{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/63.2-801.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/63.2-801.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/63.2-801.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/63.2-801.html"}],"law_id":65850,"edition_id":1,"section_id":65850,"structure_id":14332,"section_number":"63.2-801","catch_line":"SNAP benefits program","history":"1974, c. 504, \u00a7 63.1-25.2; 1975, c. 311; 1981, c. 21; 2002, c. 747; 2020, c. 843; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 160; 2023, c. 350; 2024, c. 435; 2025, c. 426.","full_text":"A\n\nThe Board is authorized, in accordance with the federal Food Stamp Act, to implement a SNAP benefits program in which each political subdivision in the Commonwealth shall participate. Such program shall include participation in the Restaurant Meals Program and shall be administered in conformity with the Board regulations.B\n\nTo the extent authorized by federal law and regulations, the Board shall (i) establish broad-based categorical eligibility for SNAP benefits in accordance with 7 C.F.R. § 273.2(j)(2), (ii) set the gross income eligibility standard for SNAP benefits at 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, and (iii) not impose an asset limit for eligibility for SNAP benefits.C\n\nExcept as otherwise provided in federal law or regulations, the Department may not require persons who are applying to participate or renewing their participation in the SNAP benefits program to appear in person as a condition of participation.D\n\nThe Board shall increase opportunities for self-sufficiency through postsecondary education by allowing SNAP benefits program participants, to the greatest extent allowed by federal law and regulations, to satisfy applicable employment and training requirements through enrollment in an accredited public institution of higher education or other postsecondary school licensed or certified by the Board of Education or the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. The Board shall (i) identify postsecondary education opportunities in the Commonwealth that meet the definition of “employment and training program” as set forth in 7 C.F.R. § 271.2 and the definition of “career and technical education” as set forth in 20 U.S.C. § 2302; (ii) average a SNAP benefits program participant’s classroom and study hours on a monthly basis to determine whether the SNAP benefits program participant has met applicable education hour requirements; (iii) deem a SNAP benefits program participant who is approved for a federal or state work study position but who has not yet been placed in a work study position to have satisfied applicable employment and training requirements, as permitted under federal law; (iv) create a standardized form and process for SNAP benefits program participants to verify compliance with education requirements; (v) allow accredited public institutions of higher education or other postsecondary schools licensed or certified by the Board of Education or the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to apply for SNAP ET third party reimbursement designation through the established procurement process; and (vi) establish and make available to SNAP benefits program participants materials that provide clear guidance regarding satisfaction of employment and training requirements through postsecondary education.E\n\nThe Department shall develop, annually update, and provide to each school board in advance of the start of each school year an information sheet on the SNAP benefits program that sets forth the application process and such other information as the Department deems necessary or appropriate in order to properly inform the parents of students enrolled in public elementary and secondary schools of such program and encourage application by those who are eligible.F\n\nThe Department shall develop, annually update, and provide to each public institution of higher education in advance of the start of each school year an information sheet on the SNAP benefits program that sets forth the application process, includes guidance on the employment and training requirements that students enrolled in public institutions of higher education are required to satisfy in order to receive SNAP benefits and opportunities for self-sufficiency through post-secondary education available pursuant to subsection D, and includes any other information as the Department deems necessary or appropriate in order to properly inform students in public institutions of higher education of such program and encourage application by those who are eligible.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":239310,"text":"The Board is authorized, in accordance with the federal Food Stamp Act, to implement a SNAP benefits program in which each political subdivision in the Commonwealth shall participate. Such program shall include participation in the Restaurant Meals Program and shall be administered in conformity with the Board regulations.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":239311,"text":"To the extent authorized by federal law and regulations, the Board shall (i) establish broad-based categorical eligibility for SNAP benefits in accordance with 7 C.F.R. § 273.2(j)(2), (ii) set the gross income eligibility standard for SNAP benefits at 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, and (iii) not impose an asset limit for eligibility for SNAP benefits.