Summer EBT is returning to West Virginia in 2026. Students who are considered automatically eligible will receive SEBT on May 24, 2026. Unsure if your student is automatically eligible for SEBT? Call 1-877-716-1212.
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) is proud to partner with the West Virginia Department of Education in offering 2026 Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) benefits to eligible West Virginia students.
To apply, download a paper copy of the application form, or visit your local DoHS office. There is no online application option.
What is WV SEBT?
West Virginia (WV) Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) is a federal benefit program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Summer EBT helps eligible households buy food for their students during the summer months when school meals may not be available. In 2026, the program will run from June 1, 2026, through August 20, 2026.
Request for Verification –
If you received a request for verification from DoHS, you have 15 days to supply information. Most households who receive a request to verify will need to submit pay information. If verification is not received after 15 calendar days, the application will be denied. If you are denied for Summer EBT, you may reapply at any point prior to August 21, 2026.
How do you know if your student is eligible for Summer EBT?
There are two possible eligibility pathways for SEBT.
Pathway 1:
The student is between the ages of 6-17 and receives certain DoHS-administered benefits, or qualifies under certain conditions. The student does not need to attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) under Pathway 1.
If your student falls into any of these categories, you do not need to apply for Summer EBT. The student will automatically receive the benefit
1. Your student received SNAP or WV WORKS for any amount of time during school year 2024-2025.
- If so, no further action is needed. DoHS will automatically issue the SEBT benefit onto your existing EBT card. This is the card where your SNAP and/or WV WORKS benefits are currently deposited.
2. Your student receives certain Medicaid categories (MGKF, MFKS or MGPR).
- If you do not know whether your student's Medicaid category counts for SEBT eligibility, ask your local DoHS county office.
- If so, no further action is needed. DoHS will automatically mail the entire household one EBT card with all the Summer EBT benefits. The EBT card will be mailed in the name of the guardian who receives Medicaid for the students.
- Example: A household has 3 students who qualify for SEBT by receiving Medicaid. The household will receive one SEBT card with all 3 students' benefits.
3. During school year 2025-2026, the student received foster care payments, or the student was listed as homeless, a migrant, a runaway or attending WV HeadStart per WVDE.
- If so, no further action is necessary. DoHS will mail the individual student a Summer EBT card in their own name. The card can be replaced if the student has moved residences. Please make sure the address on file with WVDE is accurate. If your student(s) received SEBT in 2025, the 2026 benefit will be issued to the existing EBT card.
Pathway 2:
The student is determined eligible through an application process. In most cases, income must be verified. The student submitting an application must be between the ages of 4-21, and be enrolled in the NSLP participating school.
Students who attend Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools may still be eligible for Summer EBT, but they must apply, unless they receive a qualified benefit. Attendance at a CEP school does not make a student automatically eligible for Summer EBT.
You may pick up a 2026 Summer EBT paper application at any local DoHS county office, or download a printable version of the 2026 Summer EBT application form.
Completed applications may be submitted in person, by mail, email, or fax through a DoHS county office or the Office of Constituent Services. For DoHS field office contact information, visit the DoHS Field Offices page.
To receive SEBT at the end of May, households that need to apply should submit a complete application by May 15, 2026. Students who are automatically eligible, along with students whose complete applications are received by that date, are expected to receive benefits during the week of May 25, 2026.
Applications received after May 15, 2026, may still be approved through August 20, 2026. Eligibility decisions will generally be made within 15 business days after a complete application is received.
Income Guidelines
To be eligible for SEBT through an application, the entire household must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty limit. The two charts below are the income guidelines for Summer 2026. Please note, income guidelines change on July 1 of each year. After July 1, the household should refer to chart #2.
Summer EBT Eligibility Screening Tool
Learn more about Summer EBT by utilizing the DoHS Summer EBT Eligibility Screening Tool. Answer the questions to see if your student is/students are eligible for Summer EBT benefits.
This screening tool is for informational use only and its findings are unofficial. All students or their guardians must apply in order to receive SEBT benefits.
Farm To SEBT
West Virginia is recognized nationally as a leader in farm-to-school. The West Virginia Department of Agriculture and the West Virginia Department of Education – as well as non-profits and community members have dedicated this priority for over a decade to connect West Virginia producers with schools to increase locally sourced products in school nutrition programs. West Virginia has over 20,000 farms, over thirty farmer markets and several brick and mortar stores offering a variety of locally grown and raised food available to you.
