Wyoming, WY

Wyoming Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) #

Wyoming TANF provides temporary cash assistance to lower income families in Wyoming. In Wyoming, the TANF program is called POWER, a shorthand for Personal Opportunities With Employment Responsibilities.

Its primary goal is to assist families near the poverty level to become self-sufficient through employment, cash support and other resources.

As a result, the law requires all adult recipients, with some exceptions, to participate in work-related activities as a condition of receiving cash benefits.

How do I get welfare in Wyoming?

You may apply for TANF/POWER by contacting your local DFS office near you and ask to speak to a POWER Case Manager.

Wyoming Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) #

Wyoming SNAP enables eligible low-income individuals and families to receive cash benefits to help pay for food. It provides crucial support to needy households and to those moving from welfare to work.

Eligibility is determined by certain factors, mainly your income and household size. In general, families with gross income less than 130% of the federal poverty level may qualify for SNAP benefits.

Gross income limit applies to most households, except those in which at least one person is 60 years of age or older, or receives disability income.

How do I apply for food stamps in Wyoming?

Application for SNAP must be made in person at the local DFS field office in your community. If applicable, an interview will be arranged to determine your eligibility.

Cent$ible Nutrition Program #

Cent$ible Nutrition Program (CNP) is a free cooking and nutrition education program for SNAP participants in Wyoming. CNP offers classes on how to cook healthy food on a limited income.

In light of the COVID-19, CNP classes are now being conducted online where you can join free classes from the comfort of your home.

If you are interested, please call 1-877-219-4646 to register.

Commodity Supplement Food Program (CSFP) #

Commodity Supplement Food Program (CSFP) provides a monthly food box, at no charge, for clients age 60 or older and are income eligible.

Currently CSFP is available in Laramie County, Natrona County, and Platte County. For additional information regarding CSFP, please contact (307) 856-6522.

The Wyoming Hunger Initiative has set up a number of food resources, listed by county. If you need assistance, find your community's resources at www.nohungerwyo.org.

Wyoming Medicaid #

Wyoming Medicaid is a health insurance program in Wyoming that provides coverage for specific target groups with low income — children, pregnant women, the elderly, and/or those with disabilities.

Wyoming Medicaid covers children under age 6 and pregnant women with family income below 159% of the federal poverty level and up to 138% of poverty level for children age 6 – 18.

What is the income limit for Medicaid in Wyoming?

As Wyoming is not expanding Medicaid coverage, eligibility for non-disabled adults is limited to parents with incomes below 47% of poverty level. That's equivalent to $11,680 a year for a family of three to qualify.

A 5% disregard based on the federal poverty level (FPL) for the household size is applied and is reflected in the amounts shown above.

Wyoming Kid Care CHIP #

Kid Care CHIP is Wyoming’s Children’s Health Insurance Program designed to provide health, vision and dental insurance to Wyoming’s children and teens through the age of 18. ¹

Kid Care CHIP is available to the children of parents’ whose income lies below 205% of the federal poverty level and are not eligible for Medicaid.

• Family Size Income Limit
• 1 $29,890
• 2 $40,430
• 3 $50,960
• 4 $61,500
• 5 $72,040
• 6 $82,570
• 7 $93,110
• 8 $103,650

A 5% disregard based on the federal poverty level (FPL) for the household size is applied and is reflected in the amounts shown above.

The easiest way to apply for Kid Care CHIP is to call
1-855-294-2127

or apply online at
www.wesystem.wyo.gov

Wyoming Special Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) #

Wyoming WIC is a short-term intervention program that serves to safeguard the health of nutritionally at-risk women, infants and children up to age 5.

It does this by providing nutrition and health education, healthy food, and other services to families who qualify. Authorized foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, cereal, milk, eggs, juice, peanut butter, cheese, beans, and baby food.

WIC serves families with incomes up to 185% of the poverty level. That's about $3,833 per month for a family of three. Families already receiving SNAP, TANF or Wyoming Medicaid benefits also qualify for WIC.

• 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 to apply for WIC in Wyoming?

WIC has local offices all over Wyoming. Find your local WIC Clinic to set up your first appointment as soon as you are pregnant, or at any time during your pregnancy, or if you have children under the age of five.

Wyoming Child Care Subsidy Program #

Wyoming's Child Care Subsidy Program helps low income Wyoming’s families pay for the cost of care while working or in school and/or training.

The subsidy amount varies based on the your gross monthly income, family size, and type and cost of care AND since it is a subsidy, you may be required to pay a portion of child care costs on a sliding scale.

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

Eligibility is based on the family’s gross income and household size. In Wyoming, eligibility is capped at 85% of State Median Income (SMI). For a family of three, that's about $5,852 a month to qualify.

How do I apply for child care assistance in Wyoming?

If you’re applying for the first time, contact the DFS office in your county and request an application or schedule an interview with DFS eligibility officer.

Wyoming Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) #

Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides nutritious meals and snacks to infants and children as a regular part of their day care. The program aims to improve the quality of nutrition offered at a critical time in young children’s development.

The majority of CACFP participants are preschool-aged children up to 12 years of age as well as those living in emergency shelters.

If you wish to know more about the Child and Adult Care Food Program, get in touch with the Wyoming Department of Education at 307-777-7168.

Wyoming Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) #

Wyoming LIEAP provides heating assistance for low-income families and individuals pay their heating bills during the winter months. Priority is given to elderly, disabled and homes with children under five.

It helps cover the costs of electricity, natural gas, propane, wood, diesel heating oil, coal and pellets when these are used for heating a home.

Eligible households may receive a one-time credit up to $1,811 deposited directly into their utility accounts, usually in the months of November through June.

How do I apply for LIHEAP in Wyoming?

Applications for the LIEAP are available beginning October and are accepted through February. Use the online portal to submit your application.

Wyoming Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) #

The deadline to submit LIHWAP applications is 11:59 p.m. August 31.

Wyoming LIHWAP is a temporary emergency program designed to help low-income families who have fallen behind on their water and wastewater bills.

Eligible expenses include water bills, wastewater bills, stormwater bills, late fees, service and tax fees, and reconnection fees.

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.

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

If you are in danger of falling behind on your water bills and need help, you should submit your application online or call 800-246-4221 for help with LIHWAP-related questions

Wyoming Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) #

Wyoming WAP helps reduce energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring their health and safety. Through weatherization services, these households may save 10% — 35% annually on home heating bills.

Priority is given to the elderly, disabled and homes with children under five. Those who are approved for assistance through LIEAP are automatically considered for WAP.

However, you are not required to accept LIEAP to receive weatherization assistance. For more information on how to apply or to ask that an application be mailed to you, call 1-800-246-4221.

Wyoming Unemployment Insurance #

Wyoming Unemployment Insurance (UI) pays temporary benefits to those who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

Benefits are paid weekly based upon their past wages in employment — up to a maximum of $595 per week.

The new state regulation requires all Wyoming claimants to register for work on Wyoming at Work. Failure to do so will result in delay or denial of benefits.

How do I file for unemployment online in Wyoming?

You can file a new claim by calling the Wyoming Claims Center at 1-(307)-473-3789. If living outside of Wyoming, you can call 1-(866)-729-7799 or for your convenience, you may also file electronically.

Wyoming College Access Grant #

Wyoming College Access Grant is a statewide “need-based” grant given to Wyoming residents attending college for the first time. Preference is given to students who qualify for federal Pell grant.

It will provide a $1,000 award to the neediest students across the state. Since funds are limited, early FAFSA filing before March 1st deadline, is encouraged.

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