SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is administered by the West Virginia Department of Human Services' Bureau for Family Assistance and governed by federal law and regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Services. SNAP provides monthly benefits to help eligible households buy food. 

Eligibility to receive benefits is based on household size, income, assets and some household expenses as determined by the federal government. The asset limit is $2,750 for households.  NOTE:  Most households will not be subject to the asset limit; however, if at least one person is at least age 60 or disabled, the asset limit is $4,250. 

Most people must pass a gross income test and then a net income test. Before total income is compared to the federal net income limits, certain deductions are applied to the income, such as: 20% earned income disregard, child care costs, excess shelter/utility costs, court-ordered child support paid out, etc. 

The amount of SNAP benefits issued to eligible persons is based on household size and countable income, after all deductions are applied. Households with an elderly or disabled person are given special consideration. In addition to the higher asset limit, there is no gross income test and more excess shelter/utility costs can be deducted, and medical expenses over $35 per month. 

SNAP benefits may only be used to purchase food for human consumption and seeds/plants to grow food at home. SNAP benefits cannot be used for household items, grooming products, tobacco, alcohol products, pet food, etc.​ 

To learn more about the SNAP Employment & Training program, click here. To download a SNAP Employment & Training brochure/fact sheet, click here.​​ 

To apply for assistance, visit the WV Path website​. 

To screen for assistance (to see if you may be eligible), click on the on blue box at the bottom left (second box from the left) titled "Screen for Assistance"; you do not need to create an account to do this.  To apply for benefits, click on the green box on the bottom right titled "Apply Now"; you will need to create an account and sign in, in order to apply for benefits.
 

Print Versions of Forms:

​To make a complaint regarding SNAP to the Bureau for Family Assistance, call Client Services at 1-800-642-8589.

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) SNAP Requirements 

The Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, has a work requirement for some adults known as Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs). Some adults may only receive SNAP for three (3) months, unless they are working or otherwise meeting the ABAWD work requirement.​ 

Click here to download the complete ABAWD SNAP Requirements​.

SNAP/Head Start

Do you receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits? Your child may be eligible for free Head Start or Early Head Start services! 

Head Start and Early Head Start programs deliver free, comprehensive services to children ages birth to five and their families in core areas of early learning, health, nutrition, and family well-being. Click here for more information on Head Start programs and/or to find your local program and apply for Head Start services.  

It's easy to prove eligibility with any of the following:

  • A copy of notice of SNAP approval
  • Other documentation of eligibility or benefits from the SNAP agency, such as a screenshot from a SNAP mobile app
  • Your household's SNAP card (Electronic Benefit Transfer [EBT] card)
     

Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.​​