WV-SEBT Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (SEBT)?
SEBT provides grocery-buying benefits to income eligible families with school-aged children when schools are closed for the summer. SEBT spends like SNAP and is accepted by all SNAP retailers nationwide.
2. Who is in charge of Summer EBT?
Summer EBT (SEBT) is a federal benefit program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In West Virginia, the State Agency that leads the program is the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) is the State Agency that leads the program. The benefit is federally funded. The governing rules are determined by Congress and the USDA. Schools do not administer the program.
3. Do I need to apply for my student to receive Summer EBT?
During SY24-25, if your student DID NOT receive SNAP, TANF, some Medicaid, Foster services, or was homeless, a migrant, a runaway, determined eligible for free or reduced meals, or enrolled in WV HeadStart (as determined by WVDE) the student must apply to receive Summer EBT.
You can pick up an application for Summer EBT at any DoHS county office.
4. What are the reasons a student may be denied SEBT?
The household is over the income limit for their household size; or
The student is not a resident of the state of West Virginia; or
The student does not attend a school that participates in the NSLP;
The student is already eligible for SEBT through direct certification; or
The student has passed away.
5. Where can I complete an application?
A household can complete a Summer EBT application at any DoHS county office, or download and print a Summer EBT paper application and submit it to any DoHS county office. Most applications will receive an approval or denial notice within 30 days of submitting an application.
A list of DoHS county offices may be found at
https://dhhr.wv.gov/bfa/Pages/County-Details.aspx.
Important: Your child’s school will NOT have paper applications available nor will they collect or receive SEBT applications as this is a State benefit, not a county-level benefit.
6. Which public benefit programs meet the automatic eligibility criteria for SEBT?
If your student is between the ages of 6-17 and received one or more of the benefits below during SY 2024-2025, or is in a qualified status below they are automatically eligible for Summer EBT:
7. Are foster children eligible for this program?
Children who received any amount of a Foster Care payment during school year 2024-2025 are automatically eligible for SEBT.
8. Does West Virginia CHIP count as a benefit program where children are automatically deemed eligible for SEBT?
No, WVCHIP is not a benefit program that results in automatic eligibility for SEBT
9. What is the National School Lunch Program?
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federal child nutrition program that has nutrition guidelines for meals for children and provides reimbursement to sponsors or schools that operate NSLP. The reimbursement is from the federal government and helps offset the cost of providing meals to children. The NSLP has been a long-standing federal program, and next to SNAP, it is the most accessed federal nutrition program in the United States. The West Virginia Department of Education is the State Agency that oversees the administration of NSLP in West Virginia. Any student who must apply for SEBT must also attend a school that participates in the NSLP.
10. What if my child attends a private or brick-and-mortar charter school that participates in the National School Lunch Program?
Private and charter schools are eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Low-income students who attend these schools are eligible for SEBT if income guidelines are met. If you have completed a free or reduced-price school meals application for the 2024-2025 school year at your participating school, you will not need to complete a separate application for SEBT. Your student will automatically be issued the benefit if your meal application has been approved.
In West Virginia during the 2024-2025 school year, the following private schools are participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP):
Central Catholic High School
75 14th street
Wheeling, WV 26003
Clarksburg Classical Academy
1636 W Pike Street
Clarksburg WV 26301
Fairmont Catholic Grade School
416 Madison St.
Fairmont, WV 26554
Friends-R-Fun
70 Friends-R-Fun Drive
Summersville, WV 26651
Harrison County Catholic (sponsor)
St. Mary’s Grade School &
Notre Dame High School
127 E. Pike Street
Clarksburg, WV 26301
Heritage Christian Academy
300 Elwood Street
Ravenswood, WV 26164
New Life Christian Academy
899 Broad Street
Summersville, WV 26651
St. Francis of Assisi School
525 Holley Street
St Albans WV 25177
St. Francis De Sales School
622 South Oakwood Avenue
Beckley, WV 25801
St. Joseph School
110 E. Stephen St.
Martinsburg, WV 25401
St. Paul School Weirton
140 Walnut St
Weirton, WV 26062
St. Peter and Paul
123 Elmore Street
Oak Hill, WV 25901
Wood County Christian Schools Inc
113 W. 9th Street
Williamstown, WV 26187
In West Virginia during the 2024-2025 school year, the following charter school is participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP):
Eastern Panhandle Preparatory Academy
449 Rose Hill Drive
Kearneysville, WV 25430
11. What if my child is homeschooled or attends another type of school – such as a micro-school, private or charter school that does not participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), or virtual charter school?
If your child is between the ages of 6-17 and attends a school, other than a brick-and-mortar public or private school that does not participate in the NSLP or is homeschooled, they are eligible for SEBT only if your household receives another qualifying public benefit – see FAQ #6, 'Which public benefit programs meet the eligibility criteria for SEBT?’.
