$140B
Government benefits go unclaimed every year in the U.S.
White House OMB, 2023
9M
Older adults are eligible for benefits but not enrolled
NCOA/Urban Institute, 2024
~100M
Americans receive some form of government assistance
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, 2023
West Virginia Government Benefits Programs
Explore the main benefit programs available and find the ones that apply to your situation.
Available programs in West Virginia
SSDI in West Virginia - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI in West Virginia - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI is a benefit you already paid for through Social Security taxes on every paycheck. If a medical condition now keeps you from working, you may be owed a monthly payment based on your work history, not the severity of your condition. It is federal, so the rules are the same in West Virginia as everywhere else.
AVERAGE MONTHLY PAYMENT
$1,630
What the average disabled worker receives each month in 2026
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
HOW OFTEN CLAIMS ARE DENIED
2 in 3
First applications are usually denied, most are reversed on appeal, which is why getting it right matters
SSA
YOU CAN STILL WORK
$1,690/mo
The most you can earn from a job in 2026 and still qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Workers age 31 and older typically need to have worked at least 5 of the last 10 years and paid Social Security taxes
- People with a condition expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal
- The condition prevents substantial work, defined by the SSA's annual earnings limit (higher for people who are blind)
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. We handle the entire process for you, from the paperwork to every appeal. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Does SSDI approval lead to other benefits in West Virginia?
Yes. After 24 months on SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare regardless of age. West Virginia has also expanded Medicaid, so many adults with limited income can get Medicaid coverage while they wait out that 24-month period.
How long does SSDI take in West Virginia?
West Virginia processes initial claims through its Disability Determination Section. An initial decision typically takes 3 to 6 months, with appeals taking a year or more if needed. The earlier you apply, the more back pay you may receive.
Can I work while applying?
Yes, as long as you stay under the SSA's monthly limit for substantial gainful activity. Going over that signals to the SSA that you're able to do substantial work.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SSI in West Virginia - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI in West Virginia - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI is monthly cash for people who are struggling to get by. You can qualify if you're disabled, blind, or 65 or older, and have very little income and few assets. Unlike SSDI, you don't need a work history, it's based on need. In West Virginia, getting SSI also opens the door to Medicaid.
MONTHLY MAXIMUM
$994
The federal SSI payment for one person in 2026. West Virginia does not add a state supplement
SSA, 2026
SAVINGS YOU CAN KEEP
$2,000
The federal SSI resource limit. Your home and one car never count
SSA, 2026
WHO CAN QUALIFY
No work history
SSI is based on need, not your work record. People 65+, blind, or disabled can qualify
SSA
Who qualifies
- People who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older
- Those with very limited income
- Limited resources, with your home and one car not counting against the limit
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. SSI applications involve detailed financial records that trip people up, and one mistake can delay your case. We handle all of it for you. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Will I get Medicaid with SSI in West Virginia?
Yes. SSI approval automatically enrolls you in West Virginia Medicaid. No separate application needed.
Does West Virginia add to my SSI payment?
No. West Virginia is one of a handful of states that pays no state supplement, so recipients get only the federal amount of $994 for an individual in 2026.
Can I receive both SSI and SSDI?
Sometimes. If your SSDI payment is low enough, SSI can fill the gap up to the federal rate. This is called concurrent benefits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Veterans Benefits in West Virginia
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
Veterans Benefits in West Virginia
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
VA disability is tax-free monthly pay you earned through your service. If you have an injury or condition connected to your military service, you may be owed compensation every month. The VA assigns a rating from 0 to 100 percent that sets your payment, and many veterans are rated too low or denied at first.
MONTHLY PAY AT 100%
$3,938
What a veteran rated 100% with no dependents receives each month in 2026, tax-free
VA.gov, 2026
TAXES YOU OWE ON IT
$0
VA disability pay is never counted as taxable income by the IRS
IRS
ADDED BY THE PACT ACT
20+ conditions
New toxic-exposure conditions the VA now presumes are service connected
VA.gov
Who qualifies
- Veterans who served on active duty or qualifying training (Guard and Reserve can count)
- Those with a current condition connected to their service
- Those discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
How to apply
The fastest way to get what you're owed is through Turnout. Our VA advocates build your claim from the start, catch rating errors, and fight back if the VA gets it wrong. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
How does the VA disability rating work?
