Whatever brought you here, you can take it one step at a time. West Virginia has benefits programs for Medicaid, SNAP, WV WORKS cash help, and LIEAP heating help, and all four start at WV PATH, the state's online benefits portal. For SSDI, SSI, or VA disability benefits, start with Social Security or the VA.
West Virginia benefits programs at a glance
Program | What it helps with | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) | Monthly income when a health condition stops you from working | Social Security Administration (SSA), or with Turnout |
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) | Monthly income for people with disabilities or older adults with very limited income | SSA, or with Turnout |
VA Disability | Tax-free monthly payments for conditions connected to military service | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
Medicaid | Free or low-cost health coverage | WV PATH |
ACA Subsidies (Affordable Care Act) | Lower monthly costs for marketplace health plans | HealthCare.gov |
Medicare / Healthcare Advocacy | Health insurance for older adults and some people with disabilities, plus help using it | SSA to enroll, Turnout for advocacy |
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) | Money for groceries | WV PATH |
WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) | Healthy food and nutrition support for families with young children | A local WIC office |
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) | Help paying heating bills through LIEAP | WV PATH |
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) | Cash help and job support through WV WORKS | WV PATH |
EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) | A bigger tax refund for working people | Your federal tax return |
Child Tax Credit | Lower taxes for families with children | Your federal tax return |
Child Care Assistance (CCAP, Child Care Assistance Program) | Help paying for child care | Your local Child Care Resource and Referral agency |
IEP (Individualized Education Program) / Education Advocacy | Special education support at school | Your child's school, or with Turnout |
Disability and income
SSDI
SSDI pays monthly benefits to people who worked and paid Social Security taxes but can't work now because of a serious medical condition. SSA runs SSDI the same way in every state, and West Virginia residents can apply online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. Have your medical records, a list of your doctors, and your work history ready when you apply. If you'd like one-on-one help, you can apply for SSDI with Turnout.
Official resources: SSA's disability benefits overview and the Blue Book listing of impairments.
SSI
SSI is a monthly payment for people with very limited income and savings who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. SSA runs SSI, and you apply through SSA online, by phone, or at a local office. In West Virginia, the Department of Human Services' Bureau for Family Assistance runs other programs many people on SSI use, like SNAP and Medicaid, through WV PATH. For one-on-one help, you can apply for SSI with Turnout.
Official resources: SSA's Understanding SSI guide and what counts toward SSI limits.
VA Disability
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans with illnesses or injuries connected to their military service. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) decides claims and assigns a disability rating. In West Virginia, the Department of Veterans Assistance is the state agency that serves veterans and can connect you with state benefits and claims help. You can also work with a VA-accredited representative when you file. Turnout doesn't represent veterans in VA claims, but you can learn more on Turnout's veterans benefits page.
Official resources: VA's disability compensation overview, how VA disability ratings work, and the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance.
Health coverage
Medicaid
Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage for people with limited income. In West Virginia, the Bureau for Medical Services runs Medicaid, and the Department of Human Services' Bureau for Family Assistance handles applications. You can apply at WV PATH, the state's online benefits portal, or at a local Department of Human Services office. You can also call the Client Services Hotline at 1-800-642-8589 with questions.
Official resources: the federal Medicaid program at Medicaid.gov and the WV Bureau for Medical Services.
ACA Subsidies
ACA subsidies are tax credits that lower what you pay each month for a health plan you buy on the marketplace. West Virginia uses the federal marketplace, so residents shop and enroll at HealthCare.gov. You can apply for coverage at HealthCare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596. Free local enrollment helpers can walk you through your options. Most people enroll during the yearly open enrollment period, but life changes like losing coverage can let you enroll at other times. If you might qualify for Medicaid, apply at WV PATH too.
Official resources: HealthCare.gov's guide to lowering costs and free local enrollment help.
Medicare / Healthcare Advocacy
Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older and some younger people with disabilities, and you enroll through SSA. In West Virginia, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (WV SHIP) offers free Medicare counseling. SHIP counselors can help you compare plans and look into programs that lower costs, like Medicare Savings Programs. The Bureau for Family Assistance also takes applications for Medicare Premium Assistance. When coverage isn't working, like a denial or a confusing bill, you can get one-on-one help from Turnout's healthcare advocacy team.
Official resources: Medicare.gov, Medicare Savings Programs, and WV SHIP free Medicare counseling.
Food and nutrition
SNAP
SNAP gives households money each month to buy groceries. In West Virginia, the Department of Human Services' Bureau for Family Assistance (BFA) runs SNAP. Benefits come on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that works like a debit card. You can apply at WV PATH, the same portal used for Medicaid and WV WORKS, or at a local Department of Human Services office. After you apply, BFA will contact you for an interview.
