Department of Human Services announces change to SNAP income guidelines

CHRISTIANSTED — Government House held the weekly live press briefing from Government House in St. Croix on Tuesday.

VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen, Department of Human Services Commissioner Averil George and Territorial Epidemiologist Esther Ellis were welcomed to the set by Government House spokesman Richard Motta. In his remarks, Jaschen told territorial residents of a heat advisory in effect, especially on St. Croix, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Individuals who are sensitive to heat should remain indoors in air

conditioning, wear lightweight loose-fitting clothing and hydrate while the advisory is in effect, Jaschen said. He also advised of an approaching low pressure weather system known as Invest 94L, which is developing in the Atlantic Ocean and headed westward toward the Lesser Antilles. This system is not expected to develop into a tropical depression until later in the week. He urged continued vigilance as the Territory continues to inch closer to the end of Hurricane Season 2024.

Jaschen also reminded viewers of The Great ShakeOut: this year’s national ShakeOut Day is October 17, when millions of people worldwide will participate in earthquake drills at work, school, or home. At 10:17 a.m. (local time) on 10/17, millions of people across the world will practice earthquake safety Commissioner George announced that the U.S. Virgin Islands has officially raised the gross income threshold for SNAP benefits from 130% to 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, effective October 1, 2024.