The VA rates you from 0 to 100 percent based on how much your condition affects you. That rating sets your monthly payment. If you have more than one condition, they are combined, not simply added.
Does West Virginia offer any extra benefits for disabled veterans?
Yes. West Virginia offers a refundable Disabled Veteran Real Property Tax Credit that reimburses the property tax paid on the home of a veteran rated 90 to 100 percent permanently and totally disabled. The West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance can help you file, and this is separate from your federal VA compensation.
Can I get VA disability and Social Security at the same time?
Yes. They are separate programs with separate rules, so receiving VA disability does not reduce your SSDI.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Healthcare Advocacy in West Virginia
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare Advocacy in West Virginia
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare advocacy is one-on-one help getting the most out of your Medicare. Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older, and for some younger people on disability, and most plans cover more than people realize. A Turnout advocate works with you to understand your coverage, find the right specialists, manage your prescriptions, and cut your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there is no cost to you.
WHERE TURNOUT HELPS
All 50 states
Turnout's healthcare advocates work with people in every U.S. state
Turnout
WHAT IT COSTS YOU
$0
Your insurance pays for the advocacy, so there's nothing out of pocket for you
Turnout
ONE-ON-ONE TIME
Up to 6 hours a month
Free monthly sessions with your own dedicated advocate
Turnout
Who qualifies
- Anyone with Medicare, including Part B, or approaching eligibility at 65
- People who want help using their coverage, finding care, or cutting costs
- And more, including those reviewing or switching plans
How to apply
The fastest way to get the most from your Medicare is through Turnout. We pair you with a healthcare advocate who helps you understand your coverage, find specialists, manage prescriptions, and lower your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there's no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What does a healthcare advocate do for you in West Virginia?
A healthcare advocate helps you understand and use your coverage, from finding specialists to managing prescriptions to lowering what you pay. With Turnout, the advocacy is covered by Medicare at no cost to you.
What's the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare is federal health insurance based mainly on age or disability, not income. Medicaid is based on income. Some people qualify for both, which covers nearly all of their health costs.
Is there free Medicare help in West Virginia?
Yes. The West Virginia State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), run through the Bureau of Senior Services, offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling statewide. Turnout can also work with you one-on-one at no cost.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Education Advocacy in West Virginia
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education Advocacy in West Virginia
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education advocacy is one-on-one help getting your child the school support they're entitled to. Under federal law, a child with a disability has the right to an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, a plan the school must follow and pay for. Evaluations get delayed and support gets watered down, and many families don't realize they can push back. A Turnout education advocate prepares with you, joins your IEP meetings, reviews the plan, and pushes for everything the law requires.
CONDITIONS THAT QUALIFY
13 categories
From autism to dyslexia to ADHD, federal law covers a wide range
IDEA / U.S. Dept. of Ed
HOW COMMON IT IS
1 in 7
Public school students receive special education under federal law
U.S. Dept. of Education
AN IEP IS
Legally binding
The school must deliver every service written in the plan, by law
IDEA
Who qualifies
- Children ages 3 to 21 enrolled in West Virginia public schools
- Have a qualifying disability under IDEA, including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, speech delays, emotional disturbance, and more
- A disability that affects their ability to learn
How to apply
The fastest way to get your child the help they need is through Turnout. Our education advocates prepare with you, join your IEP meetings, and push the school for every service your child is entitled to. Reach out to get started.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services for a child with a disability. A 504 plan provides accommodations, like extra time or seating changes, but not specialized instruction. A child who needs more than accommodations usually needs an IEP.
How fast does the school have to evaluate my child in West Virginia?
Under West Virginia's Policy 2419, the school must complete the initial evaluation within 80 calendar days of getting your written consent, then develop the IEP within 30 days of finding your child eligible.
What does an education advocate do?
An education advocate helps you understand your child's rights, prepares with you before meetings, joins your IEP meetings, and pushes back when the school offers less than the law requires.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Medicaid in West Virginia
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying West Virginia residents.
