WEST VIRGINIA

This is an unofficial benefits estimator and not an application. No personal data is collected or stored. Actual amounts may vary based on individual circumstances, location, eligibility criteria, and recent data updates at the time of application.

West Virginia WORKS

WV WORKS is West Virginia’s TANF program that provides monthly cash assistance to eligible families. The program is designed to help families near the poverty level work toward self-sufficiency.

Eligible families of three with no income may receive up to $542 per month, as shown in the table below. Many WV WORKS participants also receive SNAP benefits and Medicaid.

How much cash assistance will I get in WV?

In West Virginia, TANF benefits vary by household size, income, and available resources. A family of three with no income may receive up to $542 per month in cash assistance.

Those receiving cash benefits are required to complete and sign a Personal Responsibility Contract (PRC). It is supposed to be a plan of activities you will do to help you get a job and support your family on your own.

How do I apply for WV Works?

Applications for WV WORKS can be made in person at your local DHHR office  or online through WV PATH . WV PATH is the one and only self-service portal to apply for benefits offered by the state of West Virginia.

West Virginia Department of Human Services
Client Services Hotline
(800) 642-8589

West Virginia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

West Virginia SNAP helps low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled with cash assistance to buy the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet. Households with an elderly or disabled person are given special consideration.

Eligibility for SNAP is based on 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. That’s about $4,442 a month for a single mother of two to qualify.

How do I apply for food stamps in WV?

Applications for SNAP may be made online at WV PATH  or in person at DHHR’s local office  nearest you. Once your application is received, an interview will be arranged to decide if you are eligible.

West Virginia Department of Human Services
Client Services Hotline
(800) 642-8589

West Virginia Special Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

West Virginia WIC serves pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, and infants and children up to age 5 who meet WIC eligibility guidelines.

It provides very low-income, nutritionally at-risk participants with free supplemental healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, immunization screenings, and referrals for other health and social service needs.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for WIC:

1. Live in West Virginia.
2. Be a pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding woman, an infant or a child under 5 years old.
3. Have a household income less than 185% of the federal poverty level.
4. Have a nutritional need or risk.

What is the income limit for WIC in West Virginia?

WIC is open to West Virginia families with a household income less than or equal to 185% of the poverty level. Families that qualify for Medicaid, WVWORKS, or SNAP automatically meet WIC income requirements.

How do I apply for WIC in WV?

To apply for WIC benefits, you must schedule an appointment through a local WIC clinic  where you live or apply online at https://wvwichousehold.wvdhhr.org/ 

West Virginia Department of Health
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program
(800) 642-9704

West Virginia Medicaid

West Virginia Medicaid offers healthcare coverage to eligible residents, including those with limited income, high medical expenses, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.

Medicaid pay for hospital services, doctor visits, prescriptions, nursing home care and other healthcare needs, depending on what program a person is eligible for.

Medicaid Work Incentive (M-WIN) is for working individuals between ages 16 and 65 who have a disability. There is a $50 enrollment fee and a monthly premium based on income.

What is the income limit for Medicaid in West Virginia?

As West Virginia has expanded its Medicaid eligibility, you can qualify for Medicaid if you earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level. That’s about $3,065 a month for a single mother of two.

How do I apply for Medicaid in WV?

To apply for Medicaid, you may do so in person at your local DoHS office  or call the Customer Service Center at (877) 716-1212 to apply over the phone.

Applications for Medicaid can also be submitted through WV PATH , which serves as the state’s unified system for family assistance programs.

West Virginia Department of Human Services
Client Services Hotline
(800) 642-8589

West Virginia Children’s Health Insurance Program (WVCHIP)

West Virginia CHIP (WVCHIP) provides health coverage to uninsured children whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but too little to afford private coverage.

WVCHIP is free for most families with incomes below 305% of the poverty guidelines. Families with incomes above the threshold will pay low monthly premiums and co-pays for some services.

Children who are members of federally recognized American Indian or Native Alaskan tribes are not required to pay co-payments.

What is the income limit for CHIP in West Virginia?

How do I apply for CHIP in WV?

Call the DoHS Customer Service at (877) 716-1212 to have an application mailed to you or apply online through WV PATH  for expedited processing.

