Virginia EBT Card Basics: What to Know Before You Apply

The Virginia EBT card is a plastic card that works like a debit card to let eligible households access certain public benefits, mainly SNAP food benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and sometimes cash assistance (TANF). Understanding how the card works, who usually qualifies, and how to use it can help you move more confidently through the official application process.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site. It is not a government agency, application portal, or benefits office. To apply, check your case, or manage benefits, you will need to use Virginia’s official agencies or websites.

What Is the Virginia EBT Card?

In Virginia, EBT stands for Electronic Benefit Transfer. Instead of getting paper food stamps or paper checks, approved benefits are loaded electronically onto your EBT card each month.

You might see it referred to as:

• Virginia EBT card
• SNAP EBT card
• Benefit card
• Horizon Card (depending on how your local office describes it)

You can use the card:

• At grocery stores and many retailers that accept EBT
• At some farmers markets that accept SNAP
• At ATMs and certain stores, if you receive cash assistance such as TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

Your EBT card is not a credit card. You can only spend the benefits that have already been added to your account.

Types of Benefits on a Virginia EBT Card

Most cardholders in Virginia use EBT for:

SNAP (Food Assistance)

SNAP benefits help low-income households buy eligible food items, such as:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, fish
• Bread, cereal, rice, pasta
• Dairy products
• Seeds and plants to grow food for the household

SNAP benefits do not cover:

• Alcohol, tobacco, or vaping products
• Non-food items (cleaning supplies, toiletries, pet food, paper products)
• Hot prepared foods (in most cases)
• Restaurant meals, unless you are in a specific approved program (not common)

Cash Assistance (TANF)

Some Virginia families receive TANF benefits, which may also be accessed with the EBT card. TANF cash assistance can generally be used more broadly, such as for:

• Rent or utilities
• Personal care items
• Transportation
• Other basic needs

Where and how TANF benefits can be used may differ from SNAP. Your approval notice or your local benefits office can explain the specific rules that apply to your case.

Who Typically Qualifies for a Virginia EBT Card?

The card itself is simply the delivery method for benefits. To receive a Virginia EBT card, a person usually needs to be approved for at least one benefit program that uses EBT.

Most commonly:

• SNAP: For individuals and families with low income and limited resources.
• TANF: For families with children who meet specific income, resource, and work-related criteria.

Eligibility is decided by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) and local departments of social services, based on state and federal rules.

Basic SNAP Eligibility Factors

While exact rules can change, SNAP eligibility usually looks at:

• Household income (earned and some unearned income)
• Household size (how many people buy and prepare food together)
• Citizenship or immigration status
• Residency in Virginia
• Certain expenses, such as rent, utilities, and in some cases child care or child support

Some adults might also face work-related requirements. These details can vary by age, disability status, and local policy.

To know if you might qualify, you can:

• Use any pre-screening tool offered on Virginia’s official benefits website (if available)
• Contact your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office
• Call the state SNAP or benefits hotline for guidance

Documents to Gather Before You Apply

Having documents ready can help your application move faster and reduce requests for follow-up information.

Commonly requested documents include:

• Identity
  • Driver’s license, state ID, passport, or other official photo ID
• Social Security numbers
  • For each person applying, if they have one
• Proof of Virginia residency
  • Lease, utility bill, official mail with your name and address
• Income information
  • Recent pay stubs
  • Award letters for unemployment, Social Security, pensions, or other benefits
  • Self-employment records, if applicable
• Household expenses (if allowed to be counted)
  • Rent or mortgage statement
  • Utility bills (electric, gas, water, heating fuel, etc.)
  • Child care or child support payment proof, if relevant
• Immigration documents (if applicable)
  • Permanent resident card, work permit, or other immigration papers for non-citizens who are applying

Not everyone will need every item listed, and requirements can change. Your local DSS office or the official Virginia benefits portal usually provides a checklist of what’s needed.

How to Apply for SNAP or TANF in Virginia

You cannot apply for benefits through HowToGetAssistance.org. To receive a Virginia EBT card, you must apply through official Virginia agencies.