Medicaid in West Virginia
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying West Virginia residents.
West Virginia Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and more for those who qualify, usually at no cost. West Virginia expanded Medicaid, so adults under 65 can qualify based on income alone, including adults with no children. Most enrollees receive care through a managed care plan under Mountain Health Trust.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
~498,000
West Virginians enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP as of October 2025, roughly 1 in 3 residents
Medicaid.gov / healthinsurance.org, 2025
MONTHLY PREMIUM
$0
Most enrollees pay nothing per month for full health coverage
WV Bureau for Medical Services, 2026
ADULT INCOME LIMIT
138% FPL
Adults 19 to 64 can qualify with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level, including adults with no children
WV Bureau for Medical Services, 2026
Who qualifies
- Adults 19 to 64 with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level, including adults with no children
- Children up to 138% to 163% FPL, with WV CHIP covering children up to 300% FPL
- Pregnant women up to 190% FPL
- Adults 65 and older, blind, or with a qualifying disability
- SSI recipients are automatically enrolled
How to apply
Apply online through WV PATH at wvpath.wv.gov, or in person at your local Department of Human Services office. Have proof of income, identity, and West Virginia residency ready. WV PATH is a single portal, so the same application can also screen you for SNAP, WV WORKS, and other programs.
Frequently asked questions
Is Medicaid called something different in West Virginia?
The program is Medicaid, but most members get their care through a managed care plan under Mountain Health Trust. It's the same federal program, run by the West Virginia Bureau for Medical Services.
Can adults without children get Medicaid in West Virginia?
Yes. Because West Virginia expanded Medicaid, adults 19 to 64 can qualify with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level, whether or not they have children.
What's the difference between Medicaid and Medicare?
Medicaid is based on income. Medicare is based mainly on age or disability. Some people qualify for both.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SNAP in West Virginia
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP in West Virginia
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP helps qualifying West Virginia households buy groceries. Benefits are loaded each month onto an EBT card and can be used at most grocery stores and many farmers markets. The program is run by the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) through the WV PATH portal.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
~272,800
West Virginians received SNAP benefits on average each month in FY2025
USDA / USAFacts, FY2025
MAX BENEFIT (FAMILY OF 4)
$994/mo
Federal maximum SNAP allotment for a family of four in FY2026
USDA, FY2026
INCOME LIMIT
200% FPL
West Virginia raises the gross income limit to 200% of the federal poverty level through broad-based categorical eligibility, well above the federal 130%
USDA FNS / WV DoHS, FY2026
Who qualifies
- Households with gross income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, higher than the federal 130% limit
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in West Virginia
- Most adults age 18 to 64 must meet work requirements unless exempt
- Households with a member 60 or older or with a disability follow simpler income rules
How to apply
Apply online through WV PATH at wvpath.wv.gov, or in person at your local Department of Human Services office. An interview is required, but it can usually be done by phone. Standard processing takes up to 30 days, with expedited benefits within 7 days for urgent need.
Frequently asked questions
I work full-time. Can I still qualify for SNAP in West Virginia?
Yes. West Virginia sets its gross income limit at 200% of the federal poverty level, which is higher than the federal 130% limit, so many working households qualify. Deductions for rent, utilities, and childcare can help too.
Why is the income limit higher in West Virginia than the federal 130%?
West Virginia uses broad-based categorical eligibility, which raises the gross income limit to 200% of the federal poverty level and removes the asset test for most households.
What can I buy with SNAP in West Virginia?
Most groceries, including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and seeds or plants that grow food. SNAP cannot be used for alcohol, tobacco, hot prepared foods, or non-food items.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in West Virginia
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in West Virginia
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, helps pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5 eat well. It provides monthly benefits for healthy groceries, plus breastfeeding support and nutrition help. Many working families qualify, and being on Medicaid, SNAP, or WV WORKS usually qualifies you automatically.
BABIES WIC REACHES
4 in 10
WIC serves about 4 in 10 of all infants born in the US
USDA, 2024
ON MEDICAID OR SNAP?
