Last Updated on January 30, 2024 by Lori Pace
A report states that more children in West Virginia’s mountainous state are in poorer homes. The state of West Virginia has therefore introduced some important aid programs to help single mothers manage the home front. These programs are there to assist these women in becoming financially stable so that they can support the education and health of their children. Here are some programs that support single mothers living in West Virginia.
West Virginia Works
This is West Virginia’s version of the Temporary Aid for Needy Families program. It provides monetary support to eligible families each month. The primary objective of the program is to help families that live below the poverty level become self-sufficient. You must be able to show that you have a plan in place for obtaining a job and providing for your family. Some applicants may only be entitled to receive welfare payments for a maximum of 5 years (60 months) in their lifetime. The majority of people who are enrolled in this program receive both Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP).
Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The program is intended to provide financial assistance to households with low income, to the disabled, and to older people to purchase food and maintain an appropriate diet. To qualify, an individual must meet the Federal Poverty Guidelines of 130%. Those eligible will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer card (EBT), which is similar to a debit card. This card allows them to purchase food at any supermarket or grocery store in the state.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
The program is for women who are pregnant, postnatal, breastfeeding, and children under the age of five. It also includes infants that have met the guidelines or have been certified by a medical professional as being “at nutritional risk”. Like its counterpart programs, this program also provides low-income earners free supplemental food, breastfeeding support and education, immunization testing, as well as other social services. The school lunch program is one of the activities that the program offers. Families who qualify for SNAP and WV Works are also eligible for this program.
Medicaid
The program is for those who have high medical bills, especially people with low incomes or disabilities. To qualify for the Medicaid program in West Virginia, applicants must have an FPL of 133%. The Medicaid program pays for hospital care, prescriptions, nursing homes, doctor’s appointments, and other medical needs.
West Virginia Children’s Health Insurance Program (WV CHIP)
This program provides health coverage to children who do not have a health policy. The program is designed for families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid but can’t afford private health insurance. WV CHIP is free to families with incomes below 300% of federal poverty guidelines. Families whose income is slightly above the poverty guidelines will be expected to pay a small monthly premium.
Child Care Assistance Program
This financial aid is designed to assist children who are unable to pay for their child’s care. The program is focused on a few high-priority areas. These include the Kanawha Clay and Roane counties. To be eligible to participate in this program, you must meet the same requirements as WV Works. This program requires that qualified applicants pay some costs while the program pays the rest.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The program helps low-income earners pay for heating and other direct utility bills. Participants who qualify for the LIEAP must be responsible for heating their homes and have a household income below 130% of FPL.
West Virginia Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment insurance is a government-run program that replaces lost wages in the event of a sudden loss of employment. You must have earned at least $2200 during the first two-quarters of the past five calendar years to be eligible.
You can receive supplemental income of up to $424 per week if you meet the requirements. In West Virginia, a minimum rate of $24 per week is the weekly benefit. Report in person as soon as possible to your nearest unemployment office. You can also submit your claim by phone at 1-800-379-1032 or online at WorkForce West Virginia.
West Virginia Higher Education Grant
The West Virginia Higher Education Grant (WVHEG) is a financial aid program based on the need for undergraduate students attending a private or public college or university in West Virginia or Pennsylvania.
The amount of the award depends on how much financial need is demonstrated by the applicant and what funding sources are available. It can be up to $2,800 per academic year.
To receive priority consideration, submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA) before April 15, if possible.
Bottom Line About Help For Single Mothers In West Virginia
There is a vast variety to choose from when it comes to asking for assistance. The federal government and nonprofits work hard to support the community they are in, the best that they can. To learn more about other assistance offered to help single mothers in the state of West Virginia, visit these articles:
