Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) today announced it has received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to extend the 10-day reporting period for the loss of food purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This temporary policy applies in all 55 counties.
The extension applies to current SNAP recipients who lost food as a result of the severe winter storm system Fern, which began impacting West Virginia on January 25, 2026. The storm caused widespread power outages, hazardous travel conditions, and communication disruptions across the state. Local DoHS offices in all 55 counties were closed for at least two business days during the height of the event.
For households receiving SNAP benefits in any county, the reporting deadline has been extended through February 14, 2026, giving families additional time to request replacement benefits.
Households may qualify for replacement benefits if they:
• Are West Virginia residents;
• Currently receive SNAP benefits;
• Lost food due to a power outage lasting more than four hours; and
• Submit a signed affidavit.
To request replacement benefits or obtain additional information, contact your local DoHS county office or call the Office of Constituent Services’ Customer Service Hotline at 1-877-716-1212.
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) provides a wide range of necessary and life-saving services to many West Virginia residents. DoHS includes the Bureau for Social Services, Bureau for Medical Services, Bureau for Child Support Enforcement, Bureau for Family Assistance, Bureau for Behavioral Health, Office of Drug Control Policy, Commission to Study Residential Placement of Children, Family Protection Services Board, Catastrophic Illness Commission, and the WV Women’s Commission.
For more information, visit dohs.wv.gov.