Supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP)
formerly the food stamp program
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The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is administered by the WV DHHR and governed by federal law and regulations of the US Department of Agriculture, Food Nutrition Services. The Program started in 1961 with issuance of the first food coupon in McDowell County, WV.
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. The income and asset limits are determined by the federal government. The asset limit is $2,000 for most households, but if at least one person is at least age 60 or disabled, the asset limit is $3,000.
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, medical expenses over $35/mo., 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.
Most adults must meet a work requirement to remain eligible to receive benefits, although there are some exceptions. However, all able-bodied adults who do not live with dependent children may only receive SNAP benefits for 3 months out of every 36 months unless they work or participate in a work activity.
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.
SNAP benefits are accessed using an EBT card.
Learn more by calling the Client Services Hotline at 1-800-642-8589, visiting your local DHHR office or reviewing the Income Maintenance Manual.
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, age, disability, political beliefs, or retaliation. If you require this information in alternative format (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.), contact the USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (Voice or TDD).
If you require information about this program, activity, or facility in a language other than English, contact the USDA agency responsible for the program or activity, or any USDA office toll-free at (866) 632-9992.
To file a complaint alleging discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call toll-free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). TDD users contact USDA through local relay or the Federal Relay at (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (relay voice users). To file a complaint alleging discrimination, write HHS, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 506-F, 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20201 or call (202) 619-0403 (voice) or (202) 619-3257 (TDD). USDA and HHS are equal opportunity providers and employers.