Typical ways to apply include:

1. Online

Many people use the official Virginia benefits portal to:

• Submit a new SNAP or TANF application
• Upload documents
• Check messages from their caseworker

To find it, look for the Virginia Department of Social Services website or search for the official Virginia online benefits portal. Be sure the site clearly indicates it is an official state government page (for example, it may have a “.gov” address).

2. In Person

You can usually apply by:

• Visiting your local Department of Social Services office
• Asking for a paper application
• Filling it out and submitting it at the office or by drop box, if available

If you are not sure which office is yours, you can:

• Search for “Virginia local Department of Social Services” along with your county or city name
• Call the state benefits hotline and ask which office serves your address

3. By Mail or Fax

Local DSS offices often allow:

• Downloading or picking up a paper application
• Mailing or faxing it back to the address or fax number listed on the form

If you choose this route, make sure you:

• Keep a copy of the form
• Note the date you mailed or faxed it

What Happens After You Apply

Once your application is received, a typical process might look like this:

1. Application review

   • The local DSS office checks that your application is complete enough to begin processing.

2. Interview

   • Many SNAP applications require an interview, usually by phone, sometimes in person.
   • You may receive a letter, email, or phone call with your interview date and time.
   • During the interview, a worker confirms information and may request additional documents.

3. Verification of documents

   • The office reviews your pay stubs, bills, and other documents to verify income and household information.

4. Eligibility decision

   • You receive a notice of approval or denial by mail (and sometimes also online, if you created an account on the official portal).
   • If approved, the notice will usually state:
     • The amount of benefits you will receive
     • The start date (and sometimes an end/review date)

5. EBT card mailed

   • If this is your first time receiving benefits, your EBT card is typically mailed to your address.
   • If you already have an active EBT card, new benefits are generally loaded onto that same card.

Processing timelines can vary depending on:

• The type of benefit
• Whether you qualify for expedited SNAP (emergency food assistance)
• How quickly you complete your interview and send required documents

Your approval letter or the local office can give a more specific expected time frame.

How to Activate and Use Your Virginia EBT Card

When your card arrives, it usually comes with instructions. The general process often looks like this:

1. Activate the Card

You will typically need to:

• Call the EBT customer service number listed on the card or the welcome materials
• Set a 4-digit PIN (Personal Identification Number)

Choose a PIN that:

• Is easy for you to remember
• Is hard for others to guess
• You do not write on the card itself

2. Check Your Balance

You can usually check your EBT balance by:

• Calling the EBT customer service number
• Using an authorized EBT balance phone system or mobile app (if your state offers one)
• Looking at the receipt after making a purchase
• Using an EBT-only ATM or point-of-sale device that displays balance information

3. Shop with Your Card

At a store that accepts EBT:

1. Swipe or insert your card at checkout.
2. Select the correct account type (SNAP/food or cash, if you have both).
3. Enter your PIN.
4. The system deducts the eligible amount from your balance.

If you use your card for SNAP, make sure all items are SNAP-eligible; any non-eligible items must be paid with another form of payment.

Common Problems, Delays, and Denials

People in Virginia sometimes run into issues during the EBT and benefits process. Understanding common problems may help you avoid them.

Frequent Causes of Delay

• Missing documents: Pay stubs, ID, or proof of residency not provided
• Uncompleted interview: Applicant misses the interview call or appointment
• Unread mail: Letters from DSS asking for more information go unnoticed until after the deadline
• Incorrect contact info: Phone number or address on the application is wrong or out of date

To reduce delays:

• Keep your contact information current with the local DSS.
• Open and read all mail from the department promptly.
• Respond quickly if the agency asks for additional documents or clarification.

Common Reasons for Denial

Typical reasons someone may be denied SNAP or TANF (and therefore an EBT card) include:

• Income appears too high based on the information provided
• Household composition issues (for example, the agency counts more people in your household than you expected)
• Missing or unverifiable information, such as unverified income or identity
• Not meeting non-financial requirements, such as certain work rules or residency requirements

The denial notice should explain:

• The reason for the denial
• The date it takes effect
• Your rights to appeal

How Appeals and Reviews Usually Work

If you disagree with a decision about your SNAP or TANF benefits in Virginia, you typically have the right to ask for a fair hearing or appeal.

