If your SNAP benefits haven’t come through in the past couple of weeks, you’re not alone.

Several callers to the Source this week reported delays of up to two weeks, citing confusion around paperwork and difficulty reaching staff for follow-up. Some said they submitted the required forms but haven’t received confirmation or benefits since.

According to officials from the Human Services Department, these delays are most often tied to recertification — the process of verifying eligibility that is now required every six months. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these requirements were waived under federal emergency rules. But with those waivers now expired, the system has reverted to more stringent standards.

“There are some recertifications that haven’t been fulfilled, and some clients haven’t received their money because of that,” said Human Services spokesperson Ryan Nugent. “This is a federal program. You have to be in compliance to continue receiving these benefits, or there will be a stoppage.”

That means recipients need to submit updated information regularly, including proof of income and accurate contact details. Missing or incomplete documents can result in a disruption in assistance.

Nugent said the agency understands that the return to pre-pandemic rules has been an adjustment for many. “People got used to not having to provide a full application every six months,” he said. “But we’re back to what the system requires.”

Roughly 19,000 to 20,000 Virgin Islanders rely on SNAP benefits, issued via EBT cards, and Human Services is also monitoring discussions in Congress that could further impact the program. Among the proposals being debated in the 2025 Farm Bill are deeper work requirements for some recipients and potential cuts to overall SNAP funding, including changes tied to eliminating certain farm subsidies.

“We’re watching it closely,” Nugent said. “If those changes go through, they’ll definitely affect us. But for now, we’re doing our best to keep the program moving day to day.”

He encouraged anyone still waiting on benefits to check in with the department to ensure all documents have been submitted.

For help with your recertification or to check the status of your benefits, contact the Department of Human Services SNAP Division at 340-774-0930 on St. Thomas or
340- 773-2323 on St. Croix. Walk-ins are also accepted at local offices during regular business hours.

Starting Wednesday, U.S. Virgin Islands residents will need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic commercial flights, according to a reminder issued by the V.I. Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Transportation Security Administration.

All airline passengers 18 years and older — including TSA PreCheck® members — must present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of ID, such as a valid passport, to pass through TSA security checkpoints. IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted for domestic travel.

Island residents can check whether their license is compliant by looking for a star in the upper right corner. Standard licenses issued without this symbol will not be accepted and may result in delays, additional screening, or even denial of entry into secure airport areas.

TSA’s Federal Security Director for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Mariely Loperena Moure, urged residents to act quickly.

“As we approach a busy travel season in the U.S. Virgin Islands, TSA’s focus is to enforce REAL ID effectively and efficiently,” she said. “If you are unable to get a REAL ID-compliant identification by May 7, you must use your passport or another TSA-acceptable ID or face delays with the possibility of additional screening.”

Locally, BMV Director Barbara Jackson-McIntosh said the agency has been working “tirelessly” to meet the demand for REAL ID upgrades. Those who previously received a non-compliant version of their license or ID will be reissued a REAL ID and notified when it’s ready for pickup.

“We apologize for any inconvenience that the delay in issuing REAL IDs has caused,” said McIntosh. “If you currently have a valid REAL ID, there is no need to update the card. This only affects persons whose ID or driver’s license has expired and needs to be renewed.”

The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005 following recommendations by the 9/11 Commission, establishes minimum security standards for state-issued IDs nationwide. After years of postponed enforcement, Wednesday now marks the final deadline.

According to Homeland Security officials, alternative identification, such as tribal IDs or valid passports, will remain acceptable at TSA checkpoints. However, travelers presenting outdated or non-compliant licenses — including some REAL IDs issued in the territory prior to 2023 — should expect additional screening.

The BMV reminds residents that the REAL ID application process may take up to 30 days. Drivers are encouraged to renew their licenses up to three months in advance of expiration to avoid processing delays. Required documentation and appointment information are available at bmv.vi.gov or by contacting the BMV offices on St. Croix, St. Thomas, or St. John.

Residents planning to travel are encouraged to act now and ensure their documents are up to date.

Residents of U.S. territories, who are among the nation’s most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, are being offered a new opportunity to strengthen their influence in national and international policy through a two-year Environment and Democracy Fellowship launched by Right to Democracy, the nonprofit announced.

The nonprofit organization, which works to advance democracy, equity, and self-determination in U.S. territories, announced the initiative this week. The fellowship will fund individuals from American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to work with local environmental organizations and develop cross-territorial advocacy proposals. Fellows will focus on building regional collaboration to address the dual challenges of climate change and political disenfranchisement, according to the press release.

“People in U.S. territories are on the front lines of some of the most destructive manifestations of the climate crisis. Yet all too often our efforts to address these challenges run into the obstacles of an undemocratic, unaccountable, and unresponsive political status quo,” said Adi Martínez-Román, co-director of Right to Democracy and a resident of Puerto Rico. “This fellowship will support community-based advocates and organizations to meaningfully amplify and challenge the many issues that arise from the intersections of climate change and undemocratic colonial rule.”

Despite a combined population of roughly 3.6 million, U.S. territories do not have voting representation in Congress, cannot vote for president, and lack standing in regional or international bodies — conditions that limit their ability to shape environmental and climate policy. Local governments and organizations often struggle to secure support and visibility for their work on climate resilience due to these structural barriers, the press release stated.

Right to Democracy is seeking emerging and established leaders in each territory who are working on climate and environmental justice. Interested individuals or organizations should submit a letter of intention and resume by May 30 to contact@righttodemocracy.us. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal outlining how they would address the intersections of climate change, environmental justice, democracy, and colonial rule through a cross-territorial lens, the release stated.

“So many incredible territory organizations and communities are already doing amazing work on the ground. We’re excited to embark on an initiative that supports and empowers them to expand their work at the nexus of the environment and democracy to make a broader impact at the national and international levels,” said Neil Weare, co-director of Right to Democracy and a native of Guam.

The inaugural cohort of fellows will be announced by midsummer. More information is available at righttodemocracy.us/fellowship.

The spirit and resilience of Virgin Islanders take center stage once again as The Unbreakable Virgin Islanders 2.0 documentary begins its screening tour across the territory.

Produced by acclaimed Virgin Islands filmmaker and author Peter Bailey, the documentary revisits the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria through powerful personal narratives—capturing the strength, heart, and history of those who lived through two of the most devastating storms in the region’s history.

The Unbreakable Virgin Islanders 2.0 will be screened at Caribbean Cinemas on St. Croix at 7 p.m. on May 7, along with May 14 at Caribbean Cinemas on St. Thomas (also at 7 p.m.) and at The Market Place on St. John on May 16 at 7 p.m.

Hear more in this interview with Shanell Peterson: