Funviralpark 
FatCamera/Getty Images
Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP supplements the food budgets of low-income households nationwide and is administered by the WV Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) in West Virginia. Rewards are distributed monthly to Mountain State Cards, the state version of his EBT card. Recipients can also expect another large Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) in January 2023. This will increase her benefits by 12.5%.
Food Stamps: COLA Update Increases SNAP EBT Benefits by 12.5%
Search: SNAP fraud and theft on the rise — how to prevent it
In West Virginia, SNAP eligibility is based on household size, income, assets, and some household expenses. Most people have to pass a gross income test and a net income test. However, certain deductions apply to income. Special consideration is also given to households with elderly or disabled persons.
You can claim your West Virginia SNAP benefits online through DHHR’s WV PATH system. You can also print the SNAP application and submit the completed form to the DHHR county office.
SNAP recipients in West Virginia can use their Mountain State Card to take advantage of additional benefits, such as discounts on certain products and services. For example, SNAP recipients can sign up for an Amazon Prime EBT discounted subscription for $6.99 per month. Mountain State Cards can also be used for free or discounted admission to hundreds of museums, aquariums and zoos nationwide. Free or low-cost landline or cell phone service is also available through the Federal Lifeline Program.
SNAP benefits are credited to your Mountain State Card during the first nine days of each month based on the first letter of your last name. Cash rewards are shipped on the first calendar day of each month. Deposits are typically made between midnight and 8am. If funds do not appear in your account, please contact an employee or the DHHR Customer Service Center at 1-877-716-1212.
Here’s when you can expect a SNAP deposit on your Mountain State Card in January 2023.
| The first letter of the surname is: | Perks: |
| B, X, Y, or Z | January 1 |
| C or F | January 2nd |
| H, N, or V | January 3rd |
| I, M, O, or U | January 4th |
| Q or S | January 5th |
| A or W | January 6 |
| J, K, or P | January 7 |
| D, E, or R | January 8 |
| G, L, or T | January 9 |
Mountain State Cards can be used to purchase SNAP-eligible food at most grocery stores, select retailers and participating farmers markets. With SNAP Stretch, his purchasing power doubles, and even taking a child he triples. To find markets participating in SNAP and SNAP Stretch, visit the West Virginia Farmers Markets Locator.
You can use your SNAP benefits to purchase the following groceries:
- fruits and vegetables
- meat, poultry, fish
- dairy products
- bread and cereal
- Snack food and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds or plants that produce food for domestic consumption
Food Stamps: How to Use SNAP EBT at Farmers Markets
See also: Can I collect Social Security to qualify for food stamps?
Products that cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits include alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vitamins, medicines, supplements, live animals, pet food, cleaning products, paper products and cosmetics. West Virginia is also not a participating state in SNAP’s restaurant meal program, so you can’t use your Mountain State Card to purchase hot, point-of-sale meals.
Learn more about GOBankingRates
