Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP)

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the new name for the federal Food Stamp Program.  Households typically have to meet income standards to qualify for benefits, applications processes vary state, and information and links to resources are listed below.

Washington, DC

The Districts’ SNAP program helps many low-income residents and families buy the food they need for good health. You can apply for benefits by completing a State application form. Benefits are provided on an electronic card that is used like an ATM card and accepted at most grocery stores and some farmers’ markets.

Most households do not have a resource limit. Some households that include a person who is disabled or who is age 60 or older may have only up to $3,250 in resources.  Certain resources are not counted, such as a home and lot.  Also, the resources of people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program are not countable.

Maryland

The Maryland Department of Human Services utilizes an online system, myDHR, for residents to apply for benefits and services online, monitor the status of your cases, update important account information, and more.

Applicants must file an application and be interviewed. All financial and technical eligibility factors must be met prior to issuance of benefits. Some people who have little or no money qualify for benefits food right away. They must only have an interview and verify identity.

File an application with your Local Department of Social Services. Apply in person at local departments. You may also file an application by mail, fax or to apply online, go to www.marylandsail.org.

Virginia

Administered through the Virginia Department of Social Services, a SNAP account can be established for eligible households and automatic deposits are made into the account each month. To access the account, recipients will receive an EBT Card, which will debit the account each time eligible food items are purchased. A secret Personal Identification Number (PIN) is required to use the card.  SNAP can be used like cash to buy eligible food items from authorized retailers. Authorized retailers will display either the Quest logo or a picture of a Virginia EBT card.

Screening for Eligibility & Applying:
Option 1: Screen for eligibility and/or apply online through CommonHelp
Option 2: Bypass eligibility screening and submit an application manually. Fill out an “Application for Benefits” from the forms section on this page and return it to your local department of social services.