The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides a monthly benefit to help adults and families buy food to stay healthy. Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP helps eligible residents stay healthy and avoid hunger.

SNAP helps thousands of people of all ages in Fairfax County, and even more are eligible. 

• Nearly 1 in 2 older adults who qualify for SNAP are missing out on money to buy groceries. Older adults may have eligible medical expenses that would increase their monthly SNAP benefit.
• If your child participates in the free and reduced-price meal plan at school, they may also be eligible for SNAP benefits. To apply for eligible family members, mark yourself as a “non-applicant” on forms. 

If you think you may be eligible for SNAP, you can apply online at CommonHelp or contact the Enterprise Call Center at 1-833-522-5582. Language assistance is available. 

Changes to SNAP eligibility and requirements from a federal law went into effect at the end of 2025. Learn more about changes and if you may be affected.

Participants receive SNAP funds on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. EBT cards work like debit cards. Most grocery stores accept EBT, and you can search locations online. Five farmers markets in Fairfax County (and more to come!) accept SNAP and provide up to $40 in matching dollars for fruits and vegetables! 

You can use your EBT card in-store or online at select retailers to have groceries delivered to your home. Ordering grocery delivery online can make purchasing food more convenient and accessible for those with transportation or mobility challenges.

Beginning in September 2026, Virginia is moving to chip-enabled EBT cards in a major step toward protecting customer benefits and reducing fraud. 

What you should know:

• Your benefits will carry over to the new chip card, but you must activate your new card after receiving it in the mail to avoid a delay in benefits.
• If we don’t have an updated address, you will not receive your replacement card in a timely manner. Update your address online at CommonHelp; call 703-324-7500; or email DFSMyCase@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Keep your EBT card secure and protect your money. Like any debit card, scammers target EBT cards to steal SNAP funds. Follow simple tips to stay safe:

• Keep your PIN secret and change it frequently.
• Check your EBT account regularly and know your balance, so you can quickly identify unusual activity.
• Use the ConnectEBT app to lock and unlock your card. Keeping your card locked until you need to make a purchase can help keep it safer. 

If you think you have been scammed, call the phone number on the back of your card to report the fraud.

Provide Proof of Expenses to Get the Right Benefit

Providing proof of your dependent care, housing (shelter), and medical expenses helps us make sure you get the right amount of SNAP benefits. 

Submitting proof of expenses is not required to receive SNAP benefits but may increase your benefit if you are approved. Previously, SNAP participants could provide a statement instead of documentation.

This information about proving expenses only applies to: 

• New applications
• Renewals of SNAP benefits
• Reports you send in between renewals
• If you have a change in housing (shelter) such as moving, new lease agreement, etc.