Approximately 36,000 West Virginia residents will be affected by eligibility changes that take effect this month for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP.
The changes are part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law on July 4. The West Virginia Department of Human Services Bureau for Family Assistance announced Monday it will start to implement the changes, which took effect Saturday.
With some exceptions, able-bodied people with dependents who receive help from SNAP must meet certain work requirements to remain eligible for the program. Able-bodied people without dependents who do not meet the work requirements or a requirement for exemption are limited to three months of SNAP benefits in a three-year period.
The Big Beautiful Bill Act made changes to the exceptions for those work requirements.
Beginning now, the federal law:
- Expands the upper age limit for those required to work from 54 to 64
- Removes exemptions for experiencing homelessness, being a veteran and being a former foster youth under the age of 25
- Changes the definition of dependent from those under 18 to those under 14. Now, parents and guardians of children ages 14, 15, 16 and 17 will be required to meet the work requirements unless they have other exemptions.
- Adds a new exemption for Native Americans
People who have questions about the eligibility requirements or changes are asked to call the Department of Human Services Office of Constituent Services at 1-877-716-1212.
The federal legislation also cut the SNAP program by $187 billion over the next decade, and will shift many food and administrative costs to the states, according to the nonpartisan health policy research organization KFF. Cuts in the budget bill are expected to cause about 3 million people to lose their food assistance.
SNAP currently helps feed approximately 275,000 West Virginians, or one in six residents of the state.
This article originally appeared on West Virginia Watch.
West Virginia Watch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. West Virginia Watch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Leann Ray for questions: info@westvirginiawatch.com.
