The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) has provided disaster food assistance to 86 households representing 348 people following the July 21 severe storms and flooding in Lewis, Upshur, Ritchie and Pleasants counties. The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) provides one month of food benefits to eligible households that experienced disaster-related losses or expenses.
The households receiving assistance include 25 households representing 60 people who were not receiving SNAP at the time of the disaster and received D-SNAP benefits, as well as 61 households representing 288 people who were already receiving SNAP and received disaster SNAP supplements.
“People across these four counties experienced significant disruptions as a result of the July storms, and we want to make sure those who qualify know that assistance is available,” said Carl Ayers, Cabinet Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Human Services. “Since applications opened Monday, our staff have been working to process requests as quickly as possible, with the vast majority being handled the same day. If you experienced disaster-related losses and have not yet applied, there is still time to do so before the Friday deadline.”
D-SNAP applications and disaster SNAP supplement requests are processed the same day they are submitted in the vast majority of cases. Non-SNAP applicants complete a required in-person interview, allowing staff to process their applications while they are in the office. SNAP recipients requesting a disaster supplement do not need an interview and may complete the form in person or submit it by email.
DoHS is urging eligible residents who have not yet applied to do so before the 6 p.m. Friday, September 25 deadline. Applications are being accepted from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the following locations:
- Lewis County: WV Department of Transportation/Division of Highways, 131 Highland Drive, Weston
- Upshur County: WV Department of Human Services, 34 Auction Ln., Buckhannon
- Ritchie County: WV Department of Human Services, 220 West Main St., Harrisville
- Pleasants County: WV Department of Human Services, 1655 South Pleasants Highway, St. Mary’s
Applicants should bring a photo ID; documentation showing residence or employment in an eligible county at the time of the storm; proof of income received during the 30 days before applying; proof of assets, such as checking or savings statements; and documentation of disaster-related expenses, when applicable. Eligible households may receive benefits within one day of applying.
For questions about D-SNAP or disaster SNAP supplements, residents may call the DoHS Office of Constituent Services Customer Service Hotline at 1-877-716-1212. More information about D-SNAP and disaster SNAP supplements is available at bfa.wv.gov.
