Credit Repair & Financial Recovery for Single Mothers in West Virginia

Last updated: September 2025

Single mom and pressed for time? This guide gives you fast, verified steps that actually move your credit and budget in the right direction. All figures and rules below come from official state or federal sources and include direct links to apply or get help.

Quick Help Box

• If someone is opening accounts in your name: Place a free credit freeze with all three bureaus now. Phone numbers are Equifax 800-685-1111, Experian 888-397-3742, TransUnion 888-909-8872. Freezes are free to place and lift by law. See the FTC’s guidance and bureau contacts in one place, and place the freezes online if you prefer. (consumer.ftc.gov)
• If a debt collector is blowing up your phone: West Virginia law says no more than thirty calls a week or more than ten actual conversations a week, and bans threats and abusive language. You can tell them to stop in writing and report violations to the West Virginia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline 800-368-8808. (code.wvlegislature.gov, ago.wv.gov)
• If your paycheck is at risk: West Virginia caps most consumer-debt wage garnishments at the lesser of either twenty percent of disposable earnings or the amount by which disposable earnings exceed fifty times the federal minimum wage for that week. If a collector threatens wage garnishment without a court order, that’s illegal. (code.wvlegislature.gov)
• If groceries are your biggest stress this month: The SNAP maximum for a family of four in the lower forty‑eight is $975\ast \ast throughSeptember30,2025,witha\ast \ast$23 minimum benefit. Standard deduction is $204\ast \ast forhouseholdsofonetothree,sheltercapis\ast \ast$712, and the homeless shelter deduction is $190.30. Apply at WV PATH. (fns.usda.gov, bfa.wv.gov)
• If you’re in a heat or utility shutoff crisis: LIHEAP Emergency help opens seasonally and uses Fiscal Year 2025 income limits such as one person $2,357\ast \ast monthly,twopeople\ast \ast$3,082, three people $3,808\ast \ast ,fourpeople\ast \ast$4,533. Apply via WV PATH or your local office. (bfa.wv.gov)
• If you lost work: File Unemployment Insurance with WorkForce WV, call 800-252-JOBS, and remember you can earn up to $60 in a week without reducing your benefit. You must complete four work‑search activities weekly and there is a one‑week waiting period. (workforcewv.org)

---

Emergency Money and Safety First

What to do right now: If you’re facing eviction, a utility shutoff, or domestic violence, stabilize the situation first before deep credit work.

• Call your utility: Ask for a payment arrangement and whether LIHEAP Crisis can intervene. Then apply at WV PATH the same day. (bfa.wv.gov)
• Document threats or harassment: Save call logs, voicemails, and letters. WV law limits contacts and bans harassment. You can file a complaint with the WV Attorney General online or by phone 800-368-8808. (code.wvlegislature.gov, ago.wv.gov)
• Identity theft or fraud: File a plan at IdentityTheft.gov, and place free fraud alerts or freezes. Freezes must be placed with all three bureaus but are quick online or by phone. (consumer.ftc.gov)

Plan B if this doesn’t work: Call WV 211, ask for emergency assistance or Family Resource Network referrals, and call the WV Division of Financial Institutions at 800-642-9056 if your issue is with a bank or finance company. (dfi.wv.gov)

---

The 30‑Day West Virginia Credit Repair Plan

Week 1 — Pull reports, freeze, and stop the bleeding

• Pull your credit reports: Use the official AnnualCreditReport site linked from the FTC and save each report as a PDF.
• Place a free credit freeze: Equifax 800-685-1111, Experian 888-397-3742, TransUnion 888-909-8872. Free to place or lift. (consumer.ftc.gov)
• List negative items: Mark each with amount, collector name, and date. Take a photo of any letters you have.
• If a debt is older and they’re chasing you: Time‑barred debt must carry specific written disclosures in West Virginia. Keep all letters. (code.wvlegislature.gov)

Plan B: If you can’t access reports online, ask a library for printing help or request by mail, then proceed with freezes by phone. (consumer.ftc.gov)

Week 2 — Dispute what’s wrong and prioritize debts

• Dispute exact errors: Wrong balance, not your account, paid but still listed, or mixed file. Do it through each bureau’s portal and keep screenshots.
• Sort debts by risk:
  • Court judgments and child support hit hardest.
  • Secured debts like car notes can lead to repossession.
  • Utilities and cell bills won’t lead to wage garnishment but do damage credit if unpaid.
• Use WV garnishment math: If a collector threatens your paycheck without a judgment, cite WV law and file a complaint. (code.wvlegislature.gov)

Plan B: If online disputes stall, mail certified letters with copies of proof and keep the receipts.