In 2019, the Fresh Food Act was signed into law requiring all state funded institutions, including West Virginia schools, to purchase a minimum of five percent of its food from in-state producers and support West Virginia farms. To find a West Virginia farm near you, please contact your local county extension agent.
How to Incorporate Local Food into your Family Menu
West Virginia farms grow a variety of produce throughout the year. Various meats, eggs, fruits, leafy greens, and garden favorites are available from a local farm or market near you. Need some ideas on ways to cook your local food? WVU Extension offers a plethora of recipes including many that utilize regional locally grown foods. Available recipes range from including your classic garden favorites to using less familiar foods that may become a new family staple at your table.
For more recipes, including seasonal-friendly ingredients, guidelines for choosing the best quality fruit and vegetables, and information on properly preparing your produce, visit the Farmers’ Market Cookbook.
For recipes utilizing seasonal summer produce that are healthy, low cost, and delicious. From smoothies, to wraps, to summer salads, there are a range of recipes to consider.
WVU Extension Small Farm Center
WVU Extension Service Small Farm Center experts know West Virginia farms are unique. With advice that is sized “just right” for producers, there is something for budding farmers who want to sell at their local farmer’s market up to large-scale poultry farmers who want to increase efficiency.
WV Food and Farm Coalition
The WV Food and Farm Coalition works to build the local food and agriculture system in West Virginia in a way that provides viable incomes for farmers and local food businesses and ensures all residents have access to locally produced food.
NOTE: Receiving Summer EBT does not disqualify a student from participating in other summer feeding programs, such as congregate, non-congregate and private backpack meal services.
Important SEBT Contact Information
West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS)
Customer Service Center
1-877-716-1212
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
West Virginia EBT Contact
1-866-545-6502
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Automated assistance available 24/7
Office of EBT Services
(304) 558-4126
osawvebt@wv.gov
Location and Contact Information for West Virginia Department of Human Services (formerly DHHR) Field Offices can be found on the DoHS Field Offices page.
ADA Compliance
This program is covered by the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) and Section 504 Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Department is committed to providing individuals with disabilities an equal and meaningful opportunity to participate in, and benefit from, Summer EBT. If you have questions about receiving an ADA accommodation or would like to request an accommodation, please contact (304) 941-6319.
Non-Discrimination Statement
USDA FNS Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
Mail:
S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
Email: Intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Declaración De No Discriminación Del USDA
De acuerdo con la ley federal de derechos civiles y las normas y políticas de derechos civiles del Departamento de Agricultura de EE. UU. (USDA), esta institución tiene prohibido discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo (incluida la identidad de género y la orientación sexual), discapacidad, edad, o represalia o represalia por actividad anterior de derechos civiles.
La información del programa puede estar disponible en otros idiomas además del inglés. Las personas con discapacidades que requieran medios alternativos de comunicación para obtener información del programa (p. ej., Braille, letra grande, cinta de audio, lenguaje de señas estadounidense), deben comunicarse con la agencia estatal o local responsable que administra el programa o el Centro TARGET del USDA al (202) 720- 2600 (voz y TTY) o comuníquese con USDA a través del Servicio Federal de Retransmisión al (800) 877-8339.
Para presentar una queja por discriminación en el programa, el Demandante debe completar el Formulario AD-3027, Formulario de queja por discriminación en el programa del USDA, que se puede obtener en línea, desde cualquier oficina del USDA, llamando al (866) 632-9992, o escribiendo una carta dirigida al USDA. La carta debe contener el nombre, la dirección, el número de teléfono y una descripción escrita de la supuesta acción discriminatoria del denunciante con suficiente detalle para informar al Subsecretario de Derechos Civiles (ASCR) sobre la naturaleza y la fecha de la supuesta violación de los derechos civiles. El formulario o carta AD-3027 completo debe enviarse al USDA antes de:
Correo:
Departamento de Agricultura de EE. UU.
Oficina del Subsecretario de Derechos Civiles
1400 Avenida Independencia, SW
Washington, DC 20250-9410; o
Fax: (833) 256-1665 o (202) 690-7442; o
Correo electrónico: intake@usda.gov
Esta institución es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.
