Change in issuance schedule means early access to benefits for some Virginians

For the month of March only, all Virginia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) clients will receive benefits on Friday, March 1.

SNAP will suspend its usual staggered issuance and release benefits to all recipients, including individuals who typically receive benefits between the 4th and 7th of each month, on this date. Benefits will be automatically loaded to recipients’ SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards.

“This change is intended to help close the gap for clients who have been stretching benefits since mid-January as a result of the early release of February benefits during the partial federal government shutdown,” said Virginia Department of Social Services Director of Benefit Programs Toni Blue Washington. “We understand the challenges individuals and families have been facing, and want to ensure Virginians who rely on SNAP benefits are provided some relief.”

SNAP recipients with questions related to their benefits are encouraged to contact the Enterprise Customer Service Center at 1-855-635-4370 or their local department of social services. For additional resources, recipients may call 2-1-1 or visit www.211virginia.org.

The SNAP program will resume its normal staggered issuance benefits schedule in April.