SNAP Benefits in West Virginia: How to Apply and Qualify

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The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, helps low-income West Virginians afford groceries. This program provides monthly funds on an EBT card to help you and your family buy healthy food.

SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in West Virginia

Your eligibility for SNAP and the amount you receive are based on federal guidelines. Gross monthly income limits are typically 130 percent of the federal poverty level, and maximum benefits are adjusted yearly to reflect food prices.

Household Size 1: Gross Monthly Income Limit $1,632, Maximum Benefit $292
Household Size 2: Gross Monthly Income Limit $2,215, Maximum Benefit $536
Household Size 3: Gross Monthly Income Limit $2,798, Maximum Benefit $768
Household Size 4: Gross Monthly Income Limit $3,380, Maximum Benefit $975
Household Size 5: Gross Monthly Income Limit $3,963, Maximum Benefit $1,158
Household Size 6: Gross Monthly Income Limit $4,546, Maximum Benefit $1,390
Household Size 7: Gross Monthly Income Limit $5,129, Maximum Benefit $1,536
Household Size 8: Gross Monthly Income Limit $5,712, Maximum Benefit $1,756
Each additional person: Add $583 to the income limit and $220 to the maximum benefit.

These figures are effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. For the most current information, you should visit the West Virginia SNAP page.

Keep in mind that some households, such as those with elderly or disabled members, may have different income rules. Higher limits might also apply to your family depending on your circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in West Virginia

To receive SNAP benefits, your household must meet criteria related to income, residency, and other factors.

Income Limits: Your household's gross monthly income generally must not exceed 185% of the federal poverty level, though some exceptions apply.
Residency Requirements: You must live in West Virginia and apply for benefits in the county where you reside.
Citizenship Status: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens and provide or apply for a Social Security number.
Work Requirements: Most adults are required to register for work, and specific rules limit benefits for able-bodied adults without dependents unless they meet work or training requirements.
Special Conditions: Different rules regarding income tests and asset limits apply to households with elderly or disabled members, as well as certain college students.

You can find more details and apply on the official West Virginia SNAP page.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cash Back on SNAP

Download the app

How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in West Virginia

West Virginia offers several ways to apply for SNAP benefits. You can apply online, in person at a local office, or by mailing a form.

Online Application

The fastest way to apply is online through the state's PATH portal. This method allows you to submit your application and documents from home, saving a trip to a local office.

To start, visit the West Virginia PATH portal to create an account and complete the application. You will need to provide information about your household members, income, and expenses.

In-Person Application

Applying in person lets you get direct help from a caseworker. You can ask questions and receive immediate feedback on your application at your county's Department of Human Services (DHS) office.

You must apply in the county where you live. Bring documents verifying your identity, income, and residency to your local DHS office to complete the application with a staff member.

Mail-In Application

If you prefer a paper application, you can download the form or request one from your local office. This is a good option if you lack internet access or prefer physical documents.

Download the application from the state's SNAP page or pick one up locally. Once filled out, mail the completed form to your county's DHS office for processing.

How to Contact EBT Customer Service in West Virginia

Phone: 1-866-545-6502 (toll-free)
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Services: Help with balance inquiries, lost or stolen cards, PIN changes, and transaction questions. This line is for cardholder services, not application assistance.

See West Virginia EBT Customer Service Contacts

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in West Virginia

Once you're approved for SNAP, you'll want to know how to use your benefits, including what you can buy and where.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

An Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is how you receive and use your SNAP benefits. Think of it just like a debit card. Your benefits are loaded onto the card each month, and you can use it to buy eligible food items at authorized stores.

Using your EBT card is simple. At checkout, you just swipe your card at the point-of-sale machine and enter your private Personal Identification Number (PIN). The purchase amount is then deducted from your SNAP account balance.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

Your SNAP benefits are designed to help you buy groceries for your household. You can use your EBT card to purchase a wide variety of food items that you prepare at home, such as:

Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Breads and cereals
Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

It is also important to know what you cannot buy with your EBT card. SNAP benefits do not cover non-food items or foods that are sold hot and ready to eat.

Alcohol, tobacco, or cigarettes
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
Hot foods ready for consumption
Non-food items like pet food, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics

How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits

Managing your SNAP benefits helps you stay on top of your balance, know when payments arrive, and keep your assistance active.