Week 3 — Build positive credit while cutting costs

• Add on‑time positives: Consider a secured card or credit‑builder loan from a credit union you can afford. Keep utilization under thirty percent.
• Refinance what you can: Try a local credit union for small‑dollar loans instead of high‑cost lenders. If someone offers a “payday” style product, be cautious and report suspicious offers to the Attorney General’s office. (ago.wv.gov)

Plan B: If you’re blocked due to fraud, ask the bureaus to add a statement and keep the freeze on while you build savings.

Week 4 — Plug into West Virginia benefits and protections

• Apply for SNAP: Even a small monthly benefit can free cash for bills. Max for a four‑person household is $975\ast \ast throughSeptember30,2025.Minimumis\ast \ast$23. Apply at WV PATH. (fns.usda.gov, bfa.wv.gov)
• Apply for LIEAP: Use the FY 2025 monthly income chart shown below, then apply online or at your local office. (bfa.wv.gov)
• If unemployed: File now, complete weekly certifications, and track four work‑search activities weekly. You can earn $60 per week without deduction. (workforcewv.org)

Plan B: If a benefit is denied, request an appeal by the deadline on your notice and contact Legal Aid of West Virginia for advice.

---

West Virginia Consumer Protections You Can Use

• Wage garnishment limits: The maximum garnishment for a consumer credit debt is the lesser of twenty percent of disposable earnings for that week or the amount by which disposable earnings exceed fifty times the federal minimum wage. This is often lower than the federal default and protects more of your check. (code.wvlegislature.gov)
• Debt collector conduct: WV bans threats of arrest, abusive language, false statements, and harassment. Calls are capped at “more than thirty” in a week and “more than ten conversations” in a week. You can demand they stop calling at inconvenient times and report them. (code.wvlegislature.gov)
• Time‑barred debt disclosures: If a debt is beyond the time limit to sue, collectors must include clear disclosures in writing. Save the envelopes and letters. (code.wvlegislature.gov)
• Where to complain: WV Attorney General Consumer Protection Hotline 800-368-8808 for scams, unlawful collections, and predatory lending. WV Division of Financial Institutions 800-642-9056 for state‑chartered banks, credit unions, and regulated lenders. (ago.wv.gov, dfi.wv.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Collectors still misbehaving? File complaints with both the WV Attorney General and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and keep a log of every call and letter.

---

Tables You Can Scan Fast

Table A — Quick Numbers and Where to Apply

Table B — SNAP Income Limits You’ll See Most Often (gross monthly)

See full FY 2025 standards and deductions from USDA. (fns.usda.gov)

Table C — Unemployment Insurance Examples From WV’s Benefit Rate Table

Use WorkForce WV’s Benefit Estimator and Benefit Rate Table for your exact amount. (workforcewv.org)

Table D — West Virginia Debt‑Collection Rules Snapshot

---

Fix Your Credit File the WV‑Savvy Way

Pull reports and organize: Download from the official site the FTC links to, then list every negative item with date and balance. Keep a folder for each bureau. (consumer.ftc.gov)

Freeze and then thaw only when needed: Freezing blocks new accounts and doesn’t affect your score. Lift it for a short window when you apply for a car or apartment. You can lift by phone or online quickly. (consumer.ftc.gov)

Dispute with proof: Upload bank statements, payoff letters, or police reports for fraud. Keep screenshots of the confirmation.

Medical or utility items: Ask the original provider for a zero‑balance letter after payment plans. Dispute if the collection shows a balance after you’ve paid.

If this doesn’t work: File a complaint with the WV Attorney General and the CFPB with your proof attached, and consider free legal help from Legal Aid of West Virginia for next steps.

---

Budget Relief That Helps Credit Indirectly

SNAP Food Help

Why it matters: Freeing cash from groceries lets you cover minimum payments and avoid new late marks.

