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Emergency Assistance for Single Mothers in West Virginia

Last updated: August 2025 | Contact information verified: August 24, 2025
Sources: West Virginia Bureau for Family Assistance, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, West Virginia Bureau for Medical Services

⚠️ Important: Program rules, benefit amounts, and income limits change frequently. Federal programs typically update in October (SNAP) and July (WIC). State programs may change with budget cycles. Always verify current information with the specific agency before