Use this calculator to get an estimated monthly SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefit amount for your household in West Virginia. Please note that this is an estimate based on common federal guidelines and typical WV deductions and maximums, which are subject to change annually. Your actual benefit may vary based on specific program rules, additional deductions, and verification by the WV Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR).
Number of people in your household.
Total monthly income from wages, salary, or self-employment before taxes and deductions.
Total monthly income from sources like Social Security, unemployment, child support, or pensions.
Total monthly out-of-pocket medical expenses for household members who are age 60+ or disabled. Only amounts over $35 are typically deductible.
Total monthly costs for child care necessary for work, training, or education.
Total monthly costs for rent or mortgage payments, property taxes, and homeowner's insurance.
Total monthly costs for heating, cooling, electricity, water, sewer, trash, and basic phone service. A standard utility allowance may be used by the state.
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function calculateSNAP() {
// Get input values
var householdSize = parseFloat(document.getElementById('householdSize').value);
var grossEarnedIncome = parseFloat(document.getElementById('grossEarnedIncome').value);
var grossUnearnedIncome = parseFloat(document.getElementById('grossUnearnedIncome').value);
var medicalExpenses = parseFloat(document.getElementById('medicalExpenses').value);
var childCareExpenses = parseFloat(document.getElementById('childCareExpenses').value);
var shelterCosts = parseFloat(document.getElementById('shelterCosts').value);
var utilityCosts = parseFloat(document.getElementById('utilityCosts').value);
// Validate inputs
if (isNaN(householdSize) || householdSize < 1) {
document.getElementById('snapResult').innerHTML = "Please enter a valid Household Size (at least 1).";
return;
}
if (isNaN(grossEarnedIncome) || grossEarnedIncome < 0) grossEarnedIncome = 0;
if (isNaN(grossUnearnedIncome) || grossUnearnedIncome < 0) grossUnearnedIncome = 0;
if (isNaN(medicalExpenses) || medicalExpenses < 0) medicalExpenses = 0;
if (isNaN(childCareExpenses) || childCareExpenses < 0) childCareExpenses = 0;
if (isNaN(shelterCosts) || shelterCosts < 0) shelterCosts = 0;
if (isNaN(utilityCosts) || utilityCosts < 0) utilityCosts = 0;
// SNAP Data (Federal FY 2024 example numbers, subject to change)
var maxAllotments = {
1: 291, 2: 535, 3: 766, 4: 973, 5: 1155, 6: 1386, 7: 1532, 8: 1751
};
var standardDeductions = {
1: 198, 2: 198, 3: 198, 4: 208, 5: 242, 6: 242, 7: 242, 8: 242
};
var shelterCap = 672; // Example cap for non-elderly/disabled households
var minimumBenefit = 23; // For 1-2 person households
// Determine Max Allotment
var maxAllotment;
if (householdSize 8, add $219 per additional person
maxAllotment = maxAllotments[8] + (householdSize – 8) * 219;
}
// Determine Standard Deduction
var standardDeduction;
if (householdSize 35) {
medicalDeduction = medicalExpenses – 35;
}
// 3. Child Care Deduction
var childCareDeduction = childCareExpenses;
// Calculate Net Income before Shelter Deduction
var netIncomeBeforeShelter = grossEarnedIncome + grossUnearnedIncome – earnedIncomeDeduction – standardDeduction – medicalDeduction – childCareDeduction;
netIncomeBeforeShelter = Math.max(0, netIncomeBeforeShelter); // Cannot be negative
// 4. Shelter Deduction
var totalShelterAndUtility = shelterCosts + utilityCosts;
var excessShelterCosts = Math.max(0, totalShelterAndUtility – (netIncomeBeforeShelter * 0.50));
var shelterDeduction = Math.min(excessShelterCosts, shelterCap); // Apply cap for non-elderly/disabled
// Final Net Income
var finalNetIncome = netIncomeBeforeShelter – shelterDeduction;
finalNetIncome = Math.max(0, finalNetIncome); // Cannot be negative
// Calculate Preliminary Benefit
var estimatedBenefit = maxAllotment – (finalNetIncome * 0.30);
// Apply Minimum Benefit for 1-2 person households
if ((householdSize === 1 || householdSize === 2) && estimatedBenefit > 0 && estimatedBenefit < minimumBenefit) {
estimatedBenefit = minimumBenefit;
}
// Ensure benefit does not exceed maximum allotment
estimatedBenefit = Math.min(estimatedBenefit, maxAllotment);
// Ensure benefit is not negative
estimatedBenefit = Math.max(0, estimatedBenefit);
// Display result
document.getElementById('snapResult').innerHTML = "Your Estimated Monthly SNAP Benefit: $" + estimatedBenefit.toFixed(2) + "";
}
Understanding WV SNAP Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, helps low-income individuals and families purchase nutritious food. In West Virginia, the program is administered by the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR).
Eligibility Factors
Eligibility for SNAP in West Virginia is primarily based on household size, income, and certain deductions. Generally, households must meet both gross and net income limits. For most households, gross monthly income must be at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), and net monthly income (after allowable deductions) must be at or below 100% of the FPL. Households with an elderly or disabled member may only need to meet the net income test.
How Benefits Are Calculated
SNAP benefits are calculated using a formula that considers your household's net income and the maximum allotment for your household size. The general steps involve:
Gross Income: Sum of all earned and unearned income for the household.
Deductions: Various deductions are applied to the gross income to arrive at the net income. Common deductions include:
Standard Deduction: A fixed amount based on household size.
Earned Income Deduction: 20% of gross earned income.
Medical Deduction: For elderly or disabled members, out-of-pocket medical expenses exceeding $35 per month.
Child Care Deduction: Actual costs for child care necessary for work, training, or education.
Shelter Deduction: This is often the largest deduction. It accounts for a portion of your rent/mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and utility costs that exceed 50% of your household's income after other deductions. There is typically a cap on this deduction for households without an elderly or disabled member.
Net Income: Gross income minus all allowable deductions.
Benefit Calculation: The monthly benefit is generally calculated by taking the maximum allotment for your household size and subtracting 30% of your household's net income.
Maximum Allotment: The final benefit cannot exceed the maximum monthly allotment for your household size. There is also a minimum benefit for very small households (1-2 people).
Important Considerations
This calculator provides an estimate only. Actual benefits are determined by the WV DHHR after a full application and verification process.
Income limits, deduction amounts, and maximum allotments are updated annually by the federal government and the state of West Virginia. The figures used in this calculator are based on recent federal fiscal year data and are subject to change.
Other factors not included in this simplified calculator, such as resources (assets), student status, and specific household compositions, can also affect eligibility and benefit amounts.
To apply for SNAP benefits or get a precise determination, please contact the West Virginia DHHR directly or visit their official website.