State launches summer EBT program for West Virginian students

The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Family Assistance (BFA) has been approved to issue Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) during the 2025 summer period. All eligible children will receive a one-time $120 in grocery benefits this summer. Summer EBT benefits can be spent on items that are covered by SNAP benefits. All West Virginia EBT retailers accept Summer EBT benefits.

“Ensuring every child has access to nutritious meals is a cornerstone of building strong, healthy communities,” said Janie Cole, DoHS Bureau for Family Assistance Commissioner. “Implementing West Virginia’s Summer EBT program represents a crucial step forward in supporting residents by providing essential grocery assistance during the summer months, as we maintain our commitment to fostering a brighter future for West Virginia children.”

There are two pathways to be eligible for Summer EBT:

Pathway #1

The child is between the ages of 6-17 and receives certain benefits, such as SNAP, WV WORKS, some types of Medicaid, Foster services, or is homeless, a migrant, a runaway, enrolled in WV HeadStart, or has been approved through a National School Lunch Program (NSLP) application. The child DOES NOT need to be enrolled in a WV public school.

Please note: If your child is eligible through Pathway #1, the household DOES NOT need to complete an application for Summer EBT.

Pathway #2

The child is between the ages of 4-21, is enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), and is approved through an income application for Summer EBT. The entire household must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty limit.

Households can apply online at schoolcafe.com, or complete a paper application. Paper applications can be picked up at any DoHS county office, or you can download an application by visiting dhhr.wv.gov/bfa/programs/Pages/Summer-EBT.aspx. Households may be required to verify income information.

Please note: Local school districts and boards of education will not accept Summer EBT applications. DoHS is the organization responsible for determining eligibility for Summer EBT.

Most children eligible under Pathway #1 will receive Summer EBT benefits by the end of the 2024-2025 school year. Beginning in June 2025, most children under Pathway #2 will receive benefits within 30 days of submitting an approved Summer EBT application.