How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in West Virginia

Applying for SNAP in West Virginia is straightforward. You can submit your application online, in person at a local office, or by mail.

Apply Online

The state’s online portal is the fastest way to apply. You can create an account, fill out the application, and submit your documents electronically from home at any time.

To start, visit the West Virginia SNAP page and follow the instructions to create an account and begin your application.

Apply In Person

If you prefer face-to-face assistance, you can apply in person. A caseworker can help you complete the application and answer any questions you may have during the process.

You must apply in the county where you live. Find your local Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) office to submit your application.

Apply By Mail

This method involves downloading and printing the application form. You can fill it out by hand and gather your supporting documents before sending it in for review.

Download the form from the official SNAP website. Once completed, mail it to your county's DHHR office for processing.

How to Contact EBT Customer Service in West Virginia

• Phone Number:

  1-866-545-6502

• Hours:

  24 hours a day, 7 days a week

• Services:

  The helpline assists with card services like balance inquiries or lost cards. For application help, contact your local DHHR office.

See West Virginia EBT Customer Service Contacts

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in West Virginia

Once you're approved for SNAP, using your benefits effectively means knowing what you can purchase and where you can shop.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

Your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card is where your SNAP benefits are loaded each month. Think of it just like a debit card. It allows you to pay for groceries at authorized stores without needing cash.

Using your EBT card is simple. At checkout, you just swipe your card and enter your private Personal Identification Number (PIN). The cost of eligible food items is then deducted from your SNAP account balance.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

Your SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing food for your household. You can use your EBT card to buy most grocery items, helping you put nutritious meals on the table. Generally, any food item meant to be prepared and eaten at home is eligible for purchase.

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Dairy products

• Breads and cereals

• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

• Seeds and plants that produce food

It's also helpful to know what you can't buy with your EBT card. Benefits do not cover non-food items, alcohol, or hot foods that are ready to eat. Being aware of these limitations can make your shopping trips smoother and avoid issues at checkout.

• Alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, or tobacco

• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements

• Hot foods sold ready-to-eat

• Non-food items like pet food, cleaning supplies, or cosmetics

How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits

Staying on top of your SNAP benefits helps you budget effectively and know exactly when your funds will arrive each month.

How to Check Your EBT Balance

You can check your EBT card balance in a few ways. Your last grocery receipt will show the remaining balance. You can also call the EBT customer service number on the back of your card for an automated update.

For real-time balance tracking on your phone, you can use the Benny app. It shows your current SNAP and cash balances and offers cashback on eligible purchases at participating stores.

EBT Deposit Schedule in West Virginia

Your SNAP benefits are deposited onto your EBT card during the first nine days of each month. The exact day depends on the first letter of your last name. This staggered schedule helps manage the distribution of funds across the state.

Knowing your deposit date helps you plan your grocery shopping for the month. You can find the specific schedule on the USDA's SNAP page for West Virginia to see which day your benefits will arrive.

Renewing Your SNAP Benefits

SNAP benefits are not indefinite. You must periodically renew them to continue receiving assistance. This process, called recertification, confirms that you are still eligible for the program based on your current circumstances.

The DHHR will mail you a notice when it is time to renew. You will need to complete the paperwork and provide any requested documents by the deadline to avoid a gap in your benefits.

EBT Deposit Schedule in West Virginia

In West Virginia, SNAP benefits are deposited within the first nine days of the month. Your specific payment date is based on the first letter of your last name, helping you plan your grocery budget.

You can find your specific payment date in our West Virginia deposit schedule.

See West Virginia EBT deposit schedule 2026

How to Check Your EBT Card Balance

You can check your EBT balance through the online Cardholder Portal, on your last store or ATM receipt, or by calling the number on your card. The Benny app also shows your balance and offers cashback.

Our guide covers each method for checking your EBT balance in more detail.

Check Your West Virginia EBT Balance

Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cashback on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and Costco.

To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After making a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.

Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.