CHARLOTTE AMALIE — The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services (DHS) announces that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will issue additional SNAP benefits to current recipients during the months of April and May.
Households not already receiving the maximum benefits will receive a supplemental allotment to bring the amount of benefits received up to the maximum allotment for a household of that size. This action is part of
the provisions set forth by the Families First Coronavirus Responses Act of 2020.
Existing SNAP households that do not currently receive the maximum allotment per household size will receive a supplemental allotment in April and May. Please note the maximum allotment per household size listed below:
• 1: $249
• 2: $457
• 3: $654
• 4: $831
• 5: $987
• 6: $1184
• 7: $1,309
• 8: $1,496
• Each additional person: $187
Note: If you already receive the maximum allotment you will not receive a supplemental allotment.
The Supplemental Allotment for April will automatically load to recipients’ SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards on Saturday, April 11, 2020.
The Supplemental Allotment for May will automatically load to recipients’ SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards on Saturday, May 16, 2020.
The Department of Human Services is working around the clock with our federal partners to ensure that residents of the territory have access to all available provisions during this time of COVID-19 Pandemic crisis, Human Services Commissioner Kimberley Causey-Gomez said.
Our staff are working diligently to ensure that DHS is on the front-line advocating for our vulnerable populations and ensure that all Virgin Islanders have access to much needed food, cash, childcare and energy crisis assistance,” according to Causey-Gomez.
At least 20,000 individuals currently receive SNAP benefits within the territory, DHS said. Due to the negative effects of COVID19, that number has increased and is expected to continue to increase in the coming weeks.
The department encourages households with reduced or terminated income to apply for benefits or report changes to their existing SNAP case.
Please visit the DHS website, www.dhs.gov.vi under the Division of Family Assistance tab for applications and more information.
Applications are also available in specific grocery stores on all
three islands, or at the DHS offices located on each island. Completed applications may be mailed, emailed, faxed or dropped off to drop boxes located at each local office below:
Please be sure to provide a working phone number on your application. Eligibility interviews are being conducted over the phone rather than in person to help keep everyone safe and healthy.
Please note the VI has not been authorized to operate a Disaster SNAP (NO D-SNAP). However, people who are unemployed or have reduced income as a result of COVID-19 can apply for the regular SNAP program.
“Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett and what happens to the families with High Income that works more the one job to provide food for their home?” Kathy Mendoza said on Facebook. “We also need assistance too. Why would they add extra SNAP? Can we apply and never get denied?”
For more information, please visit the Department of Human Services website, www.dhs.gov.vi
or on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/usvidhs) at U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Human Services. Feel free to also email: certoffice.stx@dhs.vi.gov on St. Croix or
certoffice.stt@dhs.vi.gov on St. Thomas/St. John. Please ensure a working telephone number is on the application. Telephone interviews will be scheduled.
The SNAP offices can be reached at: (340) 772-7100 on St. Croix or (340) 774-2399 or (340) 774-0930 on St. Thomas/St. John.
For more information on COVID-19, the new strain of coronavirus, please visit the USVI Department of Health’s website, www.doh.vi.gov/coronavirus or text COVID19USVI to 888777.