Q.
What is the Virginia Restaurant Meals Program?
A.
The Virginia Restaurant Meals Program (VRMP) allows Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP) households who are elderly (age 60 and over),
permanently disabled or experiencing homelessness (and their spouses) to
use their SNAP benefits to purchase prepared meals using their SNAP
Electronic Benefit Transaction (EBT) cards at participating restaurants.
Q.
How can I find out if I am eligible for the Virginia Restaurant Meals
Program?
A.
You may be eligible if you are 60 years of age or older, permanently
disabled or experiencing homelessness and meet the following conditions:
- Elderly or disabled: The household must have only members who are age 60 or older, or designated permanently disabled by a government entity, or an elderly or disabled individual and his or her spouse.
- Homeless: The household must lack a fixed and regular nighttime residence, or be living in a shelter, a halfway house or a place not designed for sleeping. This includes those who are temporarily staying in the home of another person for 90 days or less.
Q.
Do I have to apply for the restaurant meals program separately?
A.
No, if you are an eligible SNAP client and meet the specific requirements
mentioned above, an application is not required.
Q.
How do I find out if a restaurant is participating in the
program?
A.
Participating restaurants will have SNAP Virginia Restaurant Meals
Program signage displayed on a door or window.
Click here for a list of restaurants.
Q.
Do I have to show an identification card with my EBT card to purchase a
meal?
A.
No, an identification card is not required. Your EBT card and authorized
PIN (personal identification number) is all that is necessary to purchase
a meal.
Q.
After purchasing a meal, do I get a sales receipt showing my SNAP
benefits balance?
A.
Yes, your sales receipt will show the cost of your meal and your
remaining SNAP benefit balance.
Q.
Will I be charged a service gratuity or sales tax if I purchased a meal
with my SNAP EBT card?
A.
No, the participating restaurant is not allowed to charge a service
gratuity or sales tax under the Virginia Restaurant Meals Program.
Q.
If my SNAP EBT card does not have enough money to purchase a meal, can
I use cash to cover the difference?
A.
Yes, you must inform the cashier that you will use a mixed transaction
(EBT card along with cash or a credit card). Before you buy a meal, always
check the balance of
your SNAP benefits.
Q.
What do I do if my SNAP EBT transaction is denied by a participating
restaurant?
A.
You must call the EBT Customer Service Center number at 866-281-2448 or
call your SNAP eligibility worker.
Q.
Am I able to use my EBT card at other restaurants outside the state of
Virginia?
A.
Yes, EBT cardholders are permitted to use their EBT cards at restaurants
in other states that participate in the restaurant meals program. A list
of participating states can be found
here.