12. How is “school age” defined, as for children not attending a school that participates in the federal school meals program?
In West Virginia, for this program, compulsory school age is defined as ages 6-17. For the purposes of SEBT, this age range applies to those students who are receiving schooling from another source, other than a brick-and-mortar school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Eligibility will be determined by the student’s eligibility in a public benefits program, as defined in FAQ #6, 'Which public benefit programs meet the eligibility criteria for SEBT?’.
13. Will my student’s enrollment status be verified?
All students who apply for Summer EBT will have an enrollment check to ensure they attend a school participating in the NSLP. Enrollment data is provided by WVDE.
14. Will my application information be verified?
Individuals completing an application for benefits are not guaranteed benefits. Applications must be processed and reviewed for accuracy and eligibility. Income information entered in the application is subject to verification. Please refer to the current year’s income guidelines as listed in FAQ ‘6. What are the income guidelines?‘.
15. What is the total benefit?
The total SEBT benefit is $120 per eligible child and issued as a one-time benefit.
16. Can my child receive this benefit during the school year?
No. This benefit is designed to reach eligible children in West Virginia during the summer period only. It cannot be issued during emergency school closures or for any other reason during the regular school year.
18. Can I transfer any remaining balance on the SEBT card to an existing EBT card or save it for next year?
No, the funds on the SEBT are intended for use during the summer months and do not carry over to the next year or onto another existing benefit card. It’s important to use benefits within the specified time frame. Any unused benefits will be expunged or removed from the card 122 days after the benefit is issued.
19. What foods can participants buy with SEBT benefits and where can they buy them?
Participants who receive SEBT will be able to purchase SNAP-eligible food, as defined in the Food and Nutrition Act, at any retail store approved for participation with SNAP.
Generally, these food items are packaged, containing a nutritional label. SEBT cannot be spent on hot or pre-prepared meals. Along with grocery stores, SEBT can be redeemed at all WV farmer market locations. For a list of eligible foods see Snap- Eligible Food Items.
20. I have a child under the age of 6, they do not attend school, and my household receives SNAP. Will they receive SEBT?
No. Your child will not receive SEBT.
21. If my student graduates at the end of the school year, will they still receive the benefit?
If your student meets all other eligibility criteria as residing in a low-income household and they graduate at the end of the school year, they will still be eligible for the SEBT for the same year they graduate. They will not be eligible in future years.
22. My student is above the age of 18 and receiving special education services at a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program. Are they eligible?
If the student resides in a household that meets the income-eligibility of the program, then yes. If the household receives another public benefit, as defined in FAQ #6, 'Which public benefit programs meet the eligibility criteria for SEBT?’, the student will automatically be issued the benefit.
23. Can college students apply for this program to receive the benefit?
No, this program is not available to higher education students. It is designed to reach children residing in low-income households and meet the appropriate enrollment and/or compulsory age requirements of the program.
24. Can senior citizens apply for this program to receive the benefit?
No, this program is not available to senior citizens. It is designed to reach children residing in low-income households and meet the appropriate enrollment and/or compulsory age requirements of the program.
25. What if my child automatically receives the benefit and we do not wish to accept it?
For the summer of 2025, if your child receives the benefit through automatic issuance based upon records the State has regarding your household’s benefit status and you do not wish to accept the benefit, please destroy the card, or contact the local DoHS county office to request benefit removal. Unused funds will expunge 122 days (about 4 months) from issuance and be returned to the federal program.
Cards cannot be donated or transferred to anyone else. Doing so is federally prohibited under law and subject to punishment.
26. My student attends a year-round public school in West Virginia. Are they eligible?
West Virginia currently has one year-round school through a county board of education. Piedmont Elementary School is a year-round school that participates in the CEP. Students who receive specific benefits or are in certain statuses at Piedmont do not need to apply. If a student is not meeting certain criteria, they must apply to receive Summer EBT.
27. Is this program available to children who reside in another state?
Each state chooses whether or not to operate Summer EBT. West Virginia SEBT is available for eligible children residing in West Virginia. Students residing in another state who apply for SEBT in WV will be denied. These students must apply in their state of residency.
28. I have multiple eligible children, will they receive their own SEBT card or will all benefits be loaded onto a single card?
It depends on how the student is eligible for Summer EBT. See more information below.
Children who receive SNAP and/or WV WORK:
Summer EBT will be issued to the household’s existing Mountain State EBT card (the Mountain State EBT card used for SNAP and/or WV WORKS benefits).
Students who are eligible through an application, or who receive Medicaid
A new Mountain State EBT card with the 2025 Summer EBT benefit will be issued in the name of the guardian who applied on the student’s behalf. Each household will receive one card containing all SEBT benefits.
