SNAP Eligibility Changes for Some Noncitizens
Federal law (H.R. 1) changed which immigration statuses qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals can still qualify under these rules. Some noncitizens can also qualify, including lawful permanent residents (green card holders), Cuban and Haitian entrants, and citizens of countries covered by the Compacts of Free Association (COFA). A five-year waiting period applies to many green card holders, with exceptions. Everyone who applies must also meet SNAP’s other eligibility rules, including income limits.
Your children or other household members may still qualify even if you don’t. You can apply for eligible household members without applying for yourself. If you aren’t applying for yourself, you don’t have to provide your immigration status. We may still ask for household or income information to determine who qualifies.
If you already receive SNAP, watch for a notice. If the changes affect your household, you’ll receive a notice by mail. Read it carefully and provide any requested information by the deadline. Report changes in your immigration status to Alexandria’s Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS). If you disagree with a decision, you have the right to appeal. Your notice explains how.
For help applying or understanding a SNAP notice, call Alexandria DCHS at 703.746.5902.
SNAP Work Requirement Changes
A federal law signed on July 4, 2025 (H.R. 1) changed some SNAP work requirements. Most households will continue to receive benefits. If the changes affect you, our office will contact you and explain what you need to do.
What counts toward the work requirement? If the requirement applies to you, you can generally meet it by completing 80 hours per month of one or more of these activities:
- Paid work, including part-time work and self-employment
- Qualifying volunteer or community service with an eligible nonprofit or government organization that can verify your hours
- Approved education or job training
You can combine hours from different activities. For example, 60 hours of paid work and 20 hours of qualifying volunteer service can meet the monthly requirement. Some people are exempt, and some may meet the requirement based on their earnings.
Keep your contact information and mailing address up to date. Open each letter you receive from our office and respond by the deadline in the letter. Contact us if you have questions or need help.
Read the Virginia Department of Social Services’ SNAP work requirements FAQs.
Public Charge
What is public charge?
Public charge is a federal immigration rule that can apply when someone seeks admission to the United States or applies for certain green cards. Each benefit program has its own eligibility rules.
Who may be affected?
The rule applies to some people seeking a green card through a family member or employer. Many people are exempt, including refugees and people granted asylum. Public charge generally does not apply when someone renews a green card or applies for U.S. citizenship. In some circumstances, a green card holder returning to the United States after more than 180 consecutive days abroad may be subject to a public charge review.
How are public charge decisions made?
Immigration officials consider the person’s overall circumstances, including age, health, family situation, finances, education and skills, and any required financial support from a sponsor. Using a public benefit does not automatically lead to a public charge finding.
Federal public charge rules changed on September 18, 2026. In cases covered by the updated rule, officials may consider certain benefits based on income or financial need, including SNAP, received on or after that date. Benefits received before that date are evaluated under the prior rules.
If you have questions about how the rules apply to you or your family, speak with a qualified immigration attorney or an accredited immigration representative.
Benefit Eligibility Flyers in Multiple Languages
Additional Public and Community Resources
Additional information and resources are available through the Resources for Navigating Eligibility Changes page. The public site is intended to serve as a centralized source of information as Virginia implements these significant program changes