Auto-eligible
Being on Medicaid, SNAP, or WV WORKS automatically meets WIC's income test
WV Office of Nutrition Services
WHO IT'S FOR
Through age 5
Pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5
USDA
Who qualifies
- Pregnant women, new mothers, and caregivers of infants and children under age 5
- Households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
- Families already receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or WV WORKS are automatically income-eligible
- West Virginia residents, regardless of immigration status
How to apply
Start the online pre-application at wvwichousehold.wvdhhr.org, or call 304-558-0030 or your local county health department to schedule an appointment. Bring ID for each family member applying, proof of West Virginia residency, and proof of income or of Medicaid, SNAP, or WV WORKS enrollment. If approved, you receive your eWIC card and food benefits.
Frequently asked questions
What can you buy with WIC?
Healthy basics like milk, eggs, cereal, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and infant formula and baby food. The specific approved items are set by West Virginia's food list.
Can I get WIC if I have a job?
Yes. Many working families qualify. WIC's income limit is 185% of the federal poverty level, higher than people expect, and being on Medicaid or SNAP usually qualifies you automatically.
Does WIC cover baby formula?
Yes. WIC provides infant formula for babies who need it, and it also supports breastfeeding with counseling and ongoing help.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
LIHEAP in West Virginia (LIEAP)
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
LIHEAP in West Virginia (LIEAP)
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
West Virginia's energy assistance program, called LIEAP, helps qualifying households pay their heating bills, with payments made directly to the utility company. The program is federally funded and administered by the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) through local field offices. A separate Emergency LIEAP (ELIEAP) component helps households in a heating or cooling crisis.
INCOME LIMIT
60% of state median
Households at or below 60% of the state median income can qualify for regular and crisis help
WV DoHS / LIHEAP Clearinghouse, FY2026
CRISIS HELP
Up to $2,000
Maximum Emergency LIEAP crisis benefit for households facing shutoff or a heating emergency
LIHEAP Clearinghouse, FY2026
PAID DIRECTLY
To your utility
The benefit is credited to your energy account, not paid to you as cash
WV DoHS
Who qualifies
- West Virginia households with income at or below 60% of the state median income
- Renters and homeowners paying energy bills, or paying energy costs included in rent
- Priority given to households with older adults, young children, people with disabilities, or high energy burden
- Households on SNAP, WV WORKS, or SSI are automatically income-eligible
How to apply
Apply online through WV PATH at wvpath.wv.gov, at your local Department of Human Services office, or through a local Community Action agency. Bring a current utility bill, photo ID, proof of income, and any disconnection notice. Regular LIEAP and Emergency LIEAP open during set windows each year and funds are limited, so apply early.
Frequently asked questions
What if my income is too high for LIEAP?
West Virginia uses a 60% of state median income limit. If you receive SNAP, WV WORKS, or SSI, you automatically meet the income test.
How is the benefit paid? Do I receive a check?
No. LIEAP payments go directly to your utility company. The benefit is credited to your account, reducing what you owe or preventing a shutoff. You will not receive cash.
What's the difference between LIEAP and Emergency LIEAP?
Regular LIEAP helps with routine heating costs during a set application window. Emergency LIEAP (ELIEAP) is the crisis component, for households facing a shutoff or a heating or cooling emergency, with a benefit of up to $2,000.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
ACA Subsidies in West Virginia
Federal subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying West Virginians.
ACA Subsidies in West Virginia
Federal subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying West Virginians.
ACA subsidies are federal tax credits that reduce the monthly cost of a health insurance plan bought through HealthCare.gov, the federal marketplace. West Virginia uses the federal marketplace rather than running its own. Because West Virginia expanded Medicaid, adults with income below 138% of the poverty level usually qualify for Medicaid instead, so there is no coverage gap.
