The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) has announced the launch of the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program for 2025, aimed at ensuring children have access to nutritious food during the summer months when school meals aren’t available.
All eligible children will receive a one-time benefit of $120 in grocery assistance. The benefits can be used at any store in the state that accepts EBT and may be used on the same food items typically covered by SNAP.
“Ensuring every child has access to nutritious meals is a cornerstone of building strong, healthy communities,” said Janie Cole, Commissioner of the DoHS Bureau for Family Assistance. “Launching this Summer EBT program is a critical step in supporting West Virginia families by helping them keep food on the table during the summer.”
There are two pathways for eligibility:
Pathway 1: Automatic Eligibility
Children between ages 6 and 17 are automatically eligible if they currently receive:
- SNAP
- WV WORKS
- Certain types of Medicaid
- Foster services
- Are homeless, migrant, or runaway
- Enrolled in WV Head Start
- Or approved through a National School Lunch Program application
Importantly, these children do not need to be enrolled in a West Virginia public school, and households under this pathway do not need to apply. Benefits will be automatically distributed by the end of the 2024-25 school year.
Pathway 2: Application Required
Children between ages 4 and 21 are eligible under this path if:
- They are enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program
- The household income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
To apply, families can:
- Submit an online application
- Pick up a paper application at any DoHS county office
- Or download a paper form
Families may be asked to verify income information. It’s important to note that local school districts are not responsible for collecting or processing Summer EBT applications—DoHS handles all eligibility decisions.
Children approved through Pathway 2 will begin receiving benefits in June 2025, typically within 30 days of approval.
This new initiative supports West Virginia’s ongoing efforts to reduce food insecurity during the summer break, helping thousands of families across the state.