• What you could get: A family of four can receive up to $975\ast \ast monthlythroughSeptember30,2025.Minimummonthlybenefitis\ast \ast$23. Standard deduction is $204\ast \ast forhouseholdsofonetothree,sheltercap\ast \ast$712, and a homeless shelter deduction $190.30. (fns.usda.gov)
• Who qualifies: Most households must meet the 130% gross and 100% net monthly income limits shown in Table B. Assets typically must be below $3,000\ast \ast (or\ast \ast$4,500 if elderly or disabled). (fns.usda.gov)
• How to apply: Apply at WV PATH via the state’s SNAP page. Phone help is available through your county office if you can’t apply online. (bfa.wv.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask for an expedited SNAP interview if you have very low income and little cash on hand, then appeal within the deadline on your notice if denied. (bfa.wv.gov)

Energy and Utilities — LIHEAP

Why it matters: Keeping heat and lights on keeps you stable so you can work your plan.

• FY 2025 income limits: One person $2,357\ast \ast ,two\ast \ast$3,082, three $3,808\ast \ast ,four\ast \ast$4,533, five $5,258\ast \ast ,six\ast \ast$5,984 monthly. Emergency help opens seasonally. (bfa.wv.gov)
• How to apply: Apply at WV PATH or through your local Department of Human Services office. Community Action partners may also accept applications. (bfa.wv.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask about crisis assistance and have a copy of your shutoff notice, ID, and your most recent pay stub ready.

Unemployment Insurance — If Your Hours Dropped or You Lost Your Job

• Key facts: You can draw up to 26 weeks if eligible and must serve a one‑week waiting period. You must do four work‑search activities each week. You can earn $60 per week without reducing your payment. File online or call 800-252-JOBS. (workforcewv.org)
• Payment examples: See Table C for real figures from WV’s Benefit Rate Table; your amount depends on base‑period wages. (workforcewv.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Appeal any denial by the deadline on the letter and bring pay stubs or separation papers to your hearing. WorkForce WV can help you with job fairs and short‑time compensation if hours were reduced. (workforcewv.org)

Child Care and Work

• Why it matters: Reliable childcare lets you work or train, which ultimately raises income and helps credit.
• Where to start: Contact Early Care and Education at 304-352-4431 and ask about childcare assistance eligibility and copays, or talk to your local Resource & Referral. (bfa.wv.gov)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask about temporary hardship waivers and short‑term subsidies while you stabilize income.

Cash Help — WV WORKS (TANF)

• What it is: Limited monthly cash assistance for very low‑income families with children, plus supports like help with training, work items, and a one‑time diversion payment if it prevents you from going on monthly aid.
• Amounts: The state does not publish a single static payment chart online. Benefit amounts vary by family size, income, and deductions, and are set in administrative policy. Apply at WV PATH or ask your county office to estimate your benefit. If we locate a current official payment table, we’ll update this section immediately. (dhhr.wv.gov, bfa.wv.gov)
• Bonuses and supports: WV notes one‑time bonuses like $100\ast \ast HighSchoolDiplomaAchievementand\ast \ast$250 Self‑Sufficiency Achievement when you meet specific milestones. Ask your caseworker. (dhhr.wv.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask about Diversionary Cash Assistance to resolve a short‑term crisis instead of monthly aid, and appeal any denial by the deadline on your notice.

---

How To Handle Debt Collectors in West Virginia

• Log every contact: Date, time, number, and what was said. WV law sets caps on call frequency and bans threats. (code.wvlegislature.gov)
• Demand validation: In writing, within thirty days of their first letter. Keep a copy.
• Push back on illegal threats: Threats of arrest or wage garnishment without a court order violate WV law. Report to the WV Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 800-368-8808. (code.wvlegislature.gov, ago.wv.gov)
• If they’re chasing very old debt: Collectors must include specific disclosures in writing when the debt is beyond the time limit to sue. Don’t pay or promise to pay until you understand your rights. (code.wvlegislature.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: File a complaint with the Attorney General and the WV Division of Financial Institutions 800-642-9056 if the firm is a state‑regulated lender or collector. (dfi.wv.gov)

---

Credit Freeze, Fraud Alerts, and Identity Theft — Fast Steps

• Credit freezes: Free to place and lift; best protection against new‑account fraud. Contact all three bureaus. Equifax 800-685-1111, Experian 888-397-3742, TransUnion 888-909-8872. (consumer.ftc.gov)
• Fraud alerts: Free, last one year, and require lenders to take extra steps to verify identity. Start with any one bureau.
• Identity theft plan: Go to IdentityTheft.gov for a personalized recovery checklist and pre‑filled dispute letters. (consumer.ftc.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: File a police report (keep the case number) and add an extended fraud alert.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring court papers: A default judgment makes wage garnishment and bank levy easier.
• Paying a very old debt without checking: You could restart the clock. Read the required disclosures on time‑barred debt first. (code.wvlegislature.gov)
• Letting collectors talk you into post‑dated checks: You lose control of timing and risk overdrafts.
• Using high‑cost online loans: If terms look like a “payday” loan, walk away and report it to the Attorney General instead of risking a spiral. (ago.wv.gov)
• Skipping a credit freeze after a breach: A freeze is stronger than “credit monitoring” and is free. (consumer.ftc.gov)