Official resources: the federal SNAP program and WV SNAP from the Bureau for Family Assistance.
WIC
WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support for pregnant women, new moms, infants, and children under five. In West Virginia, the Department of Health runs WIC through local offices. WIC staff can also connect you with other health and community services. To start, find a WIC office and see how to apply, then set up an appointment. At your appointment, staff will check whether you qualify and explain how to use your benefits. You don't need to be on another program to apply.
Official resources: the federal WIC program from USDA and West Virginia WIC.
Home and cash help
LIHEAP
LIHEAP helps households with limited income pay home heating bills. In West Virginia, it's called the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), and the Bureau for Family Assistance runs it. LIEAP takes applications for a limited time each year, usually in November, and BFA announces the dates each fall. BFA also runs Emergency LIEAP, which has its own application period. You can apply at WV PATH or at a local Department of Human Services office. Ask what to bring, like proof of income and a recent heating bill.
Official resources: the federal LIHEAP program, WV LIEAP from the Bureau for Family Assistance, and the LIHEAP Clearinghouse's West Virginia profile.
TANF
TANF gives temporary cash help and job support to families with children who have little or no income. In West Virginia, TANF is called WV WORKS, and the Bureau for Family Assistance runs it. WV WORKS pairs cash help with support to help parents find work. You can apply at WV PATH, the same portal used for SNAP and Medicaid. After you apply, BFA will contact you for an interview. BFA also offers School Clothing Assistance each year for eligible families.
Official resources: the federal TANF program and WV WORKS from the Bureau for Family Assistance.
Tax credits
EITC
The EITC is a federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can lower what you owe or increase your refund. The IRS runs it the same way in West Virginia as in every other state, and you claim it on your federal tax return. You need to file a return to get it, even if you don't usually have to file. Learn how to claim the EITC from the IRS.
Official resources: the IRS EITC page and free in-person tax prep through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance).
Child Tax Credit
The Child Tax Credit lowers federal taxes for families raising qualifying children, and part of it can come back as a refund. The IRS runs it the same way in West Virginia as in every other state. You claim it on your federal tax return using Schedule 8812, the IRS form for the Child Tax Credit. Keep your children's Social Security numbers handy when you file.
Official resources: the IRS Child Tax Credit page and free in-person tax prep through VITA.
Children and education
Child Care Assistance (CCAP)
Child Care Assistance helps families with limited income pay for child care. In West Virginia, the Bureau for Family Assistance oversees Child Care Assistance, and local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies help families apply. It helps eligible parents pay for care so they can work or go to school. To start, find your local CCR&R agency, which can also help you find a child care provider. Your local agency may ask for proof of income and your work or school schedule.
Official resources: the federal Office of Child Care, WV Child Care Assistance, and the WV PATH benefits portal.
IEP / Education Advocacy
An IEP is a written plan for a child with a disability that spells out the special education services the school will provide. The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) gives your child this right. In West Virginia, the Department of Education (WVDE) oversees special education in public schools. Ask your child's school for an evaluation in writing. If you'd like someone in the meeting with you, Turnout's education advocacy team starts with a free case review.
Official resources: the federal IDEA website and WVDE special education.
What this means for you
- Start with WV PATH for Medicaid, SNAP, WV WORKS, or LIEAP heating help.
- Gather your papers before you apply: ID, proof of address, recent pay stubs, and any medical or school records.
- Watch for LIEAP dates each fall. Heating help applications open for a limited time, usually in November.
- Call your local CCR&R agency if you need help paying for child care.
FAQ
Which agency runs benefits in West Virginia now?
In 2024, West Virginia split its old health and human resources department into three agencies. The Department of Human Services, through its Bureau for Family Assistance, now runs SNAP, WV WORKS, LIEAP, and Medicaid applications.
Who can I call with questions about my benefits?
You can call the Department of Human Services Client Services Hotline at 1-800-642-8589. You can also visit your local Department of Human Services county office.
Where can I apply for heating help in West Virginia?
LIEAP takes applications for a limited time each year, usually in November, and the Bureau for Family Assistance announces the dates each fall. There's also a separate Emergency LIEAP period, and you can apply through WV PATH or a local Department of Human Services office.
Turnout is not a law firm and does not provide legal or tax advice.
It's your turn
You don't have to sort through all 14 programs on your own. Turnout's free West Virginia benefits scan asks a few plain-language questions about your household and income, then shows which programs you may qualify for. It takes about three minutes and gives you a clear place to start today.