Example 1: A household who is receiving SNAP has 4 school-aged children who are also eligible for Summer EBT. The 4 Summer EBT benefits will be issued to the household’s SNAP card.
Example 2: The SEBT application contained 3 approved students, one SEBT card will be mailed to the household containing 3 SEBT benefits. This card will be mailed to the person who applied for SEBT for the household.
Children in specific groups (Foster Care, migrants, homeless, runaway, or WV HeadStart enrolled)
A new Summer EBT card will be issued in the name of the child, and mailed to the guardian who is assigned by the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) or the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) as the guardian. If the child moves residency, the card should be reissued to the new address. Contact the Office of EBT Banking services if you need assistance at 304-558-4126.
29. Does my child or children have to be present with me when I use the card at the grocery store?
No, your child does not need to be present when making grocery purchases using SEBT benefits.
30. What if a child is in a shared custody situation? Who receives the benefit?
Summer EBT is intended for the child whose name is on the SEBT approval letter. DoHS does not take into consideration custody situations, unless there is a court order where a judge has clearly stated which parent should receive public assistance on behalf of the student.
31. Can I contact my child’s school for more information or to help learn more about Summer EBT?
SEBT is a state-level program and process. Schools may have limited knowledge about this program, but ultimately this web site and the customer support toll-free telephone numbers are your best resources for receiving information about the program. Individual schools are not managing or navigating this program. County board offices will have limited information as well. You are encouraged to view this website and other posted communication channels here for support or more information. DoHS field offices can provide support and information. This is a public benefit program being administered by the State of West Virginia.
32. How will Summer EBT be deposited onto the EBT card?
Children who receive SNAP and/or WV WORKS:
Summer EBT will be issued to the household’s existing Mountain State EBT card (the Mountain State EBT card used for SNAP and/or WV WORKS benefits).
Students who are eligible through an application, or who receive Medicaid:
A new Mountain State EBT card with the 2025 Summer EBT benefit will be issued in the name of the guardian who applied on the student’s behalf. Each household will receive one card containing all SEBT benefits.
Example 1: A household who is receiving SNAP has 4 school-aged children who are also eligible for Summer EBT. The 4 Summer EBT benefits will be issued to the household’s SNAP card.
Example 2: The SEBT application contained 3 approved students, one SEBT card will be mailed to the household containing 3 SEBT benefits. This card will be mailed to the person who applied for SEBT for the household.
Children in specific groups (Foster Care, migrants, homeless, runaway, or WV HeadStart enrolled):
A new Summer EBT card will be issued in the name of the child, and mailed to the guardian who is assigned by the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) or the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) as the guardian. If the child moves residency, the card should be reissued to the new address. Contact the Office of EBT Banking services if you need assistance at 304-558-4126.
33. How can schools, communities, or advocacy groups promote awareness about the Summer EBT Program?
Schools, community organizations, and local leaders can play a vital role in spreading awareness about the program. This may include distributing informational materials and pointing families in the direction of this web site and the state-managed hotline for customer service support.
34. What if a disaster or household misfortune occurs and my student loses access to food purchased with Summer EBT?
You may request replacement of Summer EBT benefits if the student’s household experiences food loss due to a household misfortune or disaster. To receive replacement based on a power outage, the outage must have occurred for at least 4 consecutive hours. The household must request a Summer EBT replacement form from the local DoHS office.
Please note, schools do not have replacement forms and cannot process replacement requests. DoHS determines who qualifies for replacement.
35. What if my student is denied Summer EBT benefits and I do not agree with the decision?
Households are entitled to a fair hearing if they do not agree with the decision of the Summer EBT state agency. A fair hearing form must be completed and submitted to the local DoHS county office within 90 days of the denial. A fair hearing form is mailed with every application denial notice.
Please note, schools do not have fair hearing forms and are not involved in the fair healing process. The Office of Inspector General, Board of Review is responsible for making the fair hearing decision. The form to request a Fair Hearing and/or Pre-Hearing Conference is enclosed, but you may also request it by calling your local DoHS office, or by calling the Office of Constituent Services at 1-877-716-1212, or in-person by visiting your local DoHS office.
The following organization provides free legal services to eligible persons:
Legal Aid of West Virginia
922 Quarrier St.
4th Floor
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: 304-343-4481 or 866-255-4370
36. What if my student was denied for Summer EBT based on income, residency, or student status, but now the household situation has changed?
The guardian may reapply at any point prior to August 21, 2025. Reapplying for Summer EBT does not guarantee the student will be approved for the benefit.
37. What if my student attended a school that participates in the federal school meals programs in school year 2024-2025, but they dropped out or withdrew?
If your student dropped out or withdrew, and you believe your household meets the income criteria of the program, you will need to complete an SEBT application for review.