Impacts to SNAP

Update on 11/9/25

Following new federal guidance, Virginia Department of Social Services anticipates that 65% of SNAP benefits will be distributed by Thursday, November 13. VENA benefits will not be issued this week with the release of the SNAP funding. 

Further updates will be posted on this site as well as on the VADSS website.

Update on 10/30/25

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency, allowing the use of state funds to issue Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) benefits to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers in November if the federal government shutdown is not resolved by November 1, 2025.

Under VENA, 25% of a customer's monthly benefit will be issued on a weekly basis, so that in the event the shutdown ends sometime during November, normal distributions from the federal government will resume. The weekly benefit will add up to the full monthly benefit amount.

Starting Monday, November 3, the following will take effect for SNAP customers:

  • Customers who receive their benefits on the 1st of the month will receive weekly VENA benefits on Mondays.
  • Customers who receive their benefits on the 4th of the month will receive weekly VENA benefits on Wednesdays.
  • Customers who receive their benefits on the 7th of the month will receive weekly VENA benefits on Fridays.

Click here for a list of FAQs.

Update on 10/23/25

Governor Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency to provide emergency hunger relief for Virginians. The State of Emergency allows the Governor to expend emergency funds under sum sufficient authority to protect the health, welfare, and safety of Virginians. 

Once further guidance is made available by VDSS, we will provide updates to our community. 

Update on 10/22/25

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has notified states that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November may be delayed or unavailable due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This is a nationwide issue affecting all SNAP households. 

Key Things To Know
  • Federal SNAP funding requires congressional approval.
  • The USDA has instructed states not to submit November benefit files until further notice.
  • If the shutdown ends by the end of the month, November benefits may only be slightly delayed. If it continues, no state can guarantee when or if November benefits will be issued.
  • Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) has been working closely with state and federal partners to assess all options, understand potential impacts, and develop plans to minimize disruptions.

What Albemarle SNAP Recipients Can Do

What Community Members Can Do To Help

With over 3,000 households potentially facing impacts from this delay, many Albemarle County residents are likely wondering how they can help. Here are a few ways to make a difference:

  • Donate to local food banks. Every donation to the area food banks helps provide meals for families here in our community.
  • Volunteer. Local pantries and food programs rely on volunteers to sort, pack, and distribute food.
  • Check on your neighbors. I f you know someone who relies on SNAP benefits, a simple check-in or shared meal can go a long way.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) Funding Status During the Ongoing Federal Government Shutdown (10/24/25)

Albemarle County Office of Housing is continuing to operate and provide services.

Key Things To Know
  • Payments are Continuing: As of now, Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) are continuing as scheduled.
  • Funding Available Short-Term: Based on current guidance from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), sufficient funding has been made available to cover payments at least through November 2025. There is no immediate impact on expected payments. 
  • Potential for Delays: If the federal government shutdown continues beyond November 2025, there may be delays or interruptions in future HAP disbursements.
  • Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants are still responsible for paying their portion of the rent as specified in their lease agreement. Landlords should continue to collect the tenant portion of the rent as usual.
  • HAP Contract Requirements: Under the terms of the Housing Assistance Payments Contract, landlords are prohibited from seeking payment from the resident for the Housing Authority's portion of the rent and may not use the Authority's non-payment of HAP as a cause for eviction.
  • At this time, we do not anticipate impacts to the opening of the Project-Based Voucher waitlist scheduled the week of November 7, 2025.