SNAP Work Requirements in Virginia

Check if the time limit applies to you Count your months

When the new rules started in Virginia

VDSS says that starting November 1, 2025, homelessness, veteran status and being 18 to 24 and formerly in foster care are no longer exemptions, the rule covers ages up to 64, and a child must be under 14 to exempt the parent. Affected customers got a "SNAP Work Requirement Consolidated Information Notice."

Waived areas in Virginia

No part of Virginia is waived. VDSS says areas can no longer get waivers based on job availability.

That means the time limit can apply anywhere in the state to adults who are not exempt and do not meet the 80-hour rule.

Your 36-month period

VDSS has not published how it sets the 36-month period.

You can get SNAP for only 3 countable months in that period unless you meet the 80-hour rule or are exempt. The time limit calculator helps you count.

How to meet and report the 80 hours

Job and training program: SNAP Employment and Training (E&T)

Tell your Benefit Programs Specialist at your local department about work hours or exemptions. If you got the Consolidated Information Notice, mark every exemption that applies and return it. You can also report changes at CommonHelp.

Across all states, paid work, work for goods or services, volunteering, workfare and approved training count, and you can combine them. See what counts as work.

More Virginia details

• VDSS lists WIOA, VIEW, Trade Adjustment Assistance, and working in exchange for rent as ways that may count.
• If you stay eligible, your benefit amount does not change because of the work rules.

Contact

• Agency: Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS); local departments of social services
• Online account: CommonHelp
• Phone: 833-522-5582 (apply by phone)

Federal rules that apply in Virginia

• Covered: adults 18 through 64 who can work, with no child under 14 in their SNAP household.
• Exempt: pregnancy; a health condition that keeps you from working; American Indian, Alaska Native, Urban Indian or California Indian; or being excused from the general work rules (caring for a child under 6 or a disabled person, unemployment benefits, 30 hours a week or $217.50 a week, half-time school, drug or alcohol treatment, TANF work rules). See all exemptions.
• Veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth are no longer automatically exempt.
• If you lose SNAP, you can get it back by doing 80 hours in 30 days or becoming exempt. You can also ask for a fair hearing. See how to get SNAP back.