WHERE YOU ENROLL
HealthCare.gov
West Virginia uses the federal marketplace, not a state-run exchange
HealthCare.gov / CMS, 2026
WHEN TO ENROLL
Nov 1 -- Dec 15
Open enrollment for 2027 coverage. Special enrollment is available year-round for qualifying life events
HealthCare.gov
IF YOUR INCOME IS LOWER
Medicaid may cover you
Adults under 138% of the poverty level usually qualify for West Virginia Medicaid instead of a marketplace plan
WV Bureau for Medical Services, 2026
Who qualifies
- West Virginians without affordable employer coverage available
- Households earning above 138% of the federal poverty level, since below that West Virginia Medicaid usually covers you
- Those not eligible for Medicaid, CHIP, or Medicare
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in West Virginia
How to apply
Apply online at HealthCare.gov. Enter household income, family size, and ZIP code to see your subsidy estimate and available plans, then compare by premium, deductible, and network. Enroll during open enrollment (Nov 1 to Dec 15) or after a qualifying life event like job loss, marriage, or the birth of a child. Free local enrollment help is available.
Frequently asked questions
Does West Virginia run its own marketplace?
No. West Virginia uses the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov, not a state-based exchange. You enroll and see your subsidy there.
What if my income is too low for ACA subsidies?
Apply anyway. HealthCare.gov screens for West Virginia Medicaid. Because West Virginia expanded Medicaid, adults below 138% of the poverty level usually qualify for Medicaid, so there is no coverage gap.
How much can I save with subsidies?
It depends on your income, household size, and plan. Most marketplace enrollees receive premium tax credits, applied automatically when you enroll through HealthCare.gov.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
TANF in West Virginia (WV WORKS)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
TANF in West Virginia (WV WORKS)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
WV WORKS is West Virginia's version of TANF. It provides short-term cash to families with children who have very limited income. The cash is loaded onto an EBT card and can be used for basic needs like rent, utilities, food, and transportation. The program is run by the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) and comes with a federal 60-month lifetime limit and a work requirement.
MAXIMUM MONTHLY BENEFIT
$542/mo
The maximum cash grant for a family of three with no countable income. This is the benefit paid, which is lower than the income eligibility limit
NCCP, citing WV DoHS, 2024
LIFETIME LIMIT
60 months
The federal lifetime cap on cash assistance for adults. West Virginia does not add a shorter state limit
WV TANF State Plan
INCOME ELIGIBILITY LIMIT
$991/mo
The income limit for a family of three, set at 100% of the state's Standard of Need. This is what you can earn and still qualify, not what you receive
WV Income Maintenance Manual, Ch. 10 App. A
Who qualifies
- West Virginia residents responsible for a child under 18 (or 19 and still in secondary school)
- Households with countable income below the Standard of Need, about $991/mo for a family of three
- Adults must take part in WV WORKS activities unless deferred
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens
How to apply
Apply online through WV PATH at wvpath.wv.gov, or in person at your local Department of Human Services office. Complete an interview to determine eligibility. Applying through WV PATH also screens you for SNAP and Medicaid. If approved, benefits are loaded onto an EBT card.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I receive WV WORKS in West Virginia?
A federal 60-month lifetime cap applies to adults. West Virginia does not add a shorter state limit and can grant case-by-case extensions in hardship situations.
What's the difference between WV WORKS and TANF?
They are the same thing. WV WORKS is simply West Virginia's name for the federal TANF program, run by the Department of Human Services.
Can I receive WV WORKS and SNAP at the same time?
Yes. WV WORKS recipients are generally categorically eligible for SNAP and Medicaid. Applying at WV PATH screens you for all three at once.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
EITC in West Virginia (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
EITC in West Virginia (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
The Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, is a tax break for people who work but earn low to moderate income. It is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal tax. The amount depends on your income and family size, and you have to file a tax return to claim it. West Virginia does not have its own state EITC, so the federal credit is what applies.
WORTH UP TO
$8,231
The 2026 maximum for workers with three or more children, with smaller credits for fewer or no kids
IRS, 2026
OWE NO TAX?
Still get cash back
The EITC is refundable, so you receive the full amount as a refund even if you owe nothing
IRS
COMMONLY MISSED
1 in 5 skip it
About 1 in 5 eligible workers don't claim the EITC, often just because they don't file a return
IRS
Who qualifies
- Workers with earned income from a job or self-employment
- Income within the federal limits for filing status and number of children
- Valid Social Security numbers for the worker, spouse, and any children
- And more, including limits on investment income
How to apply
You claim the EITC by filing a federal tax return, even if you don't normally have to file. Claim it for the year you qualified, and you can still file for past years you missed. Free filing help is available through IRS-certified VITA volunteers. West Virginia does not add a state EITC, so there is nothing extra to file at the state level.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get EITC without kids?
