of Financial Aid and ask for a letter confirming  participation.

You can list “Unknown” in the slots given. You should expect that the Department of Social Services may ask follow-up questions about this in your interview.

No! You can reapply as needed if you begin to meet the eligibility requirements again.

Barring special circumstances, as a student you should expect to undergo renewal every 6 months.

It varies based on your personal characteristics, so it is not easy to say. The absolute maximum possible per month for one person is $292 but your total can be significantly less depending on exact circumstances. 

No, parents are not notified for applying for SNAP.  If you apply for Medicaid tax filing and parental information is requested.

You’ll get a debit card, called an EBT card (Electronic Benefits Transfer) to use.  After benefits are added to eligible household accounts, cardholders spend them by swiping their EBT card at the point of sale (POS) and then entering their PIN number. When retailers do not have POS terminals, they must resort to paper vouchers.

No it does not. SNAP does not count as income.

• Through summer breaks, students are considered enrolled in SNAP and eligible. If a student leaves the state for summer or long breaks with the intent to return to the same address or area, this typically does not affect SNAP benefits.
• All address changes should be reported to the student’s case worker, who will advise on any needed steps taken.

You can use SNAP to buy:

• Fruits and vegetables (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.)
• Breads and cereals
• Snacks (chips, cookies, granola bars, etc.)
• Non-alcoholic beverages (juice, soda, coffee, tea)
• Seeds and plants that grow food (for example, tomato plants or basil)

You can’t use SNAP to buy:

• Hot or prepared foods (like rotisserie chicken, deli sandwiches, or meals from a hot bar)
• Alcohol or tobacco
• Vitamins, supplements, or medicine
• Pet food
• Cleaning supplies, toiletries, or cosmetics
• Non-food items (paper products, diapers, etc.)

If you're shopping in-store, look for signs that say “EBT accepted,” or ask a cashier. Most online grocery services (like Walmart, Amazon, and local stores) also accept SNAP for delivery or pickup, though you can’t use it for delivery fees.

Harrisonburg Farmers Market - SNAP transactions can be processed at the Market Booth for any dollar amount and will be MATCHed up to $30