The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides a monthly amount of money to help households purchase food to ensure adults and families have nutritious meals to stay healthy. Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP helps eligible residents avoid experiencing hunger and food insecurity.

A federal law enacted in July 2025 made changes to SNAP. Changes to SNAP eligibility and requirements 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. There are also five farmers markets in Fairfax County that accept SNAP and provide up to $40 in matching dollars for fruits and vegetables! Learn more and find a market near you. 

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. 

You can help make sure you get the right benefit at the right time by renewing on time, completing your SNAP interview, and more. Get the most out of your SNAP benefits with SNAP Forward Fairfax. 

Beginning in September 2026, VDSS will replace all magnetic stripe EBT cards with chip-enabled cards that support both tap and chip-insert transactions. The move to chip-enabled EBT cards is a major step toward protecting customer benefits and reducing fraud. In September 2026, VDSS will start mailing new chip-enabled cards to EBT cardholders in 20 local jurisdictions, including Fairfax County. Learn more about the new EBT chip cards.

What EBT cardholders should know:

• The change is designed to protect your benefits. Chip and tap-to-pay technology significantly reduces the risk of fraud.
• Your benefits will carry over to the new chip card.
• 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.

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.

Providing proof of your dependent care, housing (shelter), and medical expenses helps us make sure you get the right amount of SNAP benefits. We need these documents to figure out how much income you have left after expenses, which can impact your SNAP eligibility. If you don’t share this proof, we can’t count those expenses, which could reduce the benefits you qualify for. 

If you're not sure what to provide, here are some examples: 

• Dependent Care Costs:  
  • A signed note or receipt from your childcare provider or an agency paying for care
• Housing Costs:  
  • Rent receipts or lease agreement
  • Mortgage statement
  • Utility bills (electricity, water, etc.)
  • Property tax bills
• Medical Costs (for people 60+ or with disabilities):  
  • Medical or pharmacy bills
  • Health insurance premium statements 

You can also provide other documents not listed here if they show your expenses. Learn more about providing proof of expenses and changes to SNAP work requirements. 

Older adults may have eligible medical expenses that would increase their monthly SNAP benefit. 3 out of 5 older adults who qualify for SNAP are missing out on money to buy groceries. Provide proof of certain medical expenses to get the most out of your benefits. 

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. 

SNAP participants have access to employment and job training assistance through the SNAPET program. SNAPET provides a wide range of supportive services, coaching, and education and skills training. Contact your Human Services Worker to learn more.

Do you use Metrobus or Metrorail? SNAP participants can get 50% off Metrobus and Metrorail trips with Metro Lift! Learn more and enroll for free online or in person at select Metro locations.