Steps Often Involved in an Appeal

1. Read your notice carefully

   • It should tell you how long you have to request a hearing (there is often a set deadline).

2. Request the hearing

   • Usually done by mail, fax, in person, or sometimes online through the state’s official portal.
   • You may need to sign the request; follow the instructions exactly.

3. Prepare your information

   • Collect copies of pay stubs, bills, letters, and other documents that support your case.
   • You may ask if someone can assist or represent you, such as a legal aid group.

4. Attend the hearing

   • Hearings may be in person, by phone, or sometimes by video.
   • An impartial hearing officer usually listens to both you and the local DSS representative.

5. Receive a decision

   • A written decision is typically mailed to you.
   • If the decision is in your favor, the agency may correct your benefits back to a certain date.

Organizations such as legal aid offices, community advocacy groups, or social service nonprofits may help people understand their appeal rights. You can also dial 211 in many areas to ask about local legal or advocacy resources.

Keeping Your Virginia EBT Card Safe

Treat your EBT card like cash or a debit card. If someone gets your card and PIN, they can usually spend your benefits, and it can be very hard or impossible to get them back.

Key safety tips:

• Do not share your PIN with anyone, including friends or non-household members.
• Memorize your PIN; don’t write it on the card or store it where others can easily find it.
• Check your balance regularly for any unknown transactions.
• Keep your mailbox secure so your card and benefit notices are not stolen.

If your card is:

• Lost or stolen
• Damaged or not working

Call the Virginia EBT customer service number on the back of the card or on your approval letter as soon as possible. They can usually:

• Disable the old card
• Issue a replacement card, which will be mailed to the address on file

How to Tell You Are Using an Official Channel (Scam Avoidance)

Unfortunately, scammers sometimes target people who use EBT and public benefits. To protect yourself:

Signs You’re Likely on an Official Channel

• The website clearly identifies itself as Virginia Department of Social Services or another Virginia state government agency.
• The address often ends in “.gov”.
• Phone numbers and addresses match those listed on official letters you received from DSS or SNAP.
• Staff do not ask for your PIN over the phone, text, or email.

Red Flags of Possible Scams

• Someone calls, texts, or emails you asking for your EBT card number or PIN.
• A website that is not clearly a government site offers to “guarantee approval” or charges a fee to apply for SNAP/TANF.
• Social media posts or messages promise extra EBT money if you share your card details.
• Robocalls claiming your benefits will stop unless you press a key and give personal information.

If you suspect a scam:

• Hang up or stop responding.
• Call your local DSS office or the state EBT customer service line directly, using a number from your official documents.
• Report suspicious activity, especially if you think your card or PIN has been compromised.

If You Don’t Qualify for SNAP or TANF

If you are denied benefits, or your income is just above the cutoff, you may still have other options for help in Virginia.

Common alternatives to explore:

• Food pantries and food banks

  • Many communities have nonprofit food programs that provide groceries to residents in need, regardless of SNAP status.

• Community meal sites or faith-based programs

  • Churches, community centers, and nonprofits sometimes offer free meals or food boxes.

• Utility assistance programs

  • Local social services agencies and charities may help with electric, gas, or heating bills, especially in winter or during emergencies.

• 211 information line

  • By dialing 211 in many areas, you can usually reach an information and referral service that can connect you to housing, food, and financial assistance resources.

• Local social service nonprofits

  • Family service agencies, community action agencies, and other nonprofits often have programs for rent assistance, workforce development, child care help, or emergency aid.

These resources will not put money on an EBT card but may help cover other essential needs while you work on increasing income or reapplying when your situation changes.

Quick Reference: Virginia EBT Card Basics at a Glance

Understanding these Virginia EBT card basics can help you move more smoothly through the official application and benefits process and make informed choices about next steps with your local social services office.