EBT Deposit Schedule in West Virginia

In West Virginia, SNAP benefits are deposited within the first nine days of the month. Your specific payment date is based on the first letter of your last name, helping you plan your grocery budget.

You can find your specific payment date in our West Virginia deposit schedule.

See West Virginia EBT deposit schedule for 2025

How to Check Your EBT Card Balance

You can check your EBT balance in several ways. Use the online Cardholder Portal, the Benny app, or call the number on your card. Your balance is also printed on your latest store receipt or available at a QUEST ATM.

Our guide covers each method for checking your EBT balance.

Check Your West Virginia EBT Balance

Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time. You can also get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and Costco.

To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.

Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cash Back on SNAP

Download the app

How to Renew Your SNAP Benefits

To maintain your SNAP benefits in West Virginia, you must recertify every six to twelve months. The Department of Human Services will mail you a recertification packet when it is time to renew your eligibility. This packet will include the forms you need to complete.

You will need to provide documents that verify your current situation, such as recent pay stubs, proof of residency, and utility bills. Submitting your completed application and supporting documents on time is the only way to avoid an interruption in receiving your monthly assistance.

Special SNAP Services in West Virginia

West Virginia offers special SNAP services for specific situations, such as disaster relief, summer food assistance for children, and employment support programs.

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

After a federal disaster, D-SNAP provides one month of benefits to households in declared counties with disaster-related losses. You may qualify even if you are not normally eligible for SNAP. For example, four counties received D-SNAP after March 2025 floods.

Apply in person at temporary sites during the short application window. Bring a photo ID and proof of address. Current SNAP households receive these benefits automatically. Details are announced by the state.

Replacement SNAP Benefits for Food Lost in a Disaster

If a power outage or storm spoils food you bought with SNAP, you can request replacement benefits. The state may waive the normal 10-day reporting rule for affected counties, as it did after severe storms in April 2024.

Contact your county DoHS office or call 1-877-716-1212 within the waiver period. You will need to submit a form stating the amount of food lost. No receipts are required for disaster-related losses.

Summer EBT (SEBT) for Children

SEBT provides a $120 grocery benefit per eligible child when school is out. Children in households receiving SNAP, TANF, or free/reduced-price school meals are automatically eligible. Others may qualify based on household income limits.

Most children are auto-enrolled. If your family is not, you must submit a Summer EBT application to your county DoHS office with proof of income before the deadline.

SNAP Employment & Training (E&T)

This voluntary program helps you build job skills through training, classes, and job placement support. Any SNAP recipient who is able and willing to work can enroll in the E&T program to gain work experience.

To enroll, call DoHS Customer Service at 1-877-716-1212 or ask your county caseworker for a referral. An E&T case manager will then help you create an employment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

SHARE

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, helps low-income West Virginians afford groceries. This program provides monthly funds on an EBT card to help you and your family buy healthy food.

SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in West Virginia

Your eligibility for SNAP and the amount you receive are based on federal guidelines. Gross monthly income limits are typically 130 percent of the federal poverty level, and maximum benefits are adjusted yearly to reflect food prices.

Household Size 1: Gross Monthly Income Limit $1,632, Maximum Benefit $292
Household Size 2: Gross Monthly Income Limit $2,215, Maximum Benefit $536
Household Size 3: Gross Monthly Income Limit $2,798, Maximum Benefit $768
Household Size 4: Gross Monthly Income Limit $3,380, Maximum Benefit $975
Household Size 5: Gross Monthly Income Limit $3,963, Maximum Benefit $1,158
Household Size 6: Gross Monthly Income Limit $4,546, Maximum Benefit $1,390
Household Size 7: Gross Monthly Income Limit $5,129, Maximum Benefit $1,536
Household Size 8: Gross Monthly Income Limit $5,712, Maximum Benefit $1,756
Each additional person: Add $583 to the income limit and $220 to the maximum benefit.

These figures are effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. For the most current information, you should visit the West Virginia SNAP page.

Keep in mind that some households, such as those with elderly or disabled members, may have different income rules. Higher limits might also apply to your family depending on your circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in West Virginia

To receive SNAP benefits, your household must meet criteria related to income, residency, and other factors.