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":239312,"text":"Except as otherwise provided in federal law or regulations, the Department may not require persons who are applying to participate or renewing their participation in the SNAP benefits program to appear in person as a condition of participation.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":239313,"text":"The Board shall increase opportunities for self-sufficiency through postsecondary education by allowing SNAP benefits program participants, to the greatest extent allowed by federal law and regulations, to satisfy applicable employment and training requirements through enrollment in an accredited public institution of higher education or other postsecondary school licensed or certified by the Board of Education or the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. The Board shall (i) identify postsecondary education opportunities in the Commonwealth that meet the definition of “employment and training program” as set forth in 7 C.F.R. § 271.2 and the definition of “career and technical education” as set forth in 20 U.S.C. § 2302; (ii) average a SNAP benefits program participant’s classroom and study hours on a monthly basis to determine whether the SNAP benefits program participant has met applicable education hour requirements; (iii) deem a SNAP benefits program participant who is approved for a federal or state work study position but who has not yet been placed in a work study position to have satisfied applicable employment and training requirements, as permitted under federal law; (iv) create a standardized form and process for SNAP benefits program participants to verify compliance with education requirements; (v) allow accredited public institutions of higher education or other postsecondary schools licensed or certified by the Board of Education or the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to apply for SNAP ET third party reimbursement designation through the established procurement process; and (vi) establish and make available to SNAP benefits program participants materials that provide clear guidance regarding satisfaction of employment and training requirements through postsecondary education.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":239314,"text":"The Department shall develop, annually update, and provide to each school board in advance of the start of each school year an information sheet on the SNAP benefits program that sets forth the application process and such other information as the Department deems necessary or appropriate in order to properly inform the parents of students enrolled in public elementary and secondary schools of such program and encourage application by those who are eligible.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"5":{"id":239315,"text":"The Department shall develop, annually update, and provide to each public institution of higher education in advance of the start of each school year an information sheet on the SNAP benefits program that sets forth the application process, includes guidance on the employment and training requirements that students enrolled in public institutions of higher education are required to satisfy in order to receive SNAP benefits and opportunities for self-sufficiency through post-secondary education available pursuant to subsection D, and includes any other information as the Department deems necessary or appropriate in order to properly inform students in public institutions of higher education of such program and encourage application by those who are eligible.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14332,"edition_id":1,"name":"Other Grants of Public Assistance","identifier":"8","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":14331,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:47:46","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:47:46","permalink":{"id":271301,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14332,"identifier":"8","token":"63.2\/II\/8","url":"\/63.2\/II\/8\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":14331,"edition_id":1,"name":"Public Assistance","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12789,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:47:46","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:47:46","permalink":{"id":271055,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14331,"identifier":"II","token":"63.2\/II","url":"\/63.2\/II\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12789,"edition_id":1,"name":"Welfare (Social Services)","identifier":"63.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","permalink":{"id":270661,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12789,"identifier":"63.2","token":"63.2","url":"\/63.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":85913,"structure_id":14332,"section_number":"63.2-800","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/63.2-800\/","token":"63.2\/II\/8\/63.2-800","metadata":false},{"id":65850,"structure_id":14332,"section_number":"63.2-801","catch_line":"SNAP benefits program","url":"\/63.2-801\/","token":"63.2\/II\/8\/63.2-801","metadata":false},{"id":83853,"structure_id":14332,"section_number":"63.2-802","catch_line":"Eligibility for general relief","url":"\/63.2-802\/","token":"63.2\/II\/8\/63.2-802","metadata":false},{"id":81295,"structure_id":14332,"section_number":"63.2-803","catch_line":"Payment for legal services in claims for Supplemental Security Income","url":"\/63.2-803\/","token":"63.2\/II\/8\/63.2-803","metadata":false},{"id":62222,"structure_id":14332,"section_number":"63.2-804","catch_line":"Eligibility to receive convict-made