EBT and VA Benefit Increases: Exact Amounts, How They’re Calculated, and Customer Service Contacts

Executive summary and scope

This document explains how increases to Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) SNAP allotments and Veterans Affairs (VA) benefit adjustments are calculated, how they affect monthly amounts, and exactly where and how to get authoritative, real-time help. It covers the Thrifty Food Plan update, emergency allotments, VA cost‑of‑living adjustments (COLAs), and the practical steps veterans and SNAP recipients should take to verify balances, report changes, and request reviews.

Included are concrete resources — federal addresses, official websites and nationally recognized phone numbers — and a short checklist of documents to have when contacting agencies. Where state-specific phone lines matter, the guidance shows how to find that number (on the back of your EBT card and on state SNAP websites) and gives a few verified examples.

How SNAP/EBT increases have been implemented (facts and history)

SNAP benefit amounts are driven by federal maximum allotments that are based on the USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan. On October 1, 2021 the USDA re‑benchmarked the Thrifty Food Plan, producing an average maximum monthly SNAP increase of about 21% for federally set maximums (effective Oct 2021). That change updated automatic maximum allotments used in every state’s benefit formula.

During the COVID‑19 pandemic many states also issued Emergency Allotments (EA) to increase household allotments to the maximum allowed. Those EAs were state‑dependent and phased out at different times through 2021–2023. Whether you receive an EA is determined by your state and the dates it chose to participate; check state archive notices on your state’s SNAP website for precise months and amounts.

VA benefit increases and interaction with EBT (COLA, pensions, and counts)

VA disability compensation and other VA benefits receive annual COLA adjustments when Social Security announces a cost‑of‑living increase. For example, the 2023 COLA was 8.7% (applied to Social Security and used as the basis for many federal benefit adjustments); the 2024 COLA announced in October 2023 was 3.2%. These COLAs directly increase VA compensation award amounts on a dollar basis and post to the veteran’s payment account on scheduled payment dates.

How VA payments affect SNAP eligibility and EBT amounts depends on the type of VA benefit. Some VA payments (like pensions) count as unearned income for SNAP; service‑connected disability compensation is non‑taxable but usually still counted as income by states for means‑testing unless specifically excluded. Because state SNAP rules vary, claiming an automatic interaction (increase or decrease) without checking state policy can be costly — always verify with your state SNAP caseworker when your VA award changes.

How to check exact EBT amounts, card balances, and increase notices

To confirm precise EBT balances and monthly allotment amounts: (1) check the back of your EBT card for the customer service number (every card has a state‑specific 24/7 automated line); (2) use your state’s official SNAP/EBT portal to log in and view transaction history and current balance; (3) consult the monthly notice mailed or emailed by your county/state SNAP office which states the exact allotment and certification period.

Typical timelines: recertifications run from 6 to 12 months for most households (some elderly/disabled households receive 24‑month certifications). Replacement EBT cards mailed by state vendors generally arrive in 5–10 business days; many states offer same‑day in‑office emergency issuances if you can visit a local office. If you believe an increase was applied incorrectly, request a fair hearing — the written request windows are state‑specific but commonly 90 days from the adverse action notice.

Customer service contacts, websites, and practical steps

Primary federal contacts you can rely on for authoritative guidance:

• U.S. Department of Agriculture (SNAP policy and Thrifty Food Plan): USDA Food and Nutrition Service, 1400 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20250. Website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (benefits and claims): VA.gov main site https://www.va.gov — main benefits phone: 1‑800‑827‑1000. VA headquarters: 810 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC 20420.
• Federal beneficiary debit card (Direct Express for federal non‑VA benefits like SSA/SSI): 1‑888‑741‑1115, website: https://www.usdirectexpress.com
• Examples of state SNAP/EBT portals: California CalFresh (https://www.cdss.ca.gov/food-nutrition/calfresh) — EBT Customer Service: 1‑877‑328‑9677; New York OTDA SNAP page: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/snap; Texas HHS SNAP: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/food/snap

When you call or visit, bring the documents that let the agent verify your identity and the benefit in question: proof of identity (government photo ID), your EBT card number (or last 4 of SSN), most recent benefit award letter (VA or Social Security), proof of income for the last 30–90 days (pay stubs, bank statements), and a current address. If you are a veteran, have your VA claim number or VA file number available and state whether you receive direct deposit to a bank or onto a separate card.

Short checklist of actions if you see a benefit discrepancy

• Immediate: Check your EBT balance online and call the number on the back of the card; note transaction IDs and dates of missing deposits.
• Within 48 hours: Contact your state SNAP office (use the portal for secure messages and upload the award letter); request an expedited review if you are at risk of being without food.
• For VA-related increases: log into VA.gov, review payment history, and call 1‑800‑827‑1000 to confirm whether a recent COLA or compensation change was processed and whether it was reported to your state SNAP office.
• If unresolved: File a formal SNAP fair hearing within the state’s deadline (usually listed in your adverse action notice) and gather written evidence (award letters, bank statements, proof of recertification dates).

What’s the 1-800 number for the EBT card?

Change your PIN and report your lost or stolen card immediately. You can do this by calling the California EBT Customer Service Helpline at 1-877-328-9677 (TTY: 1-800-735-2929).

Is Virginia getting extra EBT?

In summer 2024, Virginia will launch Summer EBT, a new grocery benefits program that will provide families $120 for each eligible school-aged child to buy groceries when school is not in session.

Can you increase your food stamps?

Usually you can do this soon after being approved, and the SNAP agency should increase your benefit amount after they evaluate your proof of expenses. If you’re a senior or disabled, this is extra important for you: special rules allow more expenses to count for your case.

Why is EBT giving extra money this month?

As of October 2024. There have been cost of living adjustments cola to the SNAP max imum allotments. This means that the amounts families receive have increased to keep up with inflation for a family

Why is my EBT amount so low?

Sometimes SNAP benefits are lower than they should be. This is because when you apply for SNAP, your income determines the amount of SNAP benefits you get. There are certain “deductions” that are considered and can increase the amount of SNAP benefits you get.

How do I talk to someone at Virginia EBT customer service?

1-866-281-2448
When an EBT card is lost, stolen, or damaged, the cardholder should call the toll free customer service help desk at 1-866-281-2448. The help desk is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.