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 through Aug. 20 and will provide a one-time grocery benefit. To receive benefits during the initial issuance, households should submit a completed application by May 15. Applications will continue to be accepted through Aug. 20 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 or 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.
Households not automatically enrolled, including those with students attending Community Eligibility Provision schools, must apply to determine eligibility.
Eligibility is based on the following household income (household size, monthly income): one, $2,413; two $3,261; three $4,109; four $4,957; five $5,805; six $6,653; seven $7,501; eight $8,349 and 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.
