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West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Chapter 20

West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Page 30 Chapter 20 Emergency and Special Assistance Programs

When the applicant is ineligible for SNAP, for a reason other than failure to meet the residency requirement, the Worker will authorize payment for emergency food, provided the applicant is otherwise eligible. When SNAP clients apply for emergency food, the Worker must carefully evaluate the reason for the request. The Worker must determine if the need was created by an unusual or catastrophic event, such as when food which was purchased with SNAP is destroyed. In this case, the Worker must first evaluate the replacement of food purchased with SNAP. See Section 12.2. If the need was created by the misuse of the benefits, the Worker must determine if an actual emergency need for food exists. To determine the amount of payment, the Worker uses the SNAP allotments in Chapter 4, Appendix A. Only the maximum monthly allotment, based on the AG size, is used to determine the daily food allowance. Payment may only be authorized for a maximum period not to exceed seven days. Food Emergency Example: A seven-person AG is approved for SNAP benefits. The Worker anticipates the receipt of benefits in seven days. The AG has an immediate need for food and meets the eligibility criteria for EA. The Worker computes the amount of payment as follows: Step 1: Determine the maximum monthly allotment for a seven-person AG. Step 2: Divide this amount by 30 days to determine the daily amount. Step 3: Multiply the daily amount times seven days to determine the amount of payment that may be authorized. If the applicant cannot prepare food where he resides, authorization may be made for payment to purchase food at a cafeteria or a low-cost restaurant. This method may also be used to provide meals for a transient AG returning home. To determine the payment, the Worker needs to consider the following: • The maximum payment per day must not exceed the maximum monthly allotment divided by 30 days. • The number of days for which the AG may be approved is up to, but not exceeding, seven days. • The Worker must thoroughly discuss this arrangement with the client to ensure he understands how the funds can be used. When the AG must use a local restaurant or cafeteria, the Worker authorizes payment to the local vendor.