How To Apply For Virgin Islands Food Stamps

View the information below if you are interested in applying for food stamps in Virgin Islands. It is important that you have all the documentation and information needed so the application process is not delayed. If you still have questions or issues about applying for food stamps, known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), then you can call the Virgin Islands SNAP hotline at 340-774-2399. The department that handles this program is called the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services.

The US Virgin Islands Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly called the food stamp program) helps you and your family buy food needed for good health. You can buy food from most grocery stores and other retailers that sell food. If you meet the program guidelines, you will get a special debit card. This debit card comes with a certain amount of money already on it to pay for food.

You can use the card at most grocery stores, certain senior centers, and some meal delivery services. It works just like a regular debit card. You buy your groceries using the card and the cost is taken out of the total amount on the card. More money is put on your debit card on a monthly basis. Do note, when a disaster is declared in the Virgin Islands, this program will also provide one-time food support to families who have suffered loss due to the disaster.

Apply for Virgin Island food stamps

To apply for the Virgin Island Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), you can download an application, print it out and complete the form. If you have questions or issues with applying for Virgin Island food stamps, you can call your program hotline at 340-774-0930 St. Thomas, 340-773-2323 St. Croix, or 340-776-6334 St. John, to see if you can apply by phone. You can also view their website at dhs.gov.vi/financial_programs/food_stamp.html.

Once you have downloaded the SNAP application and establish your application date to receive benefits, you can complete Part I of the application and give it to them today. You are only required to give your name, address and signature for your application to be considered filed. They are then required to verify information you provide and to take action on your application within 30 days from the date you give them the completed Part I of the application, unless you qualified for SNAP right away.

If you qualify to get Virgin Island SNAP benefits right away, they are required to take action on your application within 7 days from the date you gave them the completed Part I. The amount of benefits for the first month is based on the date of application. So, the sooner you give them Part I and any required verification, the quicker you will know whether you will receive SNAP benefits. The eligibility worker will tell you what information needs to be verified and the items to bring to your interview.

You can get help from this program if you have limited income and resources. Some resources such as your home, car, and certain retirement accounts may not be counted when determining whether you meet the program guidelines. In some cases, you may be able to take part in this program without having to do anything. You will automatically get the program or have more generous rules if you and or members of your household already get cash benefits from other programs such as:

• Public or General Assistance
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Additionally, if you get non-cash benefits (including TANF-funded informational pamphlet or counseling services), you may have higher income and/or resource limits. Do note, in certain situations, there may be other program rules that you may need to meet such as taking part in Employment & Training programs and other work requirements.

Food stamp income requirements

Households have to meet income tests unless all members are receiving TANF, SSI, or in some places general assistance. Most households must meet both the gross and net income tests, but a household with an elderly person or a person who is receiving certain types of disability payments only has to meet the net income test. Households, except those noted, that have income over the amounts listed below cannot get SNAP benefits.

Gross income means a household's total, non-excluded income, before any deductions have been made. Net income means gross income minus allowable deductions.

Income SNAP deductions

Deductions are allowed as follows:

• A 20 percent deduction from earned income
• A standard deduction of $160 for households sizes of 1 to 3 people and $170 for a household size of 4 (higher for some larger households and the standard deduction is higher in Alaska, Hawaii and Guam)
• A dependent care deduction when needed for work, training, or education
• Medical expenses for elderly or disabled members that are more than $35 for the month if they are not paid by insurance or someone else
• Legally owed child support payments
• Some states allow homeless households a set amount ($143) for shelter costs and
• Excess shelter costs that are more than half of the household's income after the other deductions. Allowable costs include the cost of fuel to heat and cook with, electricity, water, the basic fee for one telephone, rent or mortgage payments and taxes on the home. (Some states allow a set amount for utility costs instead of actual costs.) The amount of the shelter deduction cannot be more than $535 unless one person in the household is elderly or disabled. (The limit is higher in Alaska, Hawaii and Guam.)

What are the citizenship guidelines?

If you are a US citizen and meet the other program guidelines, you may get help from this program. If you live in the United States but are not a US citizen, you may still apply if you and or members of your household meet at least one of following guidelines for legal immigrants:

• Lived legally in the United States or its territories for at least 5 years or more
• Get disability related assistance or benefits, no matter when you entered the US or its territories
• Children under the age of 18, no matter when the child entered the United States or its territories

Documents you may need to apply for food stamps

Documents Showing Number of People Living in Household:

• Tax Returns
• School Records
• Clinic Cards or Hospital Records
• Current Medicaid cards
• Statement from Non-Related Landlord

Documents Showing Household Address:

• Current Rent Receipt
• Recent Utility Bill in Your Name
• Statement from Non-Relative Landlord
• Real Estate Tax Bill
• Copy of Current Lease
• Mortgage Records/Book
• Current Mail

Documents Showing Household Expenses:

• Current Utility Bills in Your Name
• Rent Receipts
• Income Tax Return
• Mortgage Records
• Credit Card Receipts
• Bank Statements
• Store Receipts
• Home Care Bills
• Bankruptcy Records

Documents Showing Medical Costs:

• Hospital Records and Bills
• Home Care Bills
• Insurance Bills
• Medicaid Statement
• Records and Bills from Healthcare Provider
• Prescription Drug Receipts

Social Security Receipts:

• Any Social Security Receipt is Good

Proof of Age:

• Birth Certificate
• Driver's License
• State Issued Non-Drivers ID Card
• Marriage Certificate with DOB
• Immigration or Naturalization Certificate
• Hospital Certificate of Birth
• Medicaid Card
• US Passport

Proof of Income and Resources

Proof of income:

• Current Wage Stubs
• Letter from Employer
• Income Tax Return
• Business Records
• Current Unemployment Check
• Bank Statements
• Credit Union Records
• Family Court Records
• Social Security Benefits Statement
• Veterans Administration Benefit Check

Proof of resources:

• Bank Records
• Credit Union Records
• Stock & Bond Certificates
• Trust Fund Agreements
• Deeds
• Life Insurance Policy
• Burial Fund Records
• Motor Vehicle Registration or Title

SNAP employment requirements

In general, people must meet work requirements in order to be eligible for SNAP. These work requirements include registering for work, not voluntarily quitting a job or reducing hours, taking a job if offered, and participating in employment and training programs assigned by the State. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in disqualification from the Program.

In addition, able bodied adults without dependents are required to work or participate in a work program for at least 20 hours per week in order to receive SNAP benefits for more than 3 months in a 36-month period. Some special groups may not be subject to these requirements including: children, seniors, pregnant women, and people who are exempt for physical or mental health reasons.