SNAP and food help for older adults in Virginia

What is different in Virginia

• ESAP: three years of benefits. If all eligible members of your household are 60 or older and have no earnings, you can be certified for three years instead of the usual shorter period.
• A flat medical deduction. If you are 60 or older and pay more than $35 a month in medical costs, Virginia gives a standard medical deduction of $200. You do not have to add up every bill to get it.
• VaCAP has ended. The Virginia Combined Application Project, which gave a fixed benefit to some people on SSI, ended June 1, 2026. Those cases move to ESAP at their next renewal.

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Who qualifies

The state's flyer for seniors says that older adults with high shelter or medical costs may qualify with net income below 100% of the poverty level, even if their gross income is higher.

Who can use ESAP

• Every eligible member of your household is 60 or older, and
• no one has earnings from a job.

If someone in your home works or is under 60, you can still get SNAP. You just will not get the three-year ESAP certification.

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What counts and what can be taken off

SNAP looks at your income, then subtracts certain costs. Two matter most for older adults.

Medical costs

If you are 60 or older and your medical costs are more than $35 a month, you get the standard medical deduction of $200. Costs that count include:

• health insurance and Medicare premiums,
• medical and dental care,
• rides to medical treatment, and
• a home health care aide.

Housing costs

High rent, mortgage and utility costs also lower your counted income. Report all of them.

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Coming off VaCAP

If you were on VaCAP, here is what changes at your next renewal:

• Your case is reviewed under ESAP. Your certification can still last up to 36 months.
• Your benefit is no longer a fixed amount. It will be based on your income and costs.
• You may need to give proof of income, shelter costs and medical costs, list everyone in your home, say whether anyone works, and report lottery or gambling winnings of $4,500 or more.
• A benefit programs specialist may need to talk with you.
• After renewal, you must report changes.

Tip: Send your medical bills and Medicare premium proof at renewal. They may raise your new benefit.

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How to apply

1. Apply online at CommonHelp.virginia.gov, call 833-522-5582, or visit your local Department of Social Services. Paper forms in English and Spanish are on the VDSS SNAP page.
2. Have ready: proof of income, rent or mortgage and utility bills, and proof of medical costs such as Medicare premiums, pharmacy bills and doctor bills.
3. Talk with a worker if DSS asks. A benefit programs specialist may need to speak with you.
4. Get your EBT card. Benefits go into your SNAP account each month. You need a four-digit PIN. Use the card at grocery stores, farmers markets and some meal programs that take EBT.

The ESAP flyer also lists 855-635-4370 as a number to call.

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After you are approved

• ESAP lasts three years. You still have to report certain changes during that time:
  • changes in who lives in your household,
  • any earned income, and
  • lottery or gambling winnings of $4,500 or more.
• Renewal. Watch your mail before your three years end. Send the renewal back on time.
• If you disagree with a decision, the VDSS SNAP page links to "Your Rights and Support Options" for appeals. Ask your local DSS how to appeal, and act quickly; your notice gives the deadline.

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Things people miss

• Thinking income is too high. The 200% gross limit is higher than many people expect, and older adults with high costs may still qualify on net income.
• Not claiming medical costs. Paying your own Medicare premium can be enough to pass $35 a month and get the $200 deduction.
• VaCAP benefits changing. If you were on VaCAP, your amount may go up or down at renewal. Send proof of all your costs.

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Other food help for older adults

Your local Area Agency on Aging can tell you about group meals and home-delivered meals. Call No Wrong Door Easy Access at 1-888-992-0959 (24/7) to find yours.

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Free help

• SNAP questions: Your local Department of Social Services, or 833-522-5582.
• Area Agencies on Aging: 1-888-992-0959.
• VICAP (free Medicare counseling): 1-800-552-3402.

See all benefits in Virginia. If you are on SSI and were on VaCAP, see the section above.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Virginia agencies

Check what you may qualify for