dentures","url":"\/63.2-804\/","token":"63.2\/II\/8\/63.2-804","metadata":false},{"id":55631,"structure_id":14332,"section_number":"63.2-805","catch_line":" Home Energy Assistance Program; report; survey","url":"\/63.2-805\/","token":"63.2\/II\/8\/63.2-805","metadata":false},{"id":83111,"structure_id":14332,"section_number":"63.2-806","catch_line":"Unaccompanied homeless youths; services; consent","url":"\/63.2-806\/","token":"63.2\/II\/8\/63.2-806","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":85913,"structure_id":14332,"section_number":"63.2-800","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/63.2-800\/","token":"63.2\/II\/8\/63.2-800","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":83853,"structure_id":14332,"section_number":"63.2-802","catch_line":"Eligibility for general relief","url":"\/63.2-802\/","token":"63.2\/II\/8\/63.2-802","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/63.2-801\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1974. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 504 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1974 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 7 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1975, chapter 311; in 1981, chapter 21; in 2002, chapter 747<\/a>; in 2020, chapter 843<\/a>; in 2023, chapter 350<\/a>; in 2024, chapter 435<\/a>; in 2025, chapter 426<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":54343,"section_number":"22.1-79","catch_line":"Powers and duties","order_by":null,"url":"\/22.1-79\/"},{"id":76701,"section_number":"23.1-409.1","catch_line":"Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; notice to students","order_by":null,"url":"\/23.1-409.1\/"},{"id":57585,"section_number":"63.2-527","catch_line":"Notice of earned income tax credit","order_by":null,"url":"\/63.2-527\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":271307,"object_type":"law","relational_id":65850,"identifier":"63.2-801","token":"63.2\/II\/8\/63.2-801","url":"\/63.2-801\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/63.2-801\/","token":"63.2\/II\/8\/63.2-801","dublin_core":{"Title":"SNAP benefits program","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 63.2-801","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The Board<\/span> is authorized, in accordance with the federal Food Stamp Act, to implement a SNAP benefits program in which each political subdivision in the Commonwealth shall participate. Such program shall include participation in the Restaurant Meals Program and shall be administered in conformity with the Board<\/span> regulations. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> To the extent authorized by federal law<\/span> and regulations, the Board<\/span> shall (i) establish broad-based categorical eligibility for SNAP benefits in accordance with 7 C.F.R. § 273.2(j)(2), (ii) set the gross income eligibility standard for SNAP benefits at 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, and (iii) not impose an asset limit for eligibility for SNAP benefits. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Except as otherwise provided in federal law<\/span> or regulations, the Department<\/span> may not require persons who are applying to participate or renewing their participation in the SNAP benefits program to appear in person as a condition of participation. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The Board<\/span> shall increase opportunities for self-sufficiency through postsecondary education by allowing SNAP benefits program participants, to the greatest extent allowed by federal law<\/span> and regulations, to satisfy applicable employment and training requirements through enrollment in an accredited public institution of higher education or other postsecondary school licensed or certified by the Board<\/span> of Education or the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. The Board<\/span> shall (i) identify postsecondary education opportunities in the Commonwealth that meet the definition of “employment and training program” as set forth in 7 C.F.R. § 271.2 and the definition of “career and technical education” as set forth in 20 U.S.C. § 2302; (ii) average a SNAP benefits program participant’s classroom and study hours on a monthly basis to determine whether the SNAP benefits program participant has met applicable education hour requirements; (iii) deem a SNAP benefits program participant who is approved for a federal or state work study position but who has not yet been placed in a work study position to have satisfied applicable employment and training requirements, as permitted under federal law<\/span>; (iv) create a standardized form and process for SNAP benefits program participants to verify compliance with education requirements; (v) allow accredited public institutions of higher education or other postsecondary schools licensed or certified by the Board<\/span> of Education or the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to apply for SNAP ET third party<\/span> reimbursement designation through the established procurement process; and (vi) establish and make available to SNAP benefits program participants materials<\/span> that provide clear guidance regarding satisfaction of employment and training requirements through postsecondary education. