SNAP Benefits for Grandparents Raising a Grandchild in West Virginia

How SNAP Counts Your Household

SNAP works differently from the WV WORKS child-only grant. Where the child-only grant ignores the caregiver's income entirely, SNAP generally groups people who live together and customarily purchase and prepare meals together. A child under 18 who lives with and is under the parental control of a household member other than the child's parent must be included in that household even if food is purchased and prepared separately.

For many grandparents raising a child under 18 as the child's caregiver, this means filing together. The upside is that a larger household size raises the income ceiling and the maximum benefit amount.

Income Limits and Benefit Amounts

West Virginia uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), which sets the gross income limit at 200% of the federal poverty level for most households. BBCE households are exempt from the standard asset test.

Current gross monthly income limits and maximum SNAP allotments:

After gross income screening, deductions are subtracted: a standard deduction ($217 for 1-3 people, $229 for 4), a 20% earned income disregard, out-of-pocket medical expenses over $35 for members aged 60+ or disabled, and a heating/cooling standard utility allowance. The final benefit equals the maximum allotment minus 30% of net income.

If a household includes someone aged 60 or older who exceeds the 200% FPL gross threshold, eligibility shifts to a net income test with a federal asset cap of $4,750.

SNAP Stretch at Farmers Markets

West Virginia's SNAP Stretch program matches SNAP spending at participating markets. The state describes the program as doubling or tripling SNAP spending power, with higher matches for shoppers age 60 or older or shopping with a child. It is available to SNAP customers, not only grandparents. The FY 2027 state budget includes a $360,000 appropriation for the program.

The state says SNAP Stretch can double or triple the value of SNAP spending on eligible items at participating markets.

Applying for SNAP

Applications go through WV PATH (wvpath.wv.gov) or at your local county DoHS office. Standard SNAP applications are processed within 30 days.

Expedited processing within 7 calendar days is available if gross monthly income is under $150 and liquid resources are $100 or less; if combined gross income and liquid resources are less than monthly rent or mortgage plus utilities; or if you are a destitute migrant or seasonal farmworker household with liquid resources of $100 or less.

Documents you will need:

• Identification and Social Security numbers for household members
• Proof of income (pay stubs, Social Security award letters, pension statements)
• Proof of housing costs (rent, mortgage, utility bills)
• Proof of residency

Once approved, report income changes when they exceed the reporting threshold in your approval notice. For households whose benefits are calculated above 130% FPL, the reporting threshold is 200% FPL; households calculated at or below 130% FPL report when income exceeds 130% FPL. These changes are due by the 10th calendar day of the following month. Updating SNAP records in WV PATH does not automatically update WV WORKS or Medicaid — each program's records must be maintained separately.

Combining SNAP with Other Programs

SNAP stacks directly with the WV WORKS child-only grant, Medicaid or WV CHIP for the child, and subsidized childcare. Children receiving WV WORKS or SNAP are also directly certified for free school meals without a separate application, and qualify for Summer EBT food funding during summer months.

The West Virginia Kinship Financial Help Guide maps how each program's eligibility rules interact and what to bring to each office visit.

See more West Virginia guides →