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West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Chapter 16

West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Page 10 Chapter 16 Specific SNAP Requirements

16.2.3.E Special Income and Asset Considerations The income of other persons usually in the resident's AG is not counted, unless the income, or a portion of it, is paid directly to the resident of the shelter. See Chapter 5.6 for special consideration of jointly owned assets. 16.2.3.F Authorized Representatives and Cardholders Some shelter residents are reluctant to leave the shelters because they fear for their safety. The resident may choose to use an employee of the shelter, another resident, or anyone else who is knowledgeable about the applicant's circumstances as an authorized representative to make application or conduct other business. The resident may select any individual as an authorized cardholder. 16.2.4 HOMELESS PERSONS AND RESIDENTS OF HOMELESS SHELTERS Residents of shelters for the homeless are not considered residents of an institution and, if otherwise eligible, qualify for participation in SNAP. SNAP benefits may be used to purchase meals prepared by approved homeless meal providers. 16.2.4.A Definition of a Homeless Individual For the purposes of this policy, a homeless individual is an adult or child who lacks a fixed or regular nighttime residence, or a person whose primary nighttime residence is one of the following: • A supervised shelter designed to provide temporary accommodations, such as a congregate shelter; • A halfway house or similar institution that provides temporary residence for persons who might otherwise be institutionalized; • A temporary accommodation in the residence of another individual. Homeless is defined in this manner for up to a 90-day period. When the homeless individual(s) moves from