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.
Applications for WV WORKS may be made at DHHR’s local office or electronically via WV PATH — 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) #
SNAP helps low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled with cash assistance to buy the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet. Eligibility is based on 130% of the federal poverty guidelines.
How do I apply for food stamps in WV?
Eligible West Virginians will receive an EBT card, similar to a debit card, that they use to make food purchases at grocery stores and supermarkets. Acceptable purchases include food for people and plants and/or seeds to grow food.
West Virginia Special Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) #
WIC serves West Virginia’s pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, and infants and children up to age 5 who meet WIC eligibility guidelines, and are considered to be “at nutritional risk”.
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.
To be eligible for WIC, applicants must be categorically eligible, have a medical-based or dietary-based risk or condition and meet income guidelines.
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 make an appointment at your local WIC agency or apply online at https://wvwichousehold.wvdhhr.org/
West Virginia Medicaid #
Medicaid offers health care coverage for West Virginians who meet the program’s eligibility requirements for Medicaid; particularly those with high medical expenses but limited income and people who are elderly or have a disability.
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 $31,780 for a single mother of two.
How do I apply for Medicaid in WV?
To apply for Medicaid, you may go to your local DHHR office or call the Customer Service Center at 1-877-716-1212 to apply over the phone. Application can also be made online at WV PATH or at www.HealthCare.gov.
West Virginia Children’s Health Insurance Program (WVCHIP) #
West Virginia CHIP (WVCHIP) provides health coverage to uninsured children in West Virginia whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but too little to afford private coverage — up to age 19.
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.
How do I apply for CHIP in WV?
Call 1-877-WVA-CHIP (1-877-982-2447) or 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 #
If you are a West Virginia resident of Kanawha, Clay, Jackson or Roane counties, you meet certain income guidelines and participate in WV Works, you may be eligible for financial aid for child care costs.
The program pays for part of the child care costs and you are responsible for paying the difference. The actual amount is determined according to the family’s monthly gross income and is based on a sliding fee scale.
How do I apply for child care assistance in West Virginia?
You must apply for child care assistance in person at any of designated location near you or call 1-888-595-8290 for more information on eligibility.
West Virginia Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) #
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) helps eligible low-income households with the cost of home heating, often through direct payments to utility companies on their behalf.
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.
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. 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 Unemployment Insurance #
Unemployment Insurance is a state-operated insurance program designed to partially replace lost wages when you are out of work through no fault of your own. To be eligible, you must have been paid of at least $2200 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 $424 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 #
The 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.