10/31/2025
UPDATE (Nov. 12): Virginia SNAP Benefit
Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced that, following new federal guidance, 65% of regular monthly SNAP benefits for more than 850,000 Virginians is anticipated to be distributed by Thursday, November 13.
With the federal government's reinstatement of SNAP benefits for November, Virginia will pause the issuance of Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA).
The Chesapeake Department of Human Services will provide updated information as it becomes available and remains committed to supporting all citizens during this challenging period.
IMPORTANT NOTICE (Oct. 29): Governor Glenn Youngkin has declared a State of Emergency to address the anticipated lapse in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting November 1, 2025, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The state will fund benefits through their Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance efforts (VENA).
What you need to know:
VENA benefits will be issued via the existing electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card that SNAP recipients currently hold.
Supplemental funds will go directly to EBT cards beginning next week.
VENA benefits will be issued weekly, not monthly, in hopes the federal shutdown will end soon. For example: If a household normally receives $200 for a monthly benefit, a $50 benefit will be issued on a weekly basis.
The Governor has stated the effort should continue at least through November unless the shutdown ends during the month.
For more information regarding Governor Glenn Youngkin's Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) Effort, visit www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2025/october/name-1066593-en.html. The Chesapeake Department of Human Services will provide updated information as it becomes available and remains committed to supporting all citizens during this challenging period.
