West Virginia WORKS #
WV WORKS is West Virginia’s TANF Program that provides monthly cash assistance to eligible families. It is based on the goals of assisting families near the poverty level to become self-sufficient.
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.
In most cases, you’re only entitled to no more than 60 months of welfare checks over your lifetime. Most people on VW WORKS also receive SNAP benefits and Medicaid.
How do I apply for WV Works?
Applications for WV WORKS can be made in person at your local DHHR office or electronically via 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 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 $4,143 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 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.
In order to receive WIC benefits, an applicant must be categorically eligible, income eligible, and nutritionally at 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.
- Family Size Income Limit
- 1 $2,248
- 2 $3,040
- 3 $3,833
- 4 $4,625
- 5 $5,418
- 6 $6,210
- 7 $7,003
- 8 $7,795
How do I apply for WIC in WV?
To apply for WIC benefits, you must make an appointment at your local WIC agency or apply online at https://wvwichousehold.wvdhhr.org/
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 $34,310 for a single mother of two.
| WV Medicaid | 146% | 138% | 305% | 138% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $21,290 | $20,120 | $44,470 | $20,120 |
| 2 | $28,790 | $27,210 | $60,150 | $27,210 |
| 3 | $36,300 | $34,310 | $75,820 | $34,310 |
| 4 | $43,800 | $41,400 | $91,500 | $41,400 |
| 5 | $51,300 | $48,490 | $107,180 | $48,490 |
| 6 | $58,810 | $55,590 | $122,850 | $55,590 |
| 7 | $66,310 | $62,680 | $138,530 | $62,680 |
| 8 | $73,820 | $69,770 | $154,210 | $69,770 |
A 5% disregard based on the federal poverty level (FPL) for the household size is applied and is reflected in the amounts shown above.
How do I apply for Medicaid in WV?
To apply for Medicaid, you may apply in person at your local DHHR office or call the Customer Service Center at 1-877-716-1212 to apply over the phone.
Applications for Medicaid can also be made at WV PATH where you can apply for DHHR assistance programs online including SNAP and TANF.
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?
- Family Size Income Limit
- 1 $44,470
- 2 $60,150
- 3 $75,820
- 4 $91,500
- 5 $107,180
- 6 $122,850
- 7 $138,530
- 8 $154,210
How do I apply for CHIP in WV?
Call 1-877-982-2447 to have an application mailed to you or you may also apply via the Internet at 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, for up to three months.
The program pays for part of the child care costs and the parents are responsible for paying the difference to the child care provider. The actual amount is determined according to the family’s gross monthly income and is based on a sliding fee scale.
What is the income limit for child care assistance in WV?
To be eligible for child care subsidy services the parent must first meet the income guidelines based at 150% of the poverty level. That's about $3,108 per month for a family of three.
- Family Size Income Limit
- 2 $2,465
- 3 $3,108
- 4 $3,750
- 5 $4,393
- 6 $5,035
- 7 $5,678
- 8 $6,320
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 1-800-585-1603 for more information on eligibility.
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 $709 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 130% of the federal poverty level.
- Family Size Income Limit
- 1 $1,579
- 2 $2,137
- 3 $2,693
- 4 $3,250
- 5 $3,807
- 6 $4,363
- 7 $4,921
- 8 $5,478
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.
Call 1-800-642-8589 for additional information about LIEAP.
Emergency LIEAP is available for households without resources facing the loss of a heating source. Application for Emergency LIEAP must be made in person at a local DHHR office.
West Virginia Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) #
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 eligible, you must have been paid of at least $2,200 in the first two of the last five calendar quarters.
If you meet the eligibility requirements of the law, you’re entitled to supplemental income while you are looking for a new job, up to a maximum of $630 per week. In West Virginia, the minimum weekly benefit rate is $24.
How do I apply for unemployment in WV?
As soon as you’re unemployed, report in person to the nearest unemployment claims office. You may also file by telephone at 1-800-379-1032, or by the internet at WorkForce West Virginia.
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 $3,300 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.