Amherst County, Virginia

If you are interested in applying for SNAP (food assistance), here is information you need to know:

 

Persons applying for SNAP must file an application by submitting the application form DPB to the Department of Social Services in the county or city where they live, in person, either through an authorized representative, or by mail.

 

You have the right to file an application on the same day you contact the Department of Social Services in your locality. The address and hours of the office are shown at the bottom of this notice. Your application may be submitted any time during office hours.

 

You may come to the office to pick up an application any time during office hours, or the agency can mail you an application on the same day you request it

 

If your resources and income are very low ($100 in resources and $150 in income), or you are a migrant or seasonal farm worker, or your combined gross monthly income and resources are lass than your family's shelter expenses, you may be eligible for expedited service. This means that if you are eligible, you are entitled to receive SNAP benefits within 7 days following the date your application is filed at the local social services department.

 

Your application will be reviewed on the day it is received for possible eligibility for expedited service. You have the right to file an application even if you appear to be ineligible for the program.

 

You or a designated authorized representative may file an incomplete application as long as it contains a name, address, and signature of a responsible household member or property designated authorized representative. The agency has 30 days to process your application (7 days, if expedited). The 30-day (or 7-day if expedited) processing time begins the day after the application is received at the office. Additionally, your food stamp benefits for the month of application will be prorated from the date of application if you are found eligible.

 

If your case is approved, you must receive your benefits within 30 days following the date of application (or 7 days, if expedited).

 

As part of the SNAP application process. you will be required to have an in-office interview before being certified, but the interview is not necessary before filing an application. Under certain hardship conditions, you may request the office interview be waived and replaced. for example, by a telephone interview

 

The SNAP Program has separate rules and processes from other programs. You should apply for food stamps even if there are limitations on receiving benefits for other programs.