Contact

Social Services
Human Services Center
220 H. G. McGhee Dr.
Chatham, VA 24531

434-432-7281
434-432-0923 (fax)

Mailing Address
P. O. Drawer E
Chatham, VA 24531

Hours
Monday-Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Food Assistance

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Food Assistance (SNAP)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that operates under the requirements of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service to provide nutritional assistance benefits to eligible individuals and families. Eligibility for SNAP benefits is based on financial and nonfinancial criteria.

Additional information regarding the SNAP program and an online application portal can be found on the State DSS site.

To apply by phone, call 833-5CALLVA (833-522-5582).

SNAP benefits are issued electronically to eligible households on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. This card is similar to a credit or debit card to use at authorized retailers to buy food. You may also buy seeds or plants to grow your own food. SNAP benefits will be added to your account each month you are approved for benefits. You must select a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and use that PIN when you swipe the card at the store.

Additional information regarding EBT cards can be found on the State’s website.

To remain in the program, the following changes must be reported within 10 days from the date they occur but no later than the 10th day of the next month:

All the income for your household before taxes goes over the income limits listed on the Change Report form below.
The number of work hours goes under 20 per week for persons who are between the ages of 18-50 if there are no children in the home
You have lottery or gambling winnings of $3,500 or more.

A Change Report may be sent to this office or completed online, through CommonHelp. Also, forms (including the Change Report) may be accessed via the VDSS public site.

FAQs

Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

Who do I contact if my EBT card is lost, stolen, or damaged?
The cardholder should call the toll-free customer service help desk at 866-281-2448. The help desk is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The caller will hear a prompt for English or Spanish, then a prompt to enter the 16-digit card number. Stay on the line! If no card number is entered, the caller will hear a message that says "if the card has been lost, stolen, or damaged, press 2."

It takes 7-10 days to receive the card by mail. There may be a $2 charge to your EBT card for replacement.
Can I get an EBT card at the County Social Services Department?
Yes, you can get an EBT card at the County Social Services Department. Although the EBT cards housed within the agency will not have your name printed on the card, they are considered permanent cards. If you are unable to wait for a replacement card by mail, you can call our agency at 434-432-7281 to request to pick up a card. A few things to note:
- An ID is required to pick up an EBT card.
- Only the cardholder can pick up the EBT card.
- There may be a $2 charge to your EBT card for replacement.
Can I designate someone else to act on my behalf for SNAP?
Yes, your worker can provide you with an Authorized Representative Form to designate an individual or organization to act on your behalf for the program(s) you choose. Please make sure it is someone you trust.

Please note that an Authorized Representative (AR) for SNAP cannot pick up an EBT card for you, but you can request for the AR to have their own EBT card for your account.
Can I use my EBT card to purchase food online?
Yes, you can use your EBT card to purchase food online. However, SNAP benefits used online cannot be used to pay for fees of any type, such as delivery, service, or convenience fees.

To learn more, visit Frequently Asked Questions about SNAP Online Shopping.

SNAP Employment and Training (SNAPET)

The SNAPET program can help with Job Search, Job Readiness, Vocational Training, Education, Work Experience, Transportation and other work-related costs, as well as referrals to other community services for non-public assistance SNAP recipients. The program is intended to provide SNAP recipients with opportunities that will lead to paid employment and decreased dependency on assistance programs.

Participation in SNAPET is voluntary; therefore, your SNAP benefits will not be affected if you choose not to participate.

To learn more, 2023 SNAP Employment-and-Training Flyer_09122023

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