CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Human Services Bureau for Family Assistance has received federal approval to provide Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer for the 2026 summer period.
This program assists eligible households in purchasing groceries during the summer months when school meals are unavailable.
The 2026 Summer EBT program will run from June 1, 2026, through August 20, 2026, and will provide a one-time grocery benefit. To receive benefits during the initial issuance, households should submit a completed application by May 15, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted through August 20, 2026, and will be processed within 15 business days after receipt.
Applications can be obtained at DoHS county offices, through the Office of Constituent Services or downloaded at bfa.wv.gov/summer-ebt. Applications will be available in paper format only and may be submitted in person, by mail, email or fax.
Benefits will be issued as a one-time payment, either added to an existing SNAP or WV WORKS EBT card or provided on a new Mountain State EBT card.
Most eligible students will be automatically enrolled through the PATH system if they:
- Receive SNAP, WV WORKS or qualifying Medicaid
- Are in foster care
- Are identified as homeless, migrant or runaway
- Are enrolled in WV Head Start
These households do not need to apply and can expect to receive benefits beginning the week of May 25, 2026.
Households not automatically enrolled, including those with students attending Community Eligibility Provision schools, must apply to determine eligibility.
Eligibility is based on household income:
- Household size (1): $2,413
- Household size (2): $3,261
- Household size (3): $4,109
- Household size (4): $4,957
- Household size (5): $5,805
- Household size (6): $6,653
- Household size (7): $7,501
- Household size (8): $8,349
For each additional person in the household, add $848.
Families with questions or needing assistance with the application process may contact the DoHS Customer Service Center at 1-877-716-1212 or visit a local DoHS office for support.
For more information, visit dohs.wv.gov.
