Food & Nutrition

West Virginia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

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You may be eligible to receive

$158/month

in SNAP benefits. Click to apply online below and get help paying for food.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, once known as Food Stamps), helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in West Virginia pay for food.

If you're approved for SNAP benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (EBT card) called the Mountain State EBT Card. This card looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, with a unique 16-digit account number and a magnetic strip on the back. Your Mountain State EBT Card can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets in West Virginia to buy SNAP-approved food items. You can also make SNAP purchases on Amazon.

Frequently asked questions

How does West Virginia SNAP work?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is run by the West Virginia Department of Human Services Bureau for Family Assistance (DoHS). DoHS county offices across the state provide local support for people who receive SNAP and other types of public assistance.

SNAP can help you stretch your grocery dollars further every month. This is because the money you would have spent on groceries can now be spent on other basic living costs like your utility bills, prescriptions, and medical bills. There are many items that are SNAP-eligible, and then others that are not covered under your benefits.

What is the SNAP application process like in West Virginia?

While the idea of applying for SNAP may seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or DoHS case worker can assist you.

Generally, here are the steps to apply for West Virginia SNAP:

Check your eligibility: Use this online screening tool to see if you qualify for SNAP or other types of assistance.
Fill out an application: You can apply for West Virginia SNAP online, by mail, or in person. Completing the application can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. Note: No documentation is necessary to start the application process, but you must complete and submit your application before you can secure a benefit start date.
Have an interview: While you wait for your application to be processed, you must have a phone or face-to-face interview with a DoHS case worker.
Wait for a decision: Most West Virginia SNAP applications are processed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed faster.
Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you will receive your Mountain State EBT Card in the mail with a guide on how to use it.

How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?

You can apply for all the people living in your home who buy and fix meals with you (defined as a “household”). To be eligible for SNAP, you and all household members applying for benefits must meet the following requirements:

You are a resident of West Virginia.
You are a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen meeting other eligibility rules.
You have a Social Security number (or have applied for one).
You meet the work requirements currently in place for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs).
You meet the income guidelines and asset guidelines, if applicable.

The amount of money you will get in West Virginia SNAP benefits depends on:

How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
How many people live with you

If you’re age 60 or older, or you have a disability, enrollment in SNAP also qualifies you for these benefits:

The Special Reduced Residential Service Rate Program: Eligible participants age 60+ may receive a 20% discount from their electric and/or gas company.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): LIHEAP helps eligible households with the cost of home heating through direct payments to utility companies on their behalf.

What are the West Virginia SNAP income limits?

The chart below shows the maximum monthly gross income households can earn and still get SNAP benefits. In West Virginia, most households must meet a gross income limit of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Some households, such as those with older members (age 60+) and people with disabilities, must only meet the net income limit.

What do the terms “gross” and “net” mean?

Gross monthly income is the amount before taxes or other deductions are taken out.
Net monthly income is what is left of gross income after certain allowable expenses are subtracted.

These figures are effective for 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just scroll up and click on the black button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.’

Family size	Maximum net monthly income (100% FPL)
1	$ 1,255
2	$ 1,704
3	$ 2,152
4	$ 2,600
5	$ 3,049
For each additional person, add:	+$ 449

Source: USDA.gov, SNAP Eligibility (October 2024)

You may qualify for deductions that reduce your countable income. This can help your household meet the SNAP income limit. A case worker can tell you which deductions your household qualifies for. Common deductions include:

Utility costs if you pay for your primary heat source
Shelter costs
Dependent care costs when necessary for work, training, or education
Legally owed child support payments
Medical expenses in excess of $35 per month (for older adults and people with disabilities)

What are the West Virginia SNAP asset limits?

Assets refer to the resources and property your household owns that can be converted into cash (e.g., cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate).

There is generally no asset limit for SNAP in West Virginia. If your household has a member who is age 60 or older or has a disability, and you did not meet the gross income test, you can alternatively qualify under the federal SNAP rules. Under these rules, there is no gross income limit, but there is a resource limit of $4,500.

How do I prepare to apply?

When you apply, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month.

To apply for West Virginia SNAP, you will need the following for everyone in your household (try to gather as much of it as possible):

Identification for you or the head of the household (a driver's license, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID)
Social Security numbers, birthdates, and proof of citizenship status for each person in the household
Proof of income for each person (pay stubs, etc.)
Your household's monthly bills, including child care, child support, and care services for adults with disabilities
Medical bills for anyone over 60 or who has a disability
Paperwork or IDs from other benefits you receive, like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
How much money each household member has in cash, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, etc. (if applicable)

If you don’t have all of this information handy, don’t worry. You can always go back and provide additional information after you’ve submitted your application. Benefits start from the day you submit your SNAP application.

If you would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your SNAP application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your application.

How do I apply for SNAP in West Virginia?

