- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — Food benefits for eligible low‑ and no‑income households. - SNAP Food Loss Benefit Replacement — Replace up to one month of SNAP if food was lost due to disaster or 4+ hr outage. - Meals on Wheels — Home‑delivered nutritious meals for eligible seniors and people with disabilities. - Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) — Time‑limited cash aid for families with children. - Aid for the Aged (OAA) — Monthly cash benefit for eligible residents 65+. - Aid to the Blind — Monthly cash benefit for eligible blind residents. - Aid to the Disabled — Monthly cash benefit for eligible residents with qualifying disabilities. - Energy Assistance — Help with energy costs for eligible households. - SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) — Job training and work supports for SNAP recipients. - Jobs Opportunity & Basic Skills (JOBS) — Employment services and skills development.
What it is
The Department of Human Services provides critical assistance programs to residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands, including food assistance (SNAP), cash assistance for families and vulnerable populations, and emergency aid. These programs support low-income individuals, families with children, elderly residents, and people with disabilities to help meet basic needs like nutrition, shelter, and energy costs.
Programs
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Cash Assistance
- Program Description: 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.
- Eligibility: 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: 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
- Applications:
- SNAP Client’s Packet:
- Verification Checklist:
- English Application:
- Spanish Application:
- Website: View Website
- Contact Information:
- STJ: (340) 776-6334 | STT: (340) 774-0930
- Administrator — Natalie Bailey, Natalie.Bailey@dhs.vi.gov
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.
- SNAP Food Loss Benefit Replacement
- Program Description: If you lost food that you bought with your SNAP benefits because of a fire, flood, loss of electricity for 4 hours or more, broken refrigerator/freezer, or other disaster, we may be able to replace your SNAP benefits. The most we can replace is one month of benefits.
- Eligibility: You must have lost food purchased with SNAP benefits due to a fire, flood, 4+ hour power outage, broken refrigerator/freezer, or other disaster. Replacement is limited to one month of benefits.
- How to Apply:
- You must report the loss within 10 days of the food loss. You can do this by phone or in
- Complete the request form and submit it to the district office within 10 days after you
- You may submit the completed request form in person, via USPS mail, or email (see
- DHS will attempt to confirm what happened by contacting a third party. If DHS is unable
- Applications:
- Website:
DHS Admin FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
- Contact Information: STJ Residents must use the St. Thomas mailing address
writing.
reported the loss of food.
agency’s contact information listed below.)
to verify what happened, you will need to submit documentation verifying the loss of food.
DHS will issue replacement SNAP benefits if you are eligible.
Department of Human Services Certification Office 1303 Hospital Ground, Ste. 1 St. Thomas, VI 00802-6722 Ph. (340) 774-0930 or (340) 774- 2399 E-Mail: certoffice.stt@dhs.vi.gov
- Meals on Wheels
- Program Description: The continued mission of the Meals on Wheels program is to serve healthy, nutritious, and balanced meals according to the the USDA Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) Guidelines for our most vulnerable seniors in our community. When you combine good healthcare with proper nutrition, personal interaction, and shared communications, seniors are happier, healthier, and better able to manage their unique health needs.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be 55 years or older, or have a disability. A physician must complete a medical form to determine meal eligibility and dietary restrictions.
- Applications: Applications are available from Saint Ursula's Church on STJ.
- Website:
- Contact Information: Alice Henry - alice.henry@dhs.vi.gov 340-725-6265 or 340-642-6289
Department of Human Services Certification Office 1303 Hospital Ground, Ste. 1 St. Thomas, VI 00802-6722 Ph. (340) 774-0930 or (340) 774-2399
DHS Head Quarters in St. John Cruz Bay, St. John Phone (340) 776-6334 Fax (340) 779-4097
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Program Description: 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. Benefits can only be given for a lifetime period of 60 months.
- Eligibility: You must be 18 years or older with at least one dependent child. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien living in the U.S. Virgin Islands. All household 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—like a home or lot—are not counted. Benefits are loaded onto the Banco Popular Plus Debit card on the first of each month at 8:00 a.m.
- How to Apply: Visit your local SNAP Office in person to submit a request. Call ahead to ask for a list of all the documents you will need to bring.
- Applications:
- Website:
- Contact Information: Department of Human Services Certification Office 1303 Hospital Ground, Ste. 1 St. Thomas, VI 00802-6722 Ph. (340) 774-0930 or (340) 774-2399 E-Mail: certoffice.stt@dhs.vi.gov
DHS Head Quarters in St. John Cruz Bay, St. John Phone (340) 776-6334 Fax (340) 779-4097
- Aid for the Aged (OAA)
- Program Description: This program provides monthly cash benefits of $180.00 to anyone 65 years or older who resides in the U.S. Virgin Islands. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien.
- Eligibility: 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.
- How to Apply: Visit your local SNAP Office in person to submit a request. Call ahead to ask for a list of all the documents you will need to bring.