Income Limits: Your household's gross monthly income generally must not exceed 185% of the federal poverty level, though some exceptions apply.
Residency Requirements: You must live in West Virginia and apply for benefits in the county where you reside.
Citizenship Status: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens and provide or apply for a Social Security number.
Work Requirements: Most adults are required to register for work, and specific rules limit benefits for able-bodied adults without dependents unless they meet work or training requirements.
Special Conditions: Different rules regarding income tests and asset limits apply to households with elderly or disabled members, as well as certain college students.

You can find more details and apply on the official West Virginia SNAP page.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cash Back on SNAP

Download the app

How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in West Virginia

West Virginia offers several ways to apply for SNAP benefits. You can apply online, in person at a local office, or by mailing a form.

Online Application

The fastest way to apply is online through the state's PATH portal. This method allows you to submit your application and documents from home, saving a trip to a local office.

To start, visit the West Virginia PATH portal to create an account and complete the application. You will need to provide information about your household members, income, and expenses.

In-Person Application

Applying in person lets you get direct help from a caseworker. You can ask questions and receive immediate feedback on your application at your county's Department of Human Services (DHS) office.

You must apply in the county where you live. Bring documents verifying your identity, income, and residency to your local DHS office to complete the application with a staff member.

Mail-In Application

If you prefer a paper application, you can download the form or request one from your local office. This is a good option if you lack internet access or prefer physical documents.

Download the application from the state's SNAP page or pick one up locally. Once filled out, mail the completed form to your county's DHS office for processing.

How to Contact EBT Customer Service in West Virginia

Phone: 1-866-545-6502 (toll-free)
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Services: Help with balance inquiries, lost or stolen cards, PIN changes, and transaction questions. This line is for cardholder services, not application assistance.

See West Virginia EBT Customer Service Contacts

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in West Virginia

Once you're approved for SNAP, you'll want to know how to use your benefits, including what you can buy and where.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

An Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is how you receive and use your SNAP benefits. Think of it just like a debit card. Your benefits are loaded onto the card each month, and you can use it to buy eligible food items at authorized stores.

Using your EBT card is simple. At checkout, you just swipe your card at the point-of-sale machine and enter your private Personal Identification Number (PIN). The purchase amount is then deducted from your SNAP account balance.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

Your SNAP benefits are designed to help you buy groceries for your household. You can use your EBT card to purchase a wide variety of food items that you prepare at home, such as:

Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Breads and cereals
Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

It is also important to know what you cannot buy with your EBT card. SNAP benefits do not cover non-food items or foods that are sold hot and ready to eat.

Alcohol, tobacco, or cigarettes
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
Hot foods ready for consumption
Non-food items like pet food, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics

How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits

Managing your SNAP benefits helps you stay on top of your balance, know when payments arrive, and keep your assistance active.

EBT Deposit Schedule in West Virginia

In West Virginia, SNAP benefits are deposited within the first nine days of the month. Your specific payment date is based on the first letter of your last name, helping you plan your grocery budget.

You can find your specific payment date in our West Virginia deposit schedule.

See West Virginia EBT deposit schedule for 2025

How to Check Your EBT Card Balance

You can check your EBT balance in several ways. Use the online Cardholder Portal, the Benny app, or call the number on your card. Your balance is also printed on your latest store receipt or available at a QUEST ATM.

Our guide covers each method for checking your EBT balance.

Check Your West Virginia EBT Balance

Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time. You can also get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and Costco.

To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.

Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cash Back on SNAP

Download the app

How to Renew Your SNAP Benefits

To maintain your SNAP benefits in West Virginia, you must recertify every six to twelve months. The Department of Human Services will mail you a recertification packet when it is time to renew your eligibility. This packet will include the forms you need to complete.

You will need to provide documents that verify your current situation, such as recent pay stubs, proof of residency, and utility bills. Submitting your completed application and supporting documents on time is the only way to avoid an interruption in receiving your monthly assistance.

Special SNAP Services in West Virginia

West Virginia offers special SNAP services for specific situations, such as disaster relief, summer food assistance for children, and employment support programs.

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

After a federal disaster, D-SNAP provides one month of benefits to households in declared counties with disaster-related losses. You may qualify even if you are not normally eligible for SNAP. For example, four counties received D-SNAP after March 2025 floods.

Apply in person at temporary sites during the short application window. Bring a photo ID and proof of address. Current SNAP households receive these benefits automatically. Details are announced by the state.

Replacement SNAP Benefits for Food Lost in a Disaster

If a power outage or storm spoils food you bought with SNAP, you can request replacement benefits. The state may waive the normal 10-day reporting rule for affected counties, as it did after severe storms in April 2024.

