Averil George Commissioner
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
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THE DIVISION OF
Family Assistance
The Division of Family Assistance comprises of several need-based and general assistance programs such as:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Aid for the Aged (OAA)
- Aid to the Blind
- Aid to the Disabled
- Energy Assistance; and
- the Lifeline Program, commonly known as Telephone Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP
SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as Food Stamp program.
What is SNAP? SNAP is a federal program that provides food-purchasing assistance for low- and no-income people. SNAP provides benefits to eligible individuals and families via an Electronic Benefits Transfer Card (EBT). This card can be used like a debit card to purchase eligible food in authorized retail food stores. The income chart listed below provides an eligibility guide for various household sizes.
Who can apply?
Citizens and qualified alien non-citizens who legally live in the U. S. or U.S. Territories. There is a 5-year waiting period for most non-citizens, however, anyone can apply. Social security numbers must be provided for everyone in the household. If you qualify, you should receive your benefits within 30 days of receipt of the application, or 7 days for expedited cases. SNAP Benefits will be loaded to your EBT (sun, sand & sea) card and are available at 7:00 a.m. on the first day of each month.
Additional qualification data copied from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | Benefits.gov To be eligible for this benefit program, applicants must live in the state in which they apply and meet certain bank balance limits. A household with an elderly (over 60) or disabled household member may have a higher bank balance limit.
How to apply for SNAP benefits?
You must complete a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and CASH Assistance Combined Application. There are several ways to get an application form:
- Pick it up at a local SNAP office, or
- Call the local SNAP office to have an application mailed to you, or
- Print the form from the DHS website at www.dhs.gov.vi
Complete the application, if you need assistance, call the local SNAP Office to request help, also inquire about the other programs we provide, which are listed below, as you may be eligible to participate in them.
Administrator: Natalie Bailey, Natalie.Bailey@dhs.vi.gov
Forms
Food and Cash Application Checklist
SNAP Cash Application – ENGLISH – Client’s Copy
SNAP Cash Application – ENGLISH – Return to Office
SNAP Cash Application – SPANISH
ECAP Checklist and Criteria
ECAP Intake Form
SNAP Income Eligibility Limits Chart – FY 2024 (Click here)
SNAP Simplified Reporting Requirements – FY 2024 (Click here)
Smart Family Brochure – Client’s Copy
FNS Non- Discrimination Statement- ENGLISH
Declaración de No Discriminación de FNS – ESPAÑOL
Public Assistance Programs
- TANF
- Medical Assistance Program
- Old Age (OAA)
- Aid to the Disabled (AD)
- Aid to the Blind (AB)
- General Assistance (GA)
- Emergency Assistance (EA)
TANF
This program serves clients 18 years or older with dependent child(ren).
TANF replaces the Aid to Families with dependent child(ren) (AFDC) under the Personal Responsibility & Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.
Under the TANF program benefits can only be given for a lifetime period of 60 months.
Aid to the Blind
- No age limit for assistance under the Aid to the Blind program
- An applicant/recipient must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident residing in the Virgin Islands
- Resources such as saving/checking account, other property excluding the home in which you reside cannot exceed $2000
- Vehicle equity value cannot exceed $4,650
- Benefits are paid the 1st day of each month on a cash debit card. The monthly cash payment is $180.00
Aid to the Disabled
- An applicant/recipient must be 18 years or older residing in the U. S. Virgin Islands
- Resources such as saving/checking account and other property excluding the home in which you live cannot exceed $2,000
- Benefits are paid the 1st day of each month on a cash debit card. The monthly cash payment is $180.00
Emergency Assistance
This program serves clients 18 years or older (one-time cash emergency assistance during a fiscal year)
To participate in the Public Assistance Programs/TANF:
- You must be a US citizen or permanent resident alien residing in the US Virgin Islands.
- All members must provide a Social Security number or apply for one.
- Households may have no more than $2,000 in countable resources, such as a bank account. Certain resources are not counted, such as a home or lot.
- Benefits are available on the Banco Popular Plus Debit card on the first of each month at 8:00 a.m.
Aid to the Old Aged
- An applicant/recipient must be 65 years or older residing in the U.S. Virgin Islands
- You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien
- Resources such as saving/checking account, other property excluding the home in which you reside cannot exceed $2000
- Vehicle equity value cannot exceed $4,650
- Benefits are paid the 1st day of each month on a cash debit card. The monthly cash payment is $180.00
JOBS
The Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) Program of the Department of Human Services is designed to assist Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients move from welfare to work. Federal law requires TANF recipients to work 30 hours per week in order to remain eligible for financial assistance.
The Territory must have 50% of its TANF population in work or face financial penalties. If these recipients do not work they and their children will be removed from the TANF grant. The truth is many of them are very motivated but lack opportunities. The Department of Human Services is reaching out to the public and private sectors in order to create work and employment opportunities for these recipients. This brochure introduces you to our work experience and community service programs.
Forms
- Food and Cash Application Checklist
- SNAP Cash Application - ENGLISH - Client's Copy
- SNAP Cash Application - ENGLISH - Return to Office
- SNAP Cash Application - SPANISH
- SNAP Change Report Form - ENGLISH
- SNAP Change Report Form - SPANISH
- USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
- Smart Family Brochure - Client's Copy
