The Division of Family Assistance has announced that the offices in the St. Croix and St. Thomas-St. John districts will be closed for mandatory policy training on the following days: Tuesday, May 30; Wednesday, May 31; and Thursday, June 1, according to a press release issued on Friday by the V.I. Department of Human Services (DHS).
This mandatory training will prepare DHS staff for the implementation of the new integrated eligibility system: Virgin Islands Benefits Eligibility System (VIBES), which is scheduled to be released in July.
VIBES is designed to provide a more automated, user-friendly process to help customers apply for multiple program benefits with one application.
“The new system and properly trained staff will enable the department to efficiently respond to the increased demand for public assistance. Ultimately, we want to assure every qualified Medical Assistance Program (MAP) member that this system will hasten the time from application to access to the healthcare that they seek,” said Commissioner Felecia L. Blyden.
The offices that will be closed are the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Medical Assistance Program (MAP). The offices will resume normal operations on Friday, June 2.
In case of emergencies, call St. Thomas at 774-2399; St. John at 776-6334; or St. Croix at 772-7100, ext. 7190, 7191 or 7192.