Contact your county DoHS office or call 1-877-716-1212 within the waiver period. You will need to submit a form stating the amount of food lost. No receipts are required for disaster-related losses.

Summer EBT (SEBT) for Children

SEBT provides a $120 grocery benefit per eligible child when school is out. Children in households receiving SNAP, TANF, or free/reduced-price school meals are automatically eligible. Others may qualify based on household income limits.

Most children are auto-enrolled. If your family is not, you must submit a Summer EBT application to your county DoHS office with proof of income before the deadline.

SNAP Employment & Training (E&T)

This voluntary program helps you build job skills through training, classes, and job placement support. Any SNAP recipient who is able and willing to work can enroll in the E&T program to gain work experience.

To enroll, call DoHS Customer Service at 1-877-716-1212 or ask your county caseworker for a referral. An E&T case manager will then help you create an employment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

SHARE

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, helps low-income West Virginians afford groceries. This program provides monthly funds on an EBT card to help you and your family buy healthy food.

SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in West Virginia

Your eligibility for SNAP and the amount you receive are based on federal guidelines. Gross monthly income limits are typically 130 percent of the federal poverty level, and maximum benefits are adjusted yearly to reflect food prices.

Household Size 1: Gross Monthly Income Limit $1,632, Maximum Benefit $292
Household Size 2: Gross Monthly Income Limit $2,215, Maximum Benefit $536
Household Size 3: Gross Monthly Income Limit $2,798, Maximum Benefit $768
Household Size 4: Gross Monthly Income Limit $3,380, Maximum Benefit $975
Household Size 5: Gross Monthly Income Limit $3,963, Maximum Benefit $1,158
Household Size 6: Gross Monthly Income Limit $4,546, Maximum Benefit $1,390
Household Size 7: Gross Monthly Income Limit $5,129, Maximum Benefit $1,536
Household Size 8: Gross Monthly Income Limit $5,712, Maximum Benefit $1,756
Each additional person: Add $583 to the income limit and $220 to the maximum benefit.

These figures are effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. For the most current information, you should visit the West Virginia SNAP page.

Keep in mind that some households, such as those with elderly or disabled members, may have different income rules. Higher limits might also apply to your family depending on your circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in West Virginia

To receive SNAP benefits, your household must meet criteria related to income, residency, and other factors.

Income Limits: Your household's gross monthly income generally must not exceed 185% of the federal poverty level, though some exceptions apply.
Residency Requirements: You must live in West Virginia and apply for benefits in the county where you reside.
Citizenship Status: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens and provide or apply for a Social Security number.
Work Requirements: Most adults are required to register for work, and specific rules limit benefits for able-bodied adults without dependents unless they meet work or training requirements.
Special Conditions: Different rules regarding income tests and asset limits apply to households with elderly or disabled members, as well as certain college students.

You can find more details and apply on the official West Virginia SNAP page.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cash Back on SNAP

Download the app

How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in West Virginia

West Virginia offers several ways to apply for SNAP benefits. You can apply online, in person at a local office, or by mailing a form.

Online Application

The fastest way to apply is online through the state's PATH portal. This method allows you to submit your application and documents from home, saving a trip to a local office.

To start, visit the West Virginia PATH portal to create an account and complete the application. You will need to provide information about your household members, income, and expenses.

In-Person Application

Applying in person lets you get direct help from a caseworker. You can ask questions and receive immediate feedback on your application at your county's Department of Human Services (DHS) office.

You must apply in the county where you live. Bring documents verifying your identity, income, and residency to your local DHS office to complete the application with a staff member.

Mail-In Application

If you prefer a paper application, you can download the form or request one from your local office. This is a good option if you lack internet access or prefer physical documents.

Download the application from the state's SNAP page or pick one up locally. Once filled out, mail the completed form to your county's DHS office for processing.

How to Contact EBT Customer Service in West Virginia

Phone: 1-866-545-6502 (toll-free)
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Services: Help with balance inquiries, lost or stolen cards, PIN changes, and transaction questions. This line is for cardholder services, not application assistance.

See West Virginia EBT Customer Service Contacts

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in West Virginia

Once you're approved for SNAP, you'll want to know how to use your benefits, including what you can buy and where.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

An Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is how you receive and use your SNAP benefits. Think of it just like a debit card. Your benefits are loaded onto the card each month, and you can use it to buy eligible food items at authorized stores.

Using your EBT card is simple. At checkout, you just swipe your card at the point-of-sale machine and enter your private Personal Identification Number (PIN). The purchase amount is then deducted from your SNAP account balance.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

Your SNAP benefits are designed to help you buy groceries for your household. You can use your EBT card to purchase a wide variety of food items that you prepare at home, such as:

Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Breads and cereals
Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

It is also important to know what you cannot buy with your EBT card. SNAP benefits do not cover non-food items or foods that are sold hot and ready to eat.

Alcohol, tobacco, or cigarettes
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
Hot foods ready for consumption
Non-food items like pet food, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics

How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits

Managing your SNAP benefits helps you stay on top of your balance, know when payments arrive, and keep your assistance active.

EBT Deposit Schedule in West Virginia

In West Virginia, SNAP benefits are deposited within the first nine days of the month. Your specific payment date is based on the first letter of your last name, helping you plan your grocery budget.

You can find your specific payment date in our West Virginia deposit schedule.

See West Virginia EBT deposit schedule for 2025

How to Check Your EBT Card Balance

You can check your EBT balance in several ways. Use the online Cardholder Portal, the Benny app, or call the number on your card. Your balance is also printed on your latest store receipt or available at a QUEST ATM.

Our guide covers each method for checking your EBT balance.

Check Your West Virginia EBT Balance

Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time. You can also get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and Costco.

To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.

Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cash Back on SNAP

Download the app

How to Renew Your SNAP Benefits

To maintain your SNAP benefits in West Virginia, you must recertify every six to twelve months. The Department of Human Services will mail you a recertification packet when it is time to renew your eligibility. This packet will include the forms you need to complete.

You will need to provide documents that verify your current situation, such as recent pay stubs, proof of residency, and utility bills. Submitting your completed application and supporting documents on time is the only way to avoid an interruption in receiving your monthly assistance.

Special SNAP Services in West Virginia

West Virginia offers special SNAP services for specific situations, such as disaster relief, summer food assistance for children, and employment support programs.

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

After a federal disaster, D-SNAP provides one month of benefits to households in declared counties with disaster-related losses. You may qualify even if you are not normally eligible for SNAP. For example, four counties received D-SNAP after March 2025 floods.

Apply in person at temporary sites during the short application window. Bring a photo ID and proof of address. Current SNAP households receive these benefits automatically. Details are announced by the state.

Replacement SNAP Benefits for Food Lost in a Disaster

If a power outage or storm spoils food you bought with SNAP, you can request replacement benefits. The state may waive the normal 10-day reporting rule for affected counties, as it did after severe storms in April 2024.

Contact your county DoHS office or call 1-877-716-1212 within the waiver period. You will need to submit a form stating the amount of food lost. No receipts are required for disaster-related losses.

Summer EBT (SEBT) for Children

SEBT provides a $120 grocery benefit per eligible child when school is out. Children in households receiving SNAP, TANF, or free/reduced-price school meals are automatically eligible. Others may qualify based on household income limits.

Most children are auto-enrolled. If your family is not, you must submit a Summer EBT application to your county DoHS office with proof of income before the deadline.

SNAP Employment & Training (E&T)

This voluntary program helps you build job skills through training, classes, and job placement support. Any SNAP recipient who is able and willing to work can enroll in the E&T program to gain work experience.

To enroll, call DoHS Customer Service at 1-877-716-1212 or ask your county caseworker for a referral. An E&T case manager will then help you create an employment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

SHARE

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, helps low-income West Virginians afford groceries. This program provides monthly funds on an EBT card to help you and your family buy healthy food.

SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in West Virginia

Your eligibility for SNAP and the amount you receive are based on federal guidelines. Gross monthly income limits are typically 130 percent of the federal poverty level, and maximum benefits are adjusted yearly to reflect food prices.

Household Size 1: Gross Monthly Income Limit $1,632, Maximum Benefit $292
Household Size 2: Gross Monthly Income Limit $2,215, Maximum Benefit $536
Household Size 3: Gross Monthly Income Limit $2,798, Maximum Benefit $768
Household Size 4: Gross Monthly Income Limit $3,380, Maximum Benefit $975
Household Size 5: Gross Monthly Income Limit $3,963, Maximum Benefit $1,158
Household Size 6: Gross Monthly Income Limit $4,546, Maximum Benefit $1,390
Household Size 7: Gross Monthly Income Limit $5,129, Maximum Benefit $1,536
Household Size 8: Gross Monthly Income Limit $5,712, Maximum Benefit $1,756
Each additional person: Add $583 to the income limit and $220 to the maximum benefit.

