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November 18, 2025: The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) has issued 100% of November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to all eligible households as of Saturday, November 15.
December benefits are expected to return to the normal issuance schedule (on the 1st, 4th, or 7th day of the month). With the end of the federal shutdown, VDSS does not anticipate any further disruptions to SNAP benefits in 2025. Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA), which was launched by Governor Glenn Youngkin to provide critical state-funded emergency food assistance during the federal shutdown, will no longer be provided at this time.
As a reminder, SNAP customers are strongly encouraged to keep their EBT card locked through the ConnectEBT website or app when not in use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Did SNAP customers receive their November benefits?
A. The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) has issued 100% of November SNAP benefits to all eligible households as of Saturday, November 15.
Q. Can I still apply for SNAP in November?
A. Households in need of nutritional assistance may apply for SNAP benefits in person at their local department of social services, by mail or online at CommonHelp.virginia.gov. Please note that you may experience longer wait times at call centers and offices as things get back to normal following the end of the government shutdown.
Q. When will I receive SNAP benefits in December?
A. December SNAP benefits are expected to return to the normal issuance schedule. Benefits will be issued to the SNAP households' EBT card as normal (on the 1st, 4th or 7th day of the month).
Q. What if I have a recertification, paperwork due or need to report a change in circumstances?
A. Continue to submit all required documents. SNAP households must continue to meet program requirements, including reporting required changes and completing recertifications on time.
VENA
Q. Will SNAP customers receive any more VENA funding?
A. Governor Youngkin responded to the federal shutdown by creating the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) initiative to help families continue receiving food benefits. Now that the federal government has reopened and SNAP benefits have been distributed, no additional VENA benefits are expected at this 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.