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> The Department<\/span> shall develop, annually update, and provide to each school board<\/span> in advance of the start of each school year an information sheet on the SNAP benefits program that sets forth the application process and such other information as the Department<\/span> deems necessary or appropriate in order<\/span> to properly inform the parents of students enrolled in public elementary and secondary schools of such program and encourage application by those who are eligible. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> The Department<\/span> shall develop, annually update, and provide to each public institution of higher education in advance of the start of each school year an information sheet on the SNAP benefits program that sets forth the application process, includes guidance on the employment and training requirements that students enrolled in public institutions of higher education are required to satisfy in order<\/span> to receive SNAP benefits and opportunities for self-sufficiency through post-secondary education available pursuant to subsection D, and includes any other information as the Department<\/span> deems necessary or appropriate in order<\/span> to properly inform students in public institutions of higher education of such program and encourage application by those who are eligible. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nSNAP BENEFITS PROGRAM (\u00a7 63.2-801)\n\nA. The Board is authorized, in accordance with the federal Food Stamp Act, to\nimplement a SNAP benefits program in which each political subdivision in the\nCommonwealth shall participate. Such program shall include participation in the\nRestaurant Meals Program and shall be administered in conformity with the Board\nregulations.\n\nB. To the extent authorized by federal law and regulations, the Board shall (i)\nestablish broad-based categorical eligibility for SNAP benefits in accordance\nwith 7 C.F.R. § 273.2(j)(2), (ii) set the gross income eligibility standard\nfor SNAP benefits at 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, and (iii)\nnot impose an asset limit for eligibility for SNAP benefits.\n\nC. Except as otherwise provided in federal law or regulations, the Department\nmay not require persons who are applying to participate or renewing their\nparticipation in the SNAP benefits program to appear in person as a condition of\nparticipation.\n\nD. The Board shall increase opportunities for self-sufficiency through\npostsecondary education by allowing SNAP benefits program participants, to the\ngreatest extent allowed by federal law and regulations, to satisfy applicable\nemployment and training requirements through enrollment in an accredited public\ninstitution of higher education or other postsecondary school licensed or\ncertified by the Board of Education or the State Council of Higher Education for\nVirginia. The Board shall (i) identify postsecondary education opportunities in\nthe Commonwealth that meet the definition of “employment and training\nprogram” as set forth in 7 C.F.R. § 271.2 and the definition of\n“career and technical education” as set forth in 20 U.S.C. §\n2302; (ii) average a SNAP benefits program participant’s classroom and\nstudy hours on a monthly basis to determine whether the SNAP benefits program\nparticipant has met applicable education hour requirements; (iii) deem a SNAP\nbenefits program participant who is approved for a federal or state work study\nposition but who has not yet been placed in a work study position to have\nsatisfied applicable employment and training requirements, as permitted under\nfederal law; (iv) create a standardized form and process for SNAP benefits\nprogram participants to verify compliance with education requirements; (v) allow\naccredited public institutions of higher education or other postsecondary\nschools licensed or certified by the Board of Education or the State Council of\nHigher Education for Virginia to apply for SNAP ET third party reimbursement\ndesignation through the established procurement process; and (vi) establish and\nmake available to SNAP benefits program participants materials that provide\nclear guidance regarding satisfaction of employment and training requirements\nthrough postsecondary education.\n\nE. The Department shall develop, annually update, and provide to each school\nboard in advance of the start of each school year an information sheet on the\nSNAP benefits program that sets forth the application process and such other\ninformation as the Department deems necessary or appropriate in order to\nproperly inform the parents of students enrolled in public elementary and\nsecondary schools of such program and encourage application by those who are\neligible.\n\nF. The Department shall develop, annually update, and provide to each public\ninstitution of higher education in advance of the start of each school year an\ninformation sheet on the SNAP benefits program that sets forth the application\nprocess, includes guidance on the employment and training requirements that\nstudents enrolled in public institutions of higher education are required to\nsatisfy in order to receive SNAP benefits and opportunities for self-sufficiency\nthrough post-secondary education available pursuant to subsection D, and\nincludes any other information as the Department deems necessary or appropriate\nin order to properly inform students in public institutions of higher education\nof such program and encourage application by those who are eligible.\n\nHISTORY: 1974, c. 504, \u00a7 63.1-25.2; 1975, c. 311; 1981, c. 21; 2002, c. 747;\n2020, c. 843; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 160; 2023, c. 350; 2024, c. 435; 2025, c.\n426.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}