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County Social Services Outlines Medicaid and SNAP Changes

TL;DR: Chesterfield County Department of Social Services released a video in July 2026 explaining upcoming federal changes to Medicaid and SNAP programs affecting local residents.

The story

The Chesterfield County Department of Social Services published a video in July 2026 to help county residents understand significant federal changes coming to Medicaid and SNAP programs. The video walks residents through how the changes will affect them and what they need to do.

The changes stem from federal law enacted July 4, 2025. For SNAP, new work requirements took effect October 1, 2025: applicants and recipients must now verify housing, medical, and dependent care expenses, and individuals aged 18 to 64 must work at least 80 hours per month to remain eligible. Previous exemptions for homeless individuals, veterans, young adults aged 24 and under who have aged out of foster care, and parents of teens aged 14 to 17 have been eliminated.

More significant Medicaid changes are set to begin October 1, 2026. Starting that date, Virginia will implement new eligibility rules for noncitizen adults, introduce a Work and Community Engagement requirement, reduce retroactive coverage periods, and move certain adults to six-month renewals instead of annual ones. Beginning January 2027, additional Medicaid expansion adults will need to work or participate in other activities such as volunteering or education programs for at least 80 hours monthly, with exemptions for pregnant adults, children, people aged 65 or older, and certain people with disabilities.

Virginia is sending notices to affected households by the end of September 2026 about the new work requirements. The state has also launched a resource hub to help residents navigate the changes.

Residents seeking specific details on how these changes will affect them can visit www.dss.virginia.gov or call 855-635-4370 for more information. The Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services can be reached at 804-748-1100 during office hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Documentation for SNAP applications and renewals can be uploaded through Commonhelp.virginia.gov, emailed to dssdocs@chesterfield.gov, submitted at local libraries, or delivered in person to the office at 9501 Lucy Corr Boulevard.

Key players

• Chesterfield County Department of Social Services: Local agency providing guidance on federal benefit program changes
• Virginia Department of Social Services: State agency overseeing implementation of federal changes
• Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services: State agency managing Medicaid changes and requirements

Key dates

• 2025-10-01: SNAP work requirements and verification procedures take effect
• 2026-09-30: Deadline for Virginia to send notices about new Medicaid work requirements
• 2026-10-01: Medicaid eligibility changes for noncitizens, reduced retroactive coverage, and six-month renewals begin
• 2027-01-01: Medicaid expansion work requirements take effect

Why it matters: These changes affect thousands of Chesterfield County residents who rely on SNAP and Medicaid. Understanding the new requirements, particularly the work requirements and verification procedures, is essential for residents to maintain their benefits and avoid losing coverage.

Places

• 9501 Lucy Corr Boulevard

Related links

• Virginia Department of Social Services
• Chesterfield County Financial and Basic Needs Assistance
• Virginia Medicaid New Federal Requirements
• CommonHelp Virginia Benefits Portal

Read the original at Chesterfield County (YouTube) →

Sources

• Chesterfield County Social Services Video
• Frequently Asked Questions About Recent Changes to SNAP - Chesterfield County
• Virginia Department of Social Services
• Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services - New Federal Requirements
• Chesterfield County Financial and Basic Needs Assistance