West Virginia Child Care Assistance Program

West Virginia’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) provides financial aid to working parents or, in some cases, parents attending school, to cover the costs of child care.

The program pays for part of the child care costs on a sliding fee scale , and parents are responsible for paying the difference to the child care provider of their choice.

What is the income limit for child care assistance in WV?

A family is considered “income eligible” when the total gross monthly income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level at the time of initial application.

That’s about $3,331 per month for a family of three.

How do I get child care assistance in WV?

You can apply for child care assistance in person at any of outreach site  near you or call (800) 642-8589 for more information on eligibility.

West Virginia Department of Human Services
Child Care Assistance Program
(800) 642-8589

West Virginia Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)

West Virginia LIEAP helps eligible low-income households with the cost of home heating during winter and cooling during summer, often through direct payments to utility companies on their behalf.

Eligible households may receive a one-time credit of up to $866 with priority given to the elderly, disabled and households with children.

In order to be eligible for LIEAP, you must be responsible for the cost of your home heating, and have a gross (before tax) income not exceeding 60% of the State Median Income (SMI).

20% Utility Discount Program

The West Virginia Special Reduced Rate Service Program (SRRS) is no longer accepting applications due to depleted grant funds.

The 20% Utility Discount Program, also known as the Special Reduced Rate Service Program (SRRS), is a West Virginia state program that provides a 20% discount on gas, electric, and water bills for eligible participants.

You may be eligible if you are:

• A recipient of SNAP benefits and over age 60
• A recipient of Social Security Income (SSI) and over the age of 18
• A recipient of WV WORKS

The program runs from November through March for gas and electric, and all year for water.

What is emergency LIEAP in WV?

Emergency LIEAP is available to households with little or no resources who are facing the loss of a primary heating source, such as a utility shutoff or fuel depletion.

To qualify:

• Households using gas or electricity must provide a shutoff notice.
• Households using bulk fuels (such as propane, fuel oil, kerosene, wood, or coal) must show that their fuel supply is low.
• If a household already received a regular LIEAP payment, they must provide proof that the funds were used to purchase fuel.

Applications for Emergency LIEAP must be submitted in person at a local DHHR office, where eligibility and the nature of the heating emergency can be verified.

How do I apply for LIEAP in WV?

Application forms may be obtained from local DHHR offices, Community Action agencies, or senior centers when the program opens. Applications are also available online at WV PATH .

West Virginia Department of Human Services
LIHEAP Client Services Hotline
(800) 642-8589

West Virginia Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

NOTICE: Funding is no longer available for LIHWAP. Households may not receive LIHWAP benefits at this time.

West Virginia LIHWAP is a temporary emergency program to help low-income families pay their overdue water bills. Eligibility is based on income, household size and whether the household is responsible for paying water or wastewater bills.

To qualify for LIHWAP, the household must meet all program guidelines , which includes an applicant’s annual income being at or below 60 percent of the State Median Income, about $3,310 for a family of three.

How do I get help with my water bill in WV?

If you are in danger of falling behind on your water bills and need help, please contact your local DHHR office  to request an eligibility interview.

West Virginia Unemployment Insurance

West Virginia Unemployment Insurance is a state-operated insurance program designed to partially compensate you for loss of wages when you are out of work through no fault of your own.

To be monetarily eligible for for regular unemployment benefits in West Virginia, you must have earned

1. at least $2,200 in covered employment, and
2. have wages in more than one calendar quarter of your base period or alternative base period.

How much will I get from unemployment in Virginia?

Depending on how much you have earned in your base period, you may receive up to $662 per week for a maximum of 26 weeks of unemployment benefits per year.

How do I apply for unemployment in WV?

As soon as you’re unemployed, file your claim online through WorkForce West Virginia  or by phone at (800) 379-1032, or report in person to the nearest unemployment claims office.¹

West Virginia Higher Education Grant

West Virginia Higher Education Grant is a need-based financial aid program for undergraduate students who attend an approved private or public university or college in the state of West Virginia or Pennsylvania.

Award amounts vary based on the applicant’s demonstrated level of financial need and available funding, up to a maximum of $3,400 for each academic year.

For priority consideration, file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after October 1, before April 15 deadline.