Grants for Low Income in West Virginia
West Virginia is home to many individuals and families who struggle to make ends meet. For those with limited financial resources, paying for necessities like housing, healthcare and food can be a daunting challenge. Fortunately, there are various assistance programs available in the state of West Virginia to help those in need. These programs are designed to offer financial and other forms of support to low-income individuals and families.
Financial and Cash Assistance
The West Virginia Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, known as WV WORKS, provides temporary financial assistance to eligible low-income families with children. The program aims to help families achieve self-sufficiency by providing them with job training, work opportunities and other support services. Eligibility for the program is based on
- income,
- resources
- family size.
To qualify, a family must have a child under the age of 18 and meet income and resource limits set by the program. Once approved, participants can receive cash assistance for up to 60 months, with a maximum benefit amount based on family size and income. To help families become self-sufficient, the program provides a variety of services, including job training, education and work support. Participants may also receive assistance with child care, transportation and other necessary expenses. To maintain eligibility for the program, participants must comply with certain requirements, such as participating in work-related activities and reporting changes in income or household circumstances. The WV WORKS program is administered by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) and interested individuals can apply through their local DHHR office. For more information, visit https://dhhr.wv.gov/bfa/Pages/default.aspx.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax credit that helps low- to moderate-income individuals and families reduce their tax burden and increase their take-home pay. In West Virginia, individuals can also receive a state Earned Income Tax Credit equal to 32% of the federal credit. To qualify, individuals must meet income and other eligibility requirements. Individuals can claim the credit when they file their taxes. Find out more information at https://www.wvasf.org/eitc.
Housing and Rent Assistance
West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF) is a state agency that provides financing and other assistance to low- and moderate-income individuals and families to purchase homes. The agency also offers rental assistance programs and home repair loans. For further information, please take a look at https://www.wvhdf.com/welcome-to-the-west-virginia-housing-development-fund.
Health Assistance
Medicaid is a federal program that offers health insurance coverage to low-income individuals and families. In West Virginia, the program is administered by the Department of Health and Human Resources. Eligibility is based on income and other factors. Please check out the link to see the details https://www.wvmmis.com/default.aspx.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a federal program that provides health insurance coverage to low-income children and pregnant women who do not qualify for Medicaid. Read more information at this link https://chip.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx.
West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program offers free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screening services to eligible low-income women. The program is designed to help women detect and treat cancer early. To learn more, visit https://cancer.wvumedicine.org/about-us/programs/breast-and-cervical-cancer-screening-program.
Utility Bill Assistance
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) provides a one-time payment to eligible low-income households to assist with heating bills during the winter months. The amount of the payment depends on household income, size and fuel type. For further information, visit https://dhhr.wv.gov/bfa/programs/Pages/LIEAP.
West Virginia 20% Utility Discount Program offers a 20% discount on electric, gas and water bills to eligible low-income households. To qualify, households must be below 150% of the federal poverty level and have at least one member who is 60 years of age or older, disabled or receiving TANF benefits. For more information, visit https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/Services/familyassistance/.
Food and Nutrition Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps eligible low-income individuals and families with monthly benefits to purchase food. Benefits are distributed on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card and can be used at participating grocery stores.Find out more information at https://dhhr.wv.gov/bfa/programs/Pages/SNAP.aspx.
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides eligible low-income seniors with coupons to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs from participating farmers markets and roadside stands. For more information, visit https://agriculture.wv.gov/ag-business/senior-farmers-market-nutrition-program/.
Transportation Assistance
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) offers eligible Medicaid recipients transportation to medical appointments. Transportation can be provided through public transit, taxi or other transportation providers. To access NEMT services, contact your local Medicaid office or managed care organization. Read more information at this link https://dhhr.wv.gov/bms/Members/transportation/Pages/Non-emergency,-non-ambulance-transporation-(NEMT).
Education and Training Assistance
The West Virginia Higher Education Grant provides financial assistance to low-income students who want to pursue higher education in West Virginia. The grant is available to students attending any public or private college or university within the state. The award amount varies based on financial need and other factors. To be eligible, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
For more information, visit https://www.cfwv.com/Financial_Aid_Planning/Scholarships_and_Grants/WV_Higher_Education_Grant_Program.aspx.
West Virginia Workforce Investment Act (WIOA) Program offers education, training and job placement assistance to low-income individuals who are unemployed or underemployed. The program is designed to help participants acquire the skills needed to obtain and maintain employment in high-demand industries. Eligible participants can receive funding for tuition, books and other expenses related to their education and training. Please check out the link to see the details: https://personnel.wv.gov/SiteCollectionDocuments/WIOA.pdf.
Clothing Assistance
Salvation Army Family Stores operates multiple Family Stores throughout West Virginia that offer low-cost clothing and household items to individuals and families in need. The proceeds from the sales at these stores help fund the organization’s various social service programs. To learn more, visit https://satruck.org/.
Goodwill Industries of Kanawha Valley runs thrift stores throughout West Virginia. These stores provide affordable clothing and household items to low-income individuals and families. The organization also provides job training and employment services to help participants achieve economic self-sufficiency. Find out more information at https://www.goodwillkv.com/.
Legal Assistance
Legal Aid of West Virginia helps low-income individuals and families in West Virginia by providing them with no-cost legal assistance. The organization offers a variety of services, including representation in civil court cases, advice on legal issues and assistance with government benefits programs. Legal Aid of West Virginia has multiple offices throughout the state. For further information, visit https://www.lawv.net/.
West Virginia Senior Legal Aid provides free legal assistance to low-income seniors in West Virginia. Representation in civil court, legal advice, and assistance with government benefit programs are among the many services provided by the organization. West Virginia Senior Legal Aid has multiple offices throughout the state. Read more information at this link: https://seniorlegalaid.net/.
Assistance for Low-Income Seniors
West Virginia Aging and Disability Resource Centers offer a range of services to seniors, including help with accessing healthcare, transportation and legal assistance. They also provide information on available housing and financial assistance programs. The program’s website has a comprehensive list of resources, as well as information on how to apply for assistance. To learn more, visit https://www.wvaging.com/.
West Virginia Senior Legal Aid provides free legal assistance to low-income seniors who are 60 years of age or older. The program can provide legal help with a variety of issues, including
- housing,
- healthcare
- consumer protection.
They can also help seniors with estate planning and end-of-life issues. For more information, visit https://seniorlegalaid.net/.