For SNAP Participants

Important changes are coming to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility. Learn what is changing, when the changes will take effect, and how the City of Alexandria is helping residents stay connected to benefits, employment, training, and volunteer opportunities.
Page updated on August 7, 2026 at 6:46 PM
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Do the New Requirements Apply to Me?

  • Verify expenses: Provide documentation for all expenses at each application and renewal. 
  • Adults ages 18–64: Must participate in work or an approved activity, unless exempt. 
  • Parents: Parents with children over age 14 must participate. 
  • Immigration status: Some humanitarian immigration categories are no longer eligible. 
  • Exemptions changed: Previous exemptions for homelessness, former foster youth, and veterans have been removed. 
  • Work requirement: Non-exempt individuals must work or participate in an approved activity for at least 20 hours per week (80 hours per month). 

The H.R. 1 (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) was signed into law in July 2025, and additional changes have since been enacted to support compliance with the new rules. 

 

What does this mean for you? These changes will take effect at your next renewal. At that time, your case will be re-evaluated to determine whether you remain eligible and have met the required participation hours. If you do not meet the required hours, you may lose your benefits. 

  • Work: Be employed at least 20 hours per week (80 hours per month).  
  • Volunteer: Participate in approved volunteer activities. Volunteer Alexandria | Workforce Volunteers 
  • Employment Programs: Participate in a Workforce Development Center (WDC) employment program. Programs and Services | City of Alexandria, VA 
  • Vocational Training: Participate in an approved vocational training program.  
  • Vocational ESL: Attend vocational English as a Second Language (ESL) classes.  
  • Caregiving: Provide care for an elderly or disabled individual. 

You Have Options

  • Looking for a job or want to build your skills? Visit the Workforce Development Center on the 6th floor at 4850 Mark Center Drive to connect with job training, education, career development, and other workforce services. Employment Services Intake Form 

 

Volunteer. Connect. Build Skills.

Volunteer Alexandria connects residents with local organizations that need volunteers. 

 

  • Explore Flexible Options: Find meaningful volunteer opportunities that fit your needs and schedule.  
  • Meet Qualifying Requirements: Volunteer activities completed through Volunteer Alexandria count toward participation requirements.  
  • Build Skills and Experience: Gain valuable skills and strengthen your work history.  
  • Stay Connected: Build relationships, connect with local organizations, and strengthen community connections.  
  • Support Your Well-Being: Volunteering can provide structure, purpose, and social connection.  
  • Track Your Hours: Use Volunteer Alexandria’s participation tracking system to record and document your volunteer hours. 

 

CREATE AN ACCOUNT AND FIND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES HERE: 

Volunteer Alexandria | Workforce Volunteers 

 

For additional questions or assistance, please email wdc@alexandriava.gov for more information about the new federal policies and how they may affect you. 

Logo of the SNAP Nutrition Assistance Program, featuring bold text and a colorful design representing food security.

                                                             

Emblem of the Virginia Department of Social Services, illustrating a family symbol alongside the organization's name.