SNAP and food help for older adults in West Virginia

SNAP for people 60 and over

SNAP gives you money for groceries on an EBT card each month. If anyone in your household is 60 or older, or disabled, these rules apply:

• No gross income test. You only need to meet the net income limit (your income after deductions).
• Higher asset limit. Your household can have up to $4,750 in countable assets.
• Medical deduction. Out-of-pocket medical costs over $35 a month can be deducted from your income. Keep receipts for prescriptions, doctor bills and insurance premiums you pay.

How to apply for SNAP

1. Apply online at wvpath.wv.gov, at your county DoHS office (find it at dohs.wv.gov/field-offices), or call the DoHS Customer Service Center at 1-877-716-1212.
2. Send proof the worker asks for, such as income, rent or mortgage, utility bills and medical bills.
3. If you cannot get to an office because of a disability, call 1-800-642-8589 to ask for a home visit.

A bonus for SNAP households: 20% utility discount

If your SNAP household has someone over 60, you may get 20% off gas and electric bills from November to March, and some water bills. DoHS mails applications each October. If you did not get one, contact your county DoHS office.

Back to the page menu

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) runs this program with county senior services providers. It gives older adults with low income a voucher to buy fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables at approved farmers markets.

How to sign up

1. Contact your county senior services office (your local senior center or county aging provider). That is where you sign up and show you meet the age and income rules.
2. Get your voucher. In 2026, vouchers were handed out starting June 1.
3. Shop at an approved farmers market.

Questions about the program: West Virginia Department of Agriculture, (304) 558-2210.

Back to the page menu

Senior meals

County senior centers across West Virginia serve meals for older adults. The Bureau of Senior Services works with county aging providers that offer meals, transportation and in-home help. Call your county senior center, or the Bureau of Senior Services at 304-558-3317, to find meals near you.

Back to the page menu

Things people miss

• Medical costs matter. Report all medical costs over $35 a month. They can raise your SNAP benefit.
• The 20% utility discount goes to certain households, such as SNAP households with someone over 60 and people on SSI. You must send back the application mailed in October.
• The farmers market voucher is handed out through county senior services, not DoHS. Do not wait for it to come in the mail.

Back to the page menu

Free help

• DoHS Customer Service Center: 1-877-716-1212.
• Aging and Disability Resource Network: 1-877-987-3646 for help applying for SNAP and other benefits.
• Bureau of Senior Services: 304-558-3317.
• Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116.

See all benefits in West Virginia.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for West Virginia agencies

Check what you may qualify for