These figures are effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. For the most current information, you should visit the West Virginia SNAP page.

Keep in mind that some households, such as those with elderly or disabled members, may have different income rules. Higher limits might also apply to your family depending on your circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in West Virginia

To receive SNAP benefits, your household must meet criteria related to income, residency, and other factors.

Income Limits: Your household's gross monthly income generally must not exceed 185% of the federal poverty level, though some exceptions apply.
Residency Requirements: You must live in West Virginia and apply for benefits in the county where you reside.
Citizenship Status: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens and provide or apply for a Social Security number.
Work Requirements: Most adults are required to register for work, and specific rules limit benefits for able-bodied adults without dependents unless they meet work or training requirements.
Special Conditions: Different rules regarding income tests and asset limits apply to households with elderly or disabled members, as well as certain college students.

You can find more details and apply on the official West Virginia SNAP page.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cash Back on SNAP

Download the app

How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in West Virginia

West Virginia offers several ways to apply for SNAP benefits. You can apply online, in person at a local office, or by mailing a form.

Online Application

The fastest way to apply is online through the state's PATH portal. This method allows you to submit your application and documents from home, saving a trip to a local office.

To start, visit the West Virginia PATH portal to create an account and complete the application. You will need to provide information about your household members, income, and expenses.

In-Person Application

Applying in person lets you get direct help from a caseworker. You can ask questions and receive immediate feedback on your application at your county's Department of Human Services (DHS) office.

You must apply in the county where you live. Bring documents verifying your identity, income, and residency to your local DHS office to complete the application with a staff member.

Mail-In Application

If you prefer a paper application, you can download the form or request one from your local office. This is a good option if you lack internet access or prefer physical documents.

Download the application from the state's SNAP page or pick one up locally. Once filled out, mail the completed form to your county's DHS office for processing.

How to Contact EBT Customer Service in West Virginia

Phone: 1-866-545-6502 (toll-free)
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Services: Help with balance inquiries, lost or stolen cards, PIN changes, and transaction questions. This line is for cardholder services, not application assistance.

See West Virginia EBT Customer Service Contacts

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in West Virginia

Once you're approved for SNAP, you'll want to know how to use your benefits, including what you can buy and where.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

An Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is how you receive and use your SNAP benefits. Think of it just like a debit card. Your benefits are loaded onto the card each month, and you can use it to buy eligible food items at authorized stores.

Using your EBT card is simple. At checkout, you just swipe your card at the point-of-sale machine and enter your private Personal Identification Number (PIN). The purchase amount is then deducted from your SNAP account balance.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

Your SNAP benefits are designed to help you buy groceries for your household. You can use your EBT card to purchase a wide variety of food items that you prepare at home, such as:

Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Breads and cereals
Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

It is also important to know what you cannot buy with your EBT card. SNAP benefits do not cover non-food items or foods that are sold hot and ready to eat.

Alcohol, tobacco, or cigarettes
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
Hot foods ready for consumption
Non-food items like pet food, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics

How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits

Managing your SNAP benefits helps you stay on top of your balance, know when payments arrive, and keep your assistance active.

EBT Deposit Schedule in West Virginia

In West Virginia, SNAP benefits are deposited within the first nine days of the month. Your specific payment date is based on the first letter of your last name, helping you plan your grocery budget.

You can find your specific payment date in our West Virginia deposit schedule.

See West Virginia EBT deposit schedule for 2025

How to Check Your EBT Card Balance

You can check your EBT balance in several ways. Use the online Cardholder Portal, the Benny app, or call the number on your card. Your balance is also printed on your latest store receipt or available at a QUEST ATM.

Our guide covers each method for checking your EBT balance.

Check Your West Virginia EBT Balance

Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time. You can also get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and Costco.

To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.

Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cash Back on SNAP

Download the app

How to Renew Your SNAP Benefits

To maintain your SNAP benefits in West Virginia, you must recertify every six to twelve months. The Department of Human Services will mail you a recertification packet when it is time to renew your eligibility. This packet will include the forms you need to complete.

