Latest News
November 11, 2025: Following new federal guidance, we anticipate that 65% of regular monthly SNAP benefits for more than 850,000 Virginians will be distributed by Thursday, November 13.
With the federal government's reinstatement of SNAP benefits for November, Virginia will pause the issuance of Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA).
The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) continues to monitor rapidly changing federal action. This page will continue to be updated as official guidance is issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
VENA
Q. Will SNAP customers receive any more VENA funding?
A. The VENA program has been paused because the Virginia Department of Social Services will be issuing 65% of the regular monthly SNAP benefits in November.
SNAP
Q. Will my 65% of November SNAP benefit be issued all at once?
A. SNAP benefits are typically issued monthly, and with current information, November SNAP benefits of 65% of recipients' regular monthly benefits will be issued all at once.
Q. Will November SNAP benefits be issued to all customers on the same day?
A. Due to federal guidance, SNAP recipients in Virginia who received VENA will receive 65% of their regular SNAP benefits by Thursday, November 13. SNAP recipients eligible for November SNAP that did not receive VENA will receive 65% of their regular monthly SNAP benefit by Saturday, November 15.
Q. Will my EBT card work during the federal government shutdown?
A. Yes, EBT cards should work as normal.
Q. Can I still apply for SNAP during the shutdown?
A. Households in need of nutritional assistance may apply for SNAP benefits during the federal government shutdown in person at your local department of social services, by mail or online at CommonHelp.virginia.gov. Please note that you may experience longer wait times at our call centers and offices.
Q. What if I have a recertification, paperwork due or need to report a change in circumstances during the government shutdown?
A. Continue to submit all required documents. SNAP households must continue to meet program requirements during the federal government shutdown, including reporting required changes and completing recertifications on time.
Virginia SUN Bucks
Q. Does the federal government shutdown impact the Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) my family received?
A. No, the federal government shutdown does not impact the use of SUN Bucks benefits on EBT or SUN Bucks cards. Families have 122 days from the date of issuance to use any SUN Bucks benefits.
Food Banks & Other Resources
Q. Where can I get information on food bank and food pantry locations in the Commonwealth?
A. If you need food resources during the government shutdown, we encourage you to reach out to your local food banks or community agencies in your area. To find these resources, visit https://vafoodbanks.org. You can also contact 211 Virginia by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-800-230-6977, or texting CONNECT to 247211. For hearing impaired services, dial 7-1-1, then 1-800-230-6977
Q. How can I help my community with food resources?
A. Governor Youngkin recently launched the Virginia Cares Initiative, a Commonwealth-wide food drive created to support Virginians affected by the federal government shutdown. Virginians can support their neighbors by donating food, funds, or by volunteering through regional food banks, which will distribute aid through a network of more than 1,000 pantries statewide. Virginians can visit the Virginia Cares Initiative sign-up page to learn more, find their nearest food bank, and receive regional information on how to donate, volunteer, or host a food drive.
GENERAL
Q. Where can I continue to receive updates?
A. The Virginia Department of Social Services will continue to provide updates on the federal government shutdown and its impact on SNAP recipients as we information becomes available.
Information will also be posted on our official social media channels (Facebook, X, Instagram) for updates, but this page will have the most updated information.