No kids needed. Workers without children can still qualify for a smaller credit, and having children increases the amount.
Does West Virginia have its own state EITC?
No. West Virginia does not offer a state earned income tax credit, so only the federal EITC applies. West Virginia does have a separate state Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit for child care costs, which is a different credit.
Will getting EITC affect my other benefits?
Generally no. EITC refunds aren't counted as income for programs like SNAP or Medicaid, and there are protections so a refund doesn't immediately count against asset limits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Tax Credit in West Virginia
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
Child Tax Credit in West Virginia
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
The Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, available to West Virginia families when they file their federal tax return. Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, meaning lower-income families can receive it as a direct payment even when they owe no federal tax. West Virginia does not have a separate state child tax credit, so the federal credit is what applies.
WHO IT'S FOR
Kids under 17
A federal tax credit for each qualifying child under 17 living at home
IRS
OWE LITTLE OR NO TAX?
Some comes back
Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal income tax
IRS, 2026
WHO QUALIFIES
Most families
Most families with children qualify; the credit only phases out at higher incomes
IRS
Who qualifies
- Families with a qualifying child under 17 with a valid Social Security number
- Part of the credit comes back as a refund for families with at least $2,500 in earned income
- Full credit for incomes up to $200,000, or $400,000 for married couples
How to apply
You claim the Child Tax Credit when you file a federal tax return. You can claim it even if you don't normally file. Tax software and free filing help will walk you through it and fill in the right forms (Schedule 8812) for you.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need a Social Security number?
Yes. You, your spouse if filing jointly, and each qualifying child must have a valid Social Security number issued before the return due date.
What is the Additional Child Tax Credit?
The Additional Child Tax Credit is the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit. For 2026, up to $1,700 per child is refundable. You need at least $2,500 in earned income to qualify and claim it on Schedule 8812.
Does West Virginia have a state Child Tax Credit?
No. West Virginia does not have a state child tax credit. It does have a separate state Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit for child care costs, but that is a different credit from the federal Child Tax Credit.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Care Assistance in West Virginia
Subsidized child care for working West Virginia families.
Child Care Assistance in West Virginia
Subsidized child care for working West Virginia families.
West Virginia's Child Care Subsidy Program helps working families pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or complete job training. It is funded by the federal Child Care and Development Fund and run by the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) through regional Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies. The program pays providers directly, with families paying a sliding-scale share based on income.
PARENT SHARE
Sliding scale
Families pay a co-pay based on income and family size; lower-income families pay little to nothing
WV DoHS, 2026
INCOME LIMIT
150% FPL to enter
Families enter the program at or below 150% of the federal poverty level and can keep coverage until income reaches 185% FPL
WV CCR&R (Choices) citing WV DoHS, 2026
WHO IT'S FOR
Kids under 13
Children under 13, or under 19 with a disability, while parents work, attend school, or train
WV DoHS, 2026
Who qualifies
- West Virginia residents with a child under 13, or under 19 with a disability
- Parents who are working, attending school, or in job training
- Households entering at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, with continued eligibility up to 185% FPL
- Child is a U.S. citizen or has qualified immigration status
How to apply
Apply through your regional Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency, listed on the Choices CCR&R site. You will need proof of income, identity for parent and child, immunization records, and documentation of your work or training schedule. Contact your CCR&R agency about current openings, and apply as soon as you know you need care.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose my own child care provider?
Yes. You can choose from any provider registered with your Child Care Resource and Referral agency, including licensed centers and licensed family child care homes.
How much will I have to pay out of pocket?
A sliding-scale co-pay applies based on your income and family size. Lower-income families may pay little to nothing, while families near the income limit pay more.
Can I keep the help if my income goes up?
Often yes. Families enter the program at or below 150% of the federal poverty level and can keep their child care assistance until income reaches 185% of the federal poverty level.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