There are several ways to apply for West Virginia SNAP. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

APPLY ONLINE

The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP is online through the WV PATH website. You’ll be glad to know that when you do, all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.

Apply through WV PATH

To apply online:

Go to the WV PATH website and click ‘Apply.’
- If you already have an Optum GovID, enter your ID and password to log in.
- If you do not have an Optum GovID, click ‘Create Optum GovID.’
Once you’ve verified your email address and logged in to your account, click ‘Apply.’
Read the information on the next couple of screens and click ‘Continue.’
Follow the prompts to complete your benefits application. It should take you about 20 to 30 minutes (but you can save your application for up to 30 days and come back if you need to; all you need to do is log back in with the Optum GovID and password you set up earlier).

Tips for success:

Fill out as much information as you can; it’s better to guess or leave some parts blank rather than wait to verify the information. You can save your application progress in the system and return later to finish it, if necessary.
If Spanish is your primary language, click on ‘English’ at the top of your screen and choose ‘Español’ from the drop-down menu. See this guide to learn about additional language support.
Visit the Help Center for online application assistance or contact the Technical Call Center at 1-844-451-3515.

APPLY IN PERSON OR BY MAIL

To apply in person or by mail, you will first need a paper application. You can call your local DoHS county office and request a West Virginia SNAP application be mailed to you, pick up an application at the office, or download and print the SNAP application below:

Once you have completed the SNAP application, you may return or mail the application to your local county office.

What if I need food assistance right away?

You may be able to get expedited (faster) SNAP benefits within 7 calendar days from the date on your application if your food needs are urgent. You must meet at least one of the following conditions to receive expedited SNAP:

Your household has $100 or less in available cash and bank accounts and expects to receive less than $150 in income this month.
You are a migrant or seasonal farm worker.
Your monthly gross income and cash on hand are less than your rent/mortgage and utility costs for this month.

Need food today? Visit the Catholic Charities of West Virginia website to find local food resources while you wait for your SNAP application to be processed.

How can I get help with my application?

There are several ways to get help filling out your West Virginia SNAP application. You can:

Contact your local DoHS county office.
Call the Catholic Charities West Virginia SNAP Outreach Team at 1-844-292-3217.
Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-855-534-1245.

What happens after I apply for SNAP in West Virginia?

It can take up to 30 days to process your SNAP application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits). If you’re approved, the date you submit your application is the earliest date your benefits can begin.

After your application is received, you will need to complete an interview. Most interviews take place over the phone, but a face-to-face interview can be requested. DoHS can interview you—or someone you choose to represent you.

To make sure you don't miss a letter or call from DoHS, it's important to check your mail regularly and pick up the phone (even for calls from “unknown” or blocked numbers).

What can I expect during my SNAP interview?

Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your DoHS case worker can tell you more about the program, answer any questions, and help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing.

During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as:

What is your full name and birthday?
What is your Social Security number?
Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
What is your monthly income?
Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
What other regular bills do you have?

It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

Once all requested information is received, you will receive a letter in the mail telling you if you were approved or denied for SNAP benefits. If you are approved, the notice will tell you the amount of benefits approved, when benefits will start, and the amount of income and deductions used to make the decision. If you are denied, the notice will tell you the reason why.

What happens after I am approved for SNAP?

If you are approved for West Virginia SNAP, the letter you get will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for (this is called your “certification period”). For most households in West Virginia, that period is 12 months. Households with members who are age 60+ or have a disability are certified for 24 months.

Within 7-10 days after you are approved for SNAP, you will receive your Mountain State EBT Card in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. Your first month of benefits will be deposited into your account when your application is approved. Going forward, benefits will be deposited between the 1st and the 9th of each month, depending on the first letter of your last name.

Other important tips to know

What if my West Virginia SNAP application is denied?

Your SNAP decision notice will include instructions for requesting a fair hearing if you do not agree with the decision. During this hearing, a judge will review your case.

How can I view my SNAP benefits information?

You can log in to the WV PATH website to check the status of your SNAP application, view your benefits, upload documents, report changes, and see important notices and reminders about your benefits.

How do I manage my Mountain State EBT card?

The best way to know your Mountain State EBT Card balance is to keep your last store receipt. If you lose your last receipt and need to know your balance, call 1-866-545-6502. You can also visit ebtEDGE. You must create an account first.

Do I need to report changes to my household situation?

You may have to report certain changes that can impact your SNAP benefit amount. Reportable changes may include:

A change in household size
An increase in household income
Reduced work hours
Lottery or gambling winnings

When should you renew your SNAP benefits in West Virginia?

West Virginia SNAP households must complete the recertification process at the end of their certification period in order to continue receiving benefits. Toward the end of your certification period, you will receive a renewal package. It will contain information on how to renew your benefits, which can be done online, in person, or by mail.

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