Step 1 (optional): Take the pre-screening test here.
Step 2: Apply online here.
Note: For assistance, please call: 1-800-642-8589 or contact your local department of health and human resources here.
Applying For West Virginia Food Stamps
Food stamps, or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) as it is currently technically labeled, was set up to aid those in the U.S. who are undergoing problems paying for food because they are generating a low income. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (also called food stamps) supports millions of people. In fact, it helped over 40 million people in the year 2010.
Lower income families living in the U.S. can try for food stamps benefits regardless of their race, sex, religion, or background is. The typical person received $101/month via the SNAP program in 2008, helping them to purchase bread, dairy, meat, vegetables, fruits and even garden seeds.
In order to be accepted into the food stamp program, you have to meet specific financial and situational requirements. Throughout the application process, and interview, you will need to have particular documents available.
One particular necessity that pertains to most, is that you can not own any more than $2,000 in assets if you are less than 60 years old. If you or another person in your household is not less than 60 years old, that limit is increased to $3,000. In case you are currently receiving aid from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program (TANF), or take Supplemental Security Income (SSI), these will not count as assets when you apply for food stamps. What is counted as assets is any cash you possess, money which you have saved in a bank account, or even your automobile (in some circumstances).
There’s also an income limit, which depends on the amount of persons living in your household at the time that you apply for food stamps.
An individual’s expenses are also taken into account whenever you request food stamps. The total you pay for child or elderly care, rent or mortgage and utilities will all be considered. If you have medical related expenditures, these might also be looked at.
An EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card is supplied to those who are found eligible and pass the application and interview process. An EBT card is very much like a debit card and can be used at most food stores, as well as some qualifying convenience stores or farmers markets. The Mountain State Card is the name of the West Virginia EBT card.
How Do I Get A Pin Number?
When you have been accepted into the food stamps program you will be mailed your pin number as well as your Mountain State card.
Who Can Use My Mountain State EBT Card?
The head of household has the right to use the EBT card and they can also select an authorized representative to use a card for the same food stamps account. The representative will receive their own EBT card that links to the same account. If you do not want anyone else using your EBT card, do not write anyone’s name down in the representative space on your application.
How Much Is Left On My Mountain State EBT Card?
To figure out the remaining balance on your card, you can choose from a few options. The first is to call the help number on the back of your EBT card (866)545-6502. The number is toll free. You can also find out your balance at the cash register by asked your cashier to check your balance. The third way to check your food stamps balance is to look at the bottom of your last EBT receip
How To Activate Your Mountain State EBT Card
Call the EBT helpline at (866)545-6502. Follow the automated instructions which include selecting english or spanish, providing your 16-digit ebt card number located on the front of your card, and choosing to activate your card. You will also need to enter your birthday. Once this is done your card is ready to use.