---

Application Checklist

Bring these when you apply for SNAP, LIHEAP, WV WORKS, or unemployment:

• Photo ID and Social Security numbers for everyone in your household
• Proof of income: Pay stubs or a letter from your employer; if self‑employed, a ledger or bank statements
• Proof of expenses: Rent, utilities, childcare receipts, child support paid, medical costs if elderly or disabled
• Recent bills or shutoff notices, if asking for emergency help
• Direct deposit info: A voided check or account and routing numbers

---

Diverse Communities and Targeted Resources

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Connect with local affirming services and ask every program for a “chosen‑name” note in your case file if needed. For consumer complaints or discrimination related to credit or lending, you can also contact the WV Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline 800-368-8808 for guidance. (ago.wv.gov)
• Single mothers with disabilities or caring for disabled children: Ask agencies to record accommodation needs on your case. Medicaid waivers and transportation supports have separate processes and timelines; start early through the Department of Human Services. (dhhr.wv.gov)
• Veteran single mothers: Check WorkForce WV veterans’ services and the WV Department of Veterans Assistance for employment and benefits navigation while you repair credit. Keep military paperwork handy when you apply for jobs and benefits. (workforcewv.org)
• Immigrant or refugee single moms: Eligibility varies by status. Refugee cash and medical assistance have their own rules through DoHS. Ask for free interpreters and translated notices as needed. (bfa.wv.gov)
• Tribal citizens: If you are a citizen of a federally recognized tribe and live in WV, you may be eligible for certain federal programs directly; check program offices for any tribal options alongside state benefits.
• Rural single moms with limited internet: Visit WorkForce WV local offices to use computers for claims and job search; libraries can help with printing disputes and applications. Call 800-252-JOBS if travel is hard. (workforcewv.org)
• Single fathers: Most programs listed here are by household and child presence, not gender. Use the same steps and phone numbers.
• Language access: You have the right to interpreters and translated documents when dealing with state benefits. Ask for language help on every call and at every appointment.

---

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

• Freeze credit: Equifax 800-685-1111, Experian 888-397-3742, TransUnion 888-909-8872. (consumer.ftc.gov)
• Report abusive collectors: WV AG Consumer Hotline 800-368-8808. (ago.wv.gov)
• SNAP application: Use WV PATH from the state SNAP page; four‑person household max $975 through Sept 30, 2025. (bfa.wv.gov, fns.usda.gov)
• LIHEAP FY 2025: Three‑person monthly income up to $3,808 for basic eligibility. Apply at WV PATH or local office. (bfa.wv.gov)
• WorkForce WV: File Unemployment Insurance and ask questions at 800-252-JOBS; earn $60 weekly without deduction. (workforcewv.org)

---

Local Organizations and Nonprofit Help

• WV 211: Call to get referrals for rent, utilities, food, and legal help fast.
• United Way and Family Resource Networks: Ask for emergency funds, budgeting classes, and referrals.
• Catholic Charities West Virginia: Often provides utility and rent support where available.
• YWCA Charleston and local DV programs: Safety planning, shelter, and legal clinics.
• Community Action Agencies: Support applications for LIHEAP, employment programs, and case management.
• What to do if this doesn’t work: If one agency has no funds, ask them who currently has funding in your county and request a warm handoff call.

Tip When you call, say your deadline up front like this — “Shutoff is on Friday” — so staff triage your case correctly.

