How to Renew or Recertify SNAP Benefits in Virginia

Renewing your SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits in Virginia is not automatic. To keep getting benefits, you must recertify (also called renew) with the state agency before your current approval period ends.

This guide walks you through how SNAP recertification usually works in Virginia, what to expect, and how to move forward through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site and not a government agency, application portal, or benefits office.

Understanding SNAP Recertification in Virginia

What “recertification” means

SNAP recertification is the process where the state checks again that you are still eligible for food assistance. During recertification, you usually must:

• Confirm your household members
• Report your income and expenses
• Update any changes in housing, work, or child care
• Provide supporting documents if requested
• Complete an interview, if required

If you do not complete recertification on time, your SNAP benefits can stop, and you may have to submit a new application later.

Who Typically Needs to Recertify and When

SNAP benefits in Virginia are usually approved for a set certification period, often:

• 6 months for many households
• 12 months or longer for some older adults or people with disabilities, depending on the situation

Your Notice of Action or approval letter from the state usually lists:

• Your certification period
• Your recertification due date
• Whether an interview is required

You are generally expected to renew before your certification period ends. Many households receive a recertification packet or notice from the state agency about a month or so before their benefits are due to end.

If you are not sure when you need to recertify, you can:

• Check your benefits portal account (the official online system Virginia uses)
• Call your local social services office
• Use the state’s SNAP information line (listed on your notices or EBT paperwork)

How to Renew SNAP in Virginia: Main Options

Virginia typically offers several ways to submit a SNAP recertification. Exact options can vary by county or city, so it’s best to confirm with your local department of social services.

Below is a general comparison to help you understand what to expect.

To find out which options apply in your area, contact your local department of social services or check the official benefits portal.

Step-by-Step: Typical SNAP Recertification Process in Virginia

1. Watch for Your Recertification Notice

Before your certification period ends, the state usually sends:

• A recertification packet (paper form), and/or
• A notice that your recertification is due, often with instructions for completing it online

This notice often includes:

• The deadline to submit your recertification
• Whether an interview is required
• Where to return forms (mailing address, fax, online portal)

If you do not receive anything but believe your recertification is coming up, contact your local office as soon as possible.

2. Gather Required Information and Documents

For recertification, you will likely need to update or confirm the same types of information you provided when you first applied.

Commonly requested documents and details include:

Identity & Household:

• Photo ID for the head of household (driver’s license, state ID, etc.)
• Social Security numbers or proof of application for each member, if available
• Dates of birth for all household members

Income:

• Recent pay stubs (usually last 30 days)
• Proof of self-employment income, if any (invoices, logs, bank statements)
• Letters or statements for unemployment, Social Security, disability benefits, pensions
• Proof of any child support received

Expenses (these can affect your benefit amount):

• Rent or mortgage statement
• Utility bills (electric, gas, water, sewer, trash, phone, if counted)
• Property tax and homeowner’s insurance, if you own your home
• Child care or dependent care costs
• Medical expenses for elderly or disabled members, if allowable

Not everyone will be asked for the same items. Your recertification packet or online instructions may list what your case specifically requires.

3. Complete Your Recertification Form

Whether you submit online or on paper, you will typically need to:

• Confirm who lives in your household
• Report current income (even if it didn’t change)
• Indicate any changes since your last certification, such as:
  • Household members moving in or out
  • Changes in job, hours, or pay
  • New or changed child care, housing, or medical costs
• Answer all required questions, and sign and date the form

✅ Important: Even if nothing has changed, you still need to complete and return the recertification form to continue receiving benefits.

4. Submit Your Recertification Before the Deadline

Try to submit your recertification as early as possible before your benefits end.

• If using the online portal, confirm your submission is marked as received.
• If mailing, send it early and keep copies of:
  • The completed form
  • Any supporting documents
  • The envelope receipt or tracking, if you use it
• If faxing, keep the fax confirmation page.
• If delivering in person, ask whether you can get a date-stamped copy.

Meeting the deadline gives the agency more time to review and process your recertification before your current benefits stop.

5. Complete Your Interview (If Required)

Many Virginia SNAP households are required to do a recertification interview, either:

• By phone, or
• In person, depending on local office procedures

Your recertification notice or follow-up letter typically states:

• Whether an interview is required
• How the interview will be scheduled (you may get a call, or you may need to call the office)
• A deadline to complete the interview

During the interview, a worker usually:

• Reviews the information from your form
• Asks clarifying questions about income, expenses, or household members
• May request additional documents

If you miss a scheduled interview, your application could be delayed or denied. If you cannot make the appointment time, contact your local office as soon as possible to reschedule.

6. Wait for the Eligibility Decision

After you submit your recertification and complete any required interview, the state agency will:

• Review your information and documents
• Decide whether you are still eligible for SNAP
• Determine your new benefit amount, which may increase, decrease, or stay the same

You should then receive an official notice that tells you:

• Whether your SNAP is approved or denied
• The amount you will receive each month
• Your new certification period
• Your appeal rights if you disagree with the decision

If your recertification is approved in time, your SNAP benefits should continue without a long gap. Delays in turning in paperwork or completing an interview can cause a temporary stop in benefits.