- Applications:
- Website:
- Contact Information: Department of Human Services Certification Office 1303 Hospital Ground, Ste. 1 St. Thomas, VI 00802-6722 Ph. (340) 774-0930 or (340) 774-2399 E-Mail: certoffice.stt@dhs.vi.gov
DHS Head Quarters in St. John Cruz Bay, St. John Phone (340) 776-6334 Fax (340) 779-4097
- Aid to the Blind
- Program Description: 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
- Eligibility: You must be 18 years or older with at least one dependent child. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien living in the U.S. Virgin Islands. All household 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—like a home or lot—are not counted. Benefits are loaded onto the Banco Popular Plus Debit card on the first of each month at 8:00 a.m.
- How to Apply: Visit your local SNAP Office in person to submit a request. Call ahead to ask for a list of all the documents you will need to bring.
- Applications:
- Website:
- Contact Information: Department of Human Services Certification Office 1303 Hospital Ground, Ste. 1 St. Thomas, VI 00802-6722 Ph. (340) 774-0930 or (340) 774-2399 E-Mail: certoffice.stt@dhs.vi.gov
DHS Head Quarters in St. John Cruz Bay, St. John Phone (340) 776-6334 Fax (340) 779-4097
- Aid to the Disabled
- Program Description:
- Eligibility: You must be 18 years or older with at least one dependent child. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien living in the U.S. Virgin Islands. All household 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—like a home or lot—are not counted. Benefits are loaded onto the Banco Popular Plus Debit card on the first of each month at 8:00 a.m.
- How to Apply: Visit your local SNAP Office in person to submit a request. Call ahead to ask for a list of all the documents you will need to bring.
- Applications:
- Website:
- Contact Information: Department of Human Services Certification Office 1303 Hospital Ground, Ste. 1 St. Thomas, VI 00802-6722 Ph. (340) 774-0930 or (340) 774-2399 E-Mail: certoffice.stt@dhs.vi.gov
DHS Head Quarters in St. John Cruz Bay, St. John Phone (340) 776-6334 Fax (340) 779-4097
- Energy Crisis Assistance Program
- Program Description: Assist low income families with energy costs for eligible households.
- Eligibility: Applicant must be a US Citizen/ Resident of the Virgin Islands and be 60 years or older or have a senior residing in the household or 18 years & older with a disability. Disabled individual must be receiving benefits through Social Security/Veterans Affairs or Welfare [CASH programs or Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled (AABD) grant] through the Department of Human Services Program will not be responsible for late notices and past due bills.
- Income Qualifications: Household of 1 - (<$25,000 before taxes) | Household or 2 or more – (<$40,000 before taxes)
- How to Apply: Visit your local SNAP Office in person to submit a request. Call ahead to ask for a list of all the documents you will need to bring.
- Applications:
- Website:
- Contact Information: Department of Human Services Certification Office 1303 Hospital Ground, Ste. 1 St. Thomas, VI 00802-6722 Ph. (340) 774-0930 or (340) 774-2399 E-Mail: certoffice.stt@dhs.vi.gov
DHS Head Quarters in St. John Cruz Bay, St. John Phone (340) 776-6334 Fax (340) 779-4097
- Emergency Assistance
- Program Description: This program serves clients 18 years or older (one-time cash emergency assistance during a fiscal year)
- Eligibility: You must be 18 years or older with at least one dependent child. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien living in the U.S. Virgin Islands. All household 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—like a home or lot—are not counted. Benefits are loaded onto the Banco Popular Plus Debit card on the first of each month at 8:00 a.m.
- How to Apply: Visit your local SNAP Office in person to submit a request. Call ahead to ask for a list of all the documents you will need to bring.
- Applications:
- Website:
- Contact Information: Department of Human Services Certification Office 1303 Hospital Ground, Ste. 1 St. Thomas, VI 00802-6722 Ph. (340) 774-0930 or (340) 774-2399 E-Mail: certoffice.stt@dhs.vi.gov
DHS Head Quarters in St. John Cruz Bay, St. John Phone (340) 776-6334 Fax (340) 779-4097
- SNAP Employment and Training Plan FY 2025
- Program Description:
- Eligibility:
- How to Apply:
- Applications:
- Website:
- Contact Information: Department of Human Services Certification Office 1303 Hospital Ground, Ste. 1 St. Thomas, VI 00802-6722 Ph. (340) 774-0930 or (340) 774-2399 E-Mail: certoffice.stt@dhs.vi.gov
DHS Head Quarters in St. John Cruz Bay, St. John Phone (340) 776-6334 Fax (340) 779-4097
- Jobs Opportunity & Basic Skills (JOBS) Program
- Program Description:
- Eligibility:
- How to Apply:
- Applications:
- Website:
- Contact Information: Department of Human Services Certification Office 1303 Hospital Ground, Ste. 1 St. Thomas, VI 00802-6722 Ph. (340) 774-0930 or (340) 774-2399 E-Mail: certoffice.stt@dhs.vi.gov
DHS Head Quarters in St. John Cruz Bay, St. John Phone (340) 776-6334 Fax (340) 779-4097
Type
Government / Federal