---

10 West Virginia‑Specific FAQs

• How many calls can a collector make to me in WV: WV law prohibits more than thirty calls in a week and more than ten actual conversations in a week, plus bans obscene language and threats. (code.wvlegislature.gov)
• Can my wages be garnished for credit cards in WV: Only after a court judgment, and even then, the cap is the lesser of twenty percent of disposable earnings or the amount above fifty times the federal minimum wage. (code.wvlegislature.gov)
• Where do I report a predatory loan or scam in WV: The WV Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline is 800-368-8808 with online complaint forms available. (ago.wv.gov)
• What SNAP numbers matter for 2025: Max for a family of four is $975\ast \ast ,minimumis\ast \ast$23, standard deduction $204\ast \ast ,sheltercap\ast \ast$712, and homeless shelter deduction $190.30. (fns.usda.gov)
• What are LIHEAP FY 2025 income limits: One person $2,357\ast \ast ,two\ast \ast$3,082, three $3,808\ast \ast ,four\ast \ast$4,533 monthly. Apply via WV PATH or your local office. (bfa.wv.gov)
• How long can I get unemployment in WV: Up to 26 weeks if eligible, after a one‑week waiting period, with four weekly work‑search activities required. (workforcewv.org)
• How much can I earn while on unemployment before it reduces my check: You can earn $60 per week without deduction; earnings above that reduce benefits dollar for dollar. (workforcewv.org)
• Is a credit freeze free and how do I do it: Yes. Call Equifax 800-685-1111, Experian 888-397-3742, and TransUnion 888-909-8872, or place it online. (consumer.ftc.gov)
• Can a collector sue me on a very old debt: If the debt is beyond the time limit to sue, WV law requires special disclosures in writing. Keep the letter and get advice before paying. (code.wvlegislature.gov)
• Where do I ask about childcare assistance: Contact Early Care and Education at 304-352-4431 or your local R&R to check eligibility and copays. (bfa.wv.gov)

---

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team: This guide uses official sources from West Virginia Department of Human Services, USDA, HUD, and established nonprofits.

How we source and update: We follow our Editorial Standards and link to official government materials. We verify eligibility rules, dollar amounts, and phone numbers against state or federal sites and update within forty‑eight hours of confirmed changes.

Verification timeline: Last verified September 2025, next review April 2026.

Have a correction: Email info@asinglemother.org and we’ll respond within 48 hours.

---

Disclaimer

Important: Program amounts, income limits, and rules can change. Always verify with the relevant agency or office before you make decisions. This guide is for general information and is not legal advice or a guarantee of outcome. We do not collect personal data from this page and take care to link only to official or well‑established sites to help keep your device and privacy secure.

---

Sources Mentioned Above

• West Virginia SNAP program page: Eligibility, application links, and contact information for SNAP in WV. (bfa.wv.gov)
• USDA SNAP FY 2025 Cost‑of‑Living Adjustments: Maximum allotments, income standards, deductions, and asset limits effective October 1, 2024–September 30, 2025. (fns.usda.gov)
• WV LIHEAP FY 2025: Income limits and application routes. (bfa.wv.gov)
• WorkForce West Virginia: Unemployment basics, FAQs, Benefit Rate Table, and contact line 800-252-JOBS. (workforcewv.org)
• WV garnishment law: Limitation on garnishment for consumer credit debts. (code.wvlegislature.gov)
• WV Consumer Credit and Protection Act: Threats/coercion ban, harassment limits, and time‑barred debt disclosures. (code.wvlegislature.gov)
• WV Attorney General Consumer Protection: Hotline 800-368-8808, complaint process. (ago.wv.gov)
• West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions: Complaint process and consumer phone 800-642-9056. (dfi.wv.gov)
• FTC on credit freezes and identity theft: Free freezes, how to place and lift, and IdentityTheft.gov action plan. (consumer.ftc.gov)

If you need a next step today freeze your credit, apply for SNAP or LIHEAP if you qualify, and start one accurate dispute on your reports. That combination stops the bleeding, frees cash, and begins to lift your score — without paying anyone to “repair” your credit.

---

🏛️More West Virginia Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in West Virginia

• 📋 Assistance Programs
• 💰 Benefits and Grants
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Child Support
• 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
• ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
• 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
• 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
• 🎓 Education Grants
• 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
• 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
• 🔧 Job Training
• ⚖️ Legal Help
• 🧠 Mental Health Resources
• 🚗 Transportation Assistance
• 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
• ⚡ Utility Assistance
• 🥛 WIC Benefits
• 🏦 TANF Assistance
• 🏠 Housing Assistance
• 👶 Childcare Assistance
• 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
• 🚨 Emergency Assistance
• 🤝 Community Support
• 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
• 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
• 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
• 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
• 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
• 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
• 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
• 👩‍💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
• 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
• 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support