Common Reasons SNAP Recertification Gets Delayed or Denied

Understanding frequent issues can help you avoid problems during recertification.

1. Missing the Deadline

If you submit your recertification form late, the agency might not process it before your benefits stop. In some cases, filing after the deadline can mean:

• Your case closes, and
• You have to reapply instead of just recertifying

2. Incomplete Forms

Leaving sections blank or not signing the form can lead to:

• Requests for more information
• Processing delays
• Possible denial if you do not correct the issue on time

If a question does not apply, some people write “N/A” instead of leaving it empty.

3. Missing or Unclear Documents

Not sending documents that the agency asks for (like pay stubs or rent receipts), or sending unreadable copies, can delay your recertification. If you cannot get a certain document, contact your local office and explain the situation; they may suggest alternatives.

4. Unreported Changes

If the agency discovers that significant changes were not reported—such as new income, a move, or someone leaving the household—it can cause:

• Lower or higher benefits
• Overpayment claims that you may have to repay
• In extreme cases, investigation or sanctions

During recertification, it is important to update all changes accurately.

5. Missed Interview

If an interview is required and you:

• Miss the call
• Do not show up for an in-person appointment
• Do not reschedule within the allowed timeframe

your recertification can be denied or closed. If you miss an interview by accident, contact your local office right away.

If Your SNAP Recertification Is Denied or Benefits Stop

If your recertification is denied, or your benefits stop and you believe they should have continued, you generally have options through official channels.

1. Read Your Denial or Closure Notice Carefully

The notice usually explains:

• Why your case was denied or closed (missing documents, late paperwork, income too high, etc.)
• The effective date when benefits stop
• Your right to appeal (also called a fair hearing)
• How long you have to request an appeal

2. Request an Appeal (Fair Hearing)

In Virginia, SNAP applicants and participants typically have the right to:

• Ask for a fair hearing if they disagree with a decision
• Present information, documents, or explanations

To request an appeal, follow the instructions on your notice. This usually involves:

• Calling the number listed, and/or
• Submitting a written request (by mail, fax, or sometimes online)

Act quickly, because appeal deadlines are usually strict.

3. Reapply if Needed

If you miss the recertification window and your case fully closes, you may need to:

• Submit a new SNAP application through the official portal, office, or mail-in form
• Provide full documentation again, as you did for your original application

If you are not sure whether to appeal or reapply, speak with your local office or a legal aid organization for guidance.

What If You No Longer Qualify for SNAP?

If you no longer qualify for SNAP in Virginia, or your benefit amount becomes very small, there may be other resources in your community.

You might consider:

• Food pantries and food banks

  • Often run by community organizations, faith groups, or regional food banks
  • Can provide free groceries or emergency food

• Community meal programs

  • Soup kitchens or community centers that serve meals at no or low cost

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

  • For eligible pregnant people, postpartum individuals, infants, and children under 5
  • Provides specific foods, nutrition education, and support

• 211 helpline

  • By dialing 211 in many areas, you can connect to a call center that helps locate local food assistance and other support programs

• Local social services

  • Your county or city department of social services may know about additional programs like TANF, emergency assistance, or housing support

These are not replacements for SNAP, but they can help reduce food insecurity if you are between benefits or no longer eligible.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official SNAP Channels in Virginia

Because SNAP is a government benefit, it is important to protect your personal information and avoid scams.

Here are some ways to verify you are working with official agencies:

• Look for .gov addresses

  • Official Virginia state websites usually include “.gov” in the web address.

• Confirm through your local department of social services

  • Use phone numbers listed on:
    • Your SNAP approval or recertification notices
    • Your EBT card paperwork
    • The state social services directory

• Be cautious of fees

  • SNAP applications and recertifications are free.
  • Be wary of anyone who asks for payment to apply, renew, or “guarantee approval.”

• Do not share full personal details on unofficial forms

  • Only enter your Social Security number, EBT card number, or full birthdate on clearly identified official state portals or government forms.

• Call to verify

  • If you get a suspicious call, text, email, or message about your benefits, contact your local department of social services or the number on the back of your EBT card using a number you already trust, not the one from the message.

Quick Checklist: Renewing SNAP in Virginia

Use this list to stay on track:

1. Know your deadline

   • Check your approval letter or recertification notice.

2. Gather documents

   • ID, income proof, rent/mortgage, utilities, child care, and medical costs (if needed).

3. Complete the recertification form

   • Online or paper, with all questions answered and signed.

4. Submit before the due date

   • Through the official portal, by mail, fax, or in person.

5. Complete your interview (if required)

   • Answer calls, show up to appointments, or reschedule promptly if needed.

6. Watch for your decision notice

   • Check your mail and, if available, your online benefits account.

7. Appeal or reapply if necessary

   • Follow the instructions on any denial or closure notice if you disagree.

By understanding each step and staying in contact with your local Virginia social services office or the official state benefits portal, you can better navigate the SNAP recertification process and reduce the chances of an unexpected interruption in your food benefits.