The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Family Assistance (BFA), has received federal approval to provide Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) 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, 2026, through August 20, 2026, and will provide a one-time grocery benefit. To receive benefits during the initial issuance, households should submit a completed application by May 15, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted through August 20, 2026, and will be processed within 15 business days after receipt.
Applications can be obtained at local 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.
Eligibility and Benefits
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
- 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, 2026.
Households not automatically enrolled, including those with students attending Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools, must apply to determine eligibility.
Summer EBT Income Chart
Eligibility is based on household income:
| House Hold Size | Monthly Income |
| 1 | $2,413 |
| 2 | $3,261 |
| 3 | $4,109 |
| 4 | $4,957 |
| 5 | $5,805 |
| 6 | $6,653 |
| 7 | $7,501 |
| 8* | $8,349 |
* 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.