You will need to provide documents that verify your current situation, such as recent pay stubs, proof of residency, and utility bills. Submitting your completed application and supporting documents on time is the only way to avoid an interruption in receiving your monthly assistance.

Special SNAP Services in West Virginia

West Virginia offers special SNAP services for specific situations, such as disaster relief, summer food assistance for children, and employment support programs.

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

After a federal disaster, D-SNAP provides one month of benefits to households in declared counties with disaster-related losses. You may qualify even if you are not normally eligible for SNAP. For example, four counties received D-SNAP after March 2025 floods.

Apply in person at temporary sites during the short application window. Bring a photo ID and proof of address. Current SNAP households receive these benefits automatically. Details are announced by the state.

Replacement SNAP Benefits for Food Lost in a Disaster

If a power outage or storm spoils food you bought with SNAP, you can request replacement benefits. The state may waive the normal 10-day reporting rule for affected counties, as it did after severe storms in April 2024.

Contact your county DoHS office or call 1-877-716-1212 within the waiver period. You will need to submit a form stating the amount of food lost. No receipts are required for disaster-related losses.

Summer EBT (SEBT) for Children

SEBT provides a $120 grocery benefit per eligible child when school is out. Children in households receiving SNAP, TANF, or free/reduced-price school meals are automatically eligible. Others may qualify based on household income limits.

Most children are auto-enrolled. If your family is not, you must submit a Summer EBT application to your county DoHS office with proof of income before the deadline.

SNAP Employment & Training (E&T)

This voluntary program helps you build job skills through training, classes, and job placement support. Any SNAP recipient who is able and willing to work can enroll in the E&T program to gain work experience.

To enroll, call DoHS Customer Service at 1-877-716-1212 or ask your county caseworker for a referral. An E&T case manager will then help you create an employment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

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The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, helps low-income West Virginians afford groceries. This program provides monthly funds on an EBT card to help you and your family buy healthy food.

SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in West Virginia

Your eligibility for SNAP and the amount you receive are based on federal guidelines. Gross monthly income limits are typically 130 percent of the federal poverty level, and maximum benefits are adjusted yearly to reflect food prices.

Household Size 1: Gross Monthly Income Limit $1,632, Maximum Benefit $292
Household Size 2: Gross Monthly Income Limit $2,215, Maximum Benefit $536
Household Size 3: Gross Monthly Income Limit $2,798, Maximum Benefit $768
Household Size 4: Gross Monthly Income Limit $3,380, Maximum Benefit $975
Household Size 5: Gross Monthly Income Limit $3,963, Maximum Benefit $1,158
Household Size 6: Gross Monthly Income Limit $4,546, Maximum Benefit $1,390
Household Size 7: Gross Monthly Income Limit $5,129, Maximum Benefit $1,536
Household Size 8: Gross Monthly Income Limit $5,712, Maximum Benefit $1,756
Each additional person: Add $583 to the income limit and $220 to the maximum benefit.

These figures are effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. For the most current information, you should visit the West Virginia SNAP page.

Keep in mind that some households, such as those with elderly or disabled members, may have different income rules. Higher limits might also apply to your family depending on your circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in West Virginia

To receive SNAP benefits, your household must meet criteria related to income, residency, and other factors.

Income Limits: Your household's gross monthly income generally must not exceed 185% of the federal poverty level, though some exceptions apply.
Residency Requirements: You must live in West Virginia and apply for benefits in the county where you reside.
Citizenship Status: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens and provide or apply for a Social Security number.
Work Requirements: Most adults are required to register for work, and specific rules limit benefits for able-bodied adults without dependents unless they meet work or training requirements.
Special Conditions: Different rules regarding income tests and asset limits apply to households with elderly or disabled members, as well as certain college students.

You can find more details and apply on the official West Virginia SNAP page.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cash Back on SNAP

Download the app

How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in West Virginia

West Virginia offers several ways to apply for SNAP benefits. You can apply online, in person at a local office, or by mailing a form.

Online Application

The fastest way to apply is online through the state's PATH portal. This method allows you to submit your application and documents from home, saving a trip to a local office.

To start, visit the West Virginia PATH portal to create an account and complete the application. You will need to provide information about your household members, income, and expenses.

In-Person Application

Applying in person lets you get direct help from a caseworker. You can ask questions and receive immediate feedback on your application at your county's Department of Human Services (DHS) office.

