VW Works

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

As the name implies, WV WORKS is a work participation program. If you receive WV WORKS, you’re required to spend 6 weeks out of each 12 months looking for a job.

After 24 months of cash assistance, you’re expected to work an average of at least 25 hours a week. Failure to do so, your case can be closed.

FAQ

Who is eligible for TANF in West Virginia?

To be eligible for TANF in West Virginia, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Be a U.S. citizen, legal alient or a lawful permanent resident.
Be a resident of the state of West Virginia.
Be unemployed or under employed (working for very low wages).
Be pregnant or have a child under age 19.
Meet income limit guidelines .

What is the income limit for TANF in VA?

In West Virginia, a family is considered “needy” when their countable income is less than or equal to 100% of the Standard of Need (SON). The limit for countable assets is $2,000.

For example, a family of three (a mother and two children) must have a gross monthly income of $991 or less to qualify.

Household Size	Income Limit
1	$581
2	$786
3	$991
4	$1,196
5	$1,401
6	$1,606
7	$1,811
8	$2,016

The amounts shown represent income eligibility thresholds by household size. Families with income at or below these limits may be eligible for TANF benefits.

How much cash assistance will I get in WV?

Eligible families of three with no income may receive up to $542 each month and it’s limited to no more than 60 months of cash assistance.

Household Size	Payment
1	$417
2	$480
3	$542
4	$612
5	$670
6	$734
7	$793
8	$811

The amounts shown represent the maximum monthly cash benefits available to families with no countable income. Actual payments may vary based on a family’s income and other eligibility factors.

Most people on WV WORKS also receive SNAP benefits and Medicaid. Use the “pre-screener ” to find out your eligibility for cash assistance.

How do I apply for WV works?

Applications can be made in person at your local county office ¹ or through WV PATH . Once your application is filed, an eligibility interview will be arranged.

What documents do I need to apply for TANF in West Virginia?

When you apply for TANF cash assistance in West Virginia, you may be asked to provide all or some of the following documents:

A valid photo ID
Social Security numbers for the people applying (or proof that you have applied for them)
Proof of residency (where you live), such as a lease or a utility bill
Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
Proof of your children’s identity and their relationship to you, such as birth certificates
Proof of earned and unearned income for everyone in your household, such as pay stubs
Proof of other resources, such as bank statements, if the state asks for them
Proof of pregnancy, if you are applying while pregnant
Information about the children’s other parent, such as a name and last known address, which states use for child support
Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

Each state sets its own rules, and what you need may depend on your situation. If you are not sure what to bring, contact WV PATH (DoHS) at (877) 716-1212 and they can tell you exactly what your application requires.

How do I qualify for emergency cash assistance?

Families who seek short-term assistance in times of emergency may be offered a one-time payment of Diversionary Cash Assistance (DCA) in place of ongoing WV WORKS payments.

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

Sources & notes

Data and figures on this page come from the sources and notes below:

Click here for a list of all county offices . ↩