While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

U.S. Virgin Islands Food Stamps FAQ Sheets

Table of Contents

What Are Food Stamps?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Food Stamps, helps eligible low-income individuals and families buy the food they need to stay healthy in the form of monthly benefits.

SNAP uses Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to distribute the benefits.

The U.S. Virgin Islands SNAP food assistance program is administered by the U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Family Assistance. Learn more about SNAP on the U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Family Assistance website here.

What Can Food Stamps Buy?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, SNAP benefits can be used to purchase approved food items. These include:

  • Fruits and vegetables;
  • Meat, poultry, and fish;
  • Dairy products;
  • Breads and cereals;
  • Other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages; and
  • Seeds and plants, which produce food for the household to eat.

See a more comprehensive list of what you can buy with SNAP benefits here and a list of approved snacks and meal supplements here.

There are also food items that cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits, including alcoholic beverages and hot prepared food. See a comprehensive list of what you cannot buy with SNAP benefits here.

How Much Assistance Does SNAP Provide?

SNAP provides monthly benefits, known as an allotment, to eligible households. The allotment amount you can receive is based on 1) the number of people in your household and 2) your household income.

To calculate your allotment amount, multiply your household’s net income by 0.3 and then subtract that number from the federal maximum monthly benefit amount in the table below.

Household NumberMaximum Allotment
1$375
2$688
3$985
4$1,251
5$1,485
6$1,782
7$1,970
8$2,252
Each additional household member+282

You have one year (365 days) to use your allotment or the benefits on your EBT card will be canceled.

To learn more about your benefit amount in the U.S. Virgin Islands, click here.

Requirements to Qualify for SNAP in the U.S. Virgin Islands

To qualify for SNAP in U.S. Virgin Islands, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be a United States citizen or legal resident
  • You must be a resident of U.S. Virgin Islands
  • You must have a household income and resources that do not exceed the limits set by U.S. Virgin Islands and the federal government
  • You must work or participate in an employment training program, if applicable

Learn more about U.S. Virgin Islands’ income limits and other eligibility criteria here.

Steps to Apply for SNAP in the U.S. Virgin Islands

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the U.S. Virgin Islands Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:

  1. Review the application requirements.

Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.

  1. Gather the documentation and information you will need for the application.

Find a list of what you need to apply here. You can view a copy of the application here to see what information is required.

  1. Choose how you are going to apply, whether in person, by mail or by fax.

To apply for SNAP in person, complete the Food Assistance Application found here and place it and copies of your necessary documents in the locked drop box at the closest Division of Family Assistance office. Click here to find the nearest U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Family Assistance office location.

To apply for SNAP by mail or fax, fill out the Food Assistance Application found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to the closest Division of Family Assistance office listed on the application.

If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact a nearby Division of Family Assistance office:

How to Check Your Application Status

You can call the Food Assistance Office where you sent your application and documents to check the status of your application. Click here to find the nearest U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Family Assistance office’s contact information.

What Happens After You Apply for SNAP?

After you have submitted your application to your local Division of Family Assistance office, you will need to complete a telephone interview.

Your application will be delayed if documents are missing from your application, the Division of Family Assistance needs more information from you to finish processing your request or you miss your interview or scheduled appointments.

If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail within 30 days of your determination letter unless you are eligible for expedited services, which give you benefits within only 7 days. You may be eligible for expedited food assistance if:

  • Your household has less than $150 in monthly income and $100 or less in cash.
  • Your rent/mortgage and utilities are more than your household’s combined monthly income.
  • A member of your house is a migrant or seasonal farmworker.

Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions.

SNAP benefits are replenished on the first of each month that you are a member of the program. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card or by calling 1 (866) 884-2868.

How to Appeal a Denial of Benefits or a Low Benefit Amount

If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Family Assistance, you can appeal your decision by phone or by mail within 90 days of receiving your determination letter.

To file an appeal by phone, call 1 (340) 774-2399 ext. 4380.

To file a claim by mail, you will need to write a letter that includes the following information:

  • Your name

Instead of a letter, you may also use the appeal form on page 5 of the application here. You must mail your appeal request to:
Director of Operations
Department of Human Services
Division of Family Assistance
1303 Hospital Ground, STE 1
St. Thomas, VI 00802-6722

How to Check the Balance on Your EBT Card

You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card or by calling 1 (866) 884-2868.

How to Replace a Lost EBT Card or Benefits

If you have not received your EBT card within 30 days of receiving your approval notice, contact a nearby Division of Family Assistance office:

If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call the number on the back of the card or by calling 1 (866) 884-2868.

You cannot obtain a replacement EBT card in person at a Food Assistance Office in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Need More Help?

For help with obtaining SNAP benefits, or for any further questions about your application, contact a nearby Division of Family Assistance office:

You can also visit or call a local Food Assistance Office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.

View or Download Our Free Guide

While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Food Stamps program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.

Table of Contents

How to Apply for SNAP in the U.S. Virgin Islands

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the U.S. Virgin Islands Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:

  1. Review the application requirements.

Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.

  1. Gather the documentation and information you will need for the application.

Find a list of what you need to apply here. You can view a copy of the application here to see what information is required.

  1. Choose how you are going to apply, whether in person, by mail or by fax.

To apply for SNAP in person, complete the Food Assistance Application found here and place it and copies of your necessary documents in the locked drop box at the closest Division of Family Assistance office. Click here to find the nearest U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Family Assistance office location.

To apply for SNAP by mail or fax, fill out the Food Assistance Application found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to the closest Division of Family Assistance office listed on the application.

If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact a nearby Division of Family Assistance office:

How to Check Your Application Status

You can call the Food Assistance Office where you sent your application and documents to check the status of your application. Click here to find the nearest U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Family Assistance office’s contact information.

What Happens After You Apply for SNAP?

After you have submitted your application to your local Division of Family Assistance office, you will need to complete a telephone interview.

Your application will be delayed if documents are missing from your application, the Division of Family Assistance needs more information from you to finish processing your request or you miss your interview or scheduled appointments.

If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail within 30 days of your determination letter unless you are eligible for expedited services, which give you benefits within only 7 days. You may be eligible for expedited food assistance if:

  • Your household has less than $150 in monthly income and $100 or less in cash.
  • Your rent/mortgage and utilities are more than your household’s combined monthly income.
  • A member of your house is a migrant or seasonal farmworker.

Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions.

SNAP benefits are replenished on the first of each month that you are a member of the program. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card or by calling 1 (866) 884-2868.

How to Appeal a Denial of Benefits or a Low Benefit Amount

If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Family Assistance, you can appeal your decision by phone or by mail within 90 days of receiving your determination letter.

To file an appeal by phone, call 1 (340) 774-2399 ext. 4380.

To file a claim by mail, you will need to write a letter that includes the following information:

  • Your name
  • Your address
  • Your phone number
  • The reason for your appeal, whether you were denied benefits or you received a lower benefit amount than you believe you should have
  • Your desired solution for how the Division of Family Assistance should remedy the situation

Instead of a letter, you may also use the appeal form on page 5 of the application here. You must mail your appeal request to:
Director of Operations
Department of Human Services
Division of Family Assistance
1303 Hospital Ground, STE 1
St. Thomas, VI 00802-6722

Need More Help?

For help with obtaining SNAP benefits, or for any further questions about your application, contact a nearby Division of Family Assistance office:

You can also visit or call a local Food Assistance Office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.

View or Download Our Free Guide

While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Food Stamps program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.