You must apply in the county where you live. Bring documents verifying your identity, income, and residency to your local DHS office to complete the application with a staff member.

Mail-In Application

If you prefer a paper application, you can download the form or request one from your local office. This is a good option if you lack internet access or prefer physical documents.

Download the application from the state's SNAP page or pick one up locally. Once filled out, mail the completed form to your county's DHS office for processing.

How to Contact EBT Customer Service in West Virginia

Phone: 1-866-545-6502 (toll-free)
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Services: Help with balance inquiries, lost or stolen cards, PIN changes, and transaction questions. This line is for cardholder services, not application assistance.

See West Virginia EBT Customer Service Contacts

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in West Virginia

Once you're approved for SNAP, you'll want to know how to use your benefits, including what you can buy and where.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

An Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is how you receive and use your SNAP benefits. Think of it just like a debit card. Your benefits are loaded onto the card each month, and you can use it to buy eligible food items at authorized stores.

Using your EBT card is simple. At checkout, you just swipe your card at the point-of-sale machine and enter your private Personal Identification Number (PIN). The purchase amount is then deducted from your SNAP account balance.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

Your SNAP benefits are designed to help you buy groceries for your household. You can use your EBT card to purchase a wide variety of food items that you prepare at home, such as:

Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Breads and cereals
Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

It is also important to know what you cannot buy with your EBT card. SNAP benefits do not cover non-food items or foods that are sold hot and ready to eat.

Alcohol, tobacco, or cigarettes
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
Hot foods ready for consumption
Non-food items like pet food, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics

How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits

Managing your SNAP benefits helps you stay on top of your balance, know when payments arrive, and keep your assistance active.

EBT Deposit Schedule in West Virginia

In West Virginia, SNAP benefits are deposited within the first nine days of the month. Your specific payment date is based on the first letter of your last name, helping you plan your grocery budget.

You can find your specific payment date in our West Virginia deposit schedule.

See West Virginia EBT deposit schedule for 2025

How to Check Your EBT Card Balance

You can check your EBT balance in several ways. Use the online Cardholder Portal, the Benny app, or call the number on your card. Your balance is also printed on your latest store receipt or available at a QUEST ATM.

Our guide covers each method for checking your EBT balance.

Check Your West Virginia EBT Balance

Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time. You can also get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and Costco.

To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.

Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cash Back on SNAP

Download the app

How to Renew Your SNAP Benefits

To maintain your SNAP benefits in West Virginia, you must recertify every six to twelve months. The Department of Human Services will mail you a recertification packet when it is time to renew your eligibility. This packet will include the forms you need to complete.

You will need to provide documents that verify your current situation, such as recent pay stubs, proof of residency, and utility bills. Submitting your completed application and supporting documents on time is the only way to avoid an interruption in receiving your monthly assistance.

Special SNAP Services in West Virginia

West Virginia offers special SNAP services for specific situations, such as disaster relief, summer food assistance for children, and employment support programs.

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

After a federal disaster, D-SNAP provides one month of benefits to households in declared counties with disaster-related losses. You may qualify even if you are not normally eligible for SNAP. For example, four counties received D-SNAP after March 2025 floods.

Apply in person at temporary sites during the short application window. Bring a photo ID and proof of address. Current SNAP households receive these benefits automatically. Details are announced by the state.

Replacement SNAP Benefits for Food Lost in a Disaster

If a power outage or storm spoils food you bought with SNAP, you can request replacement benefits. The state may waive the normal 10-day reporting rule for affected counties, as it did after severe storms in April 2024.

Contact your county DoHS office or call 1-877-716-1212 within the waiver period. You will need to submit a form stating the amount of food lost. No receipts are required for disaster-related losses.

Summer EBT (SEBT) for Children

SEBT provides a $120 grocery benefit per eligible child when school is out. Children in households receiving SNAP, TANF, or free/reduced-price school meals are automatically eligible. Others may qualify based on household income limits.

Most children are auto-enrolled. If your family is not, you must submit a Summer EBT application to your county DoHS office with proof of income before the deadline.

SNAP Employment & Training (E&T)

This voluntary program helps you build job skills through training, classes, and job placement support. Any SNAP recipient who is able and willing to work can enroll in the E&T program to gain work experience.

To enroll, call DoHS Customer Service at 1-877-716-1212 or ask your county caseworker for a referral. An E&T case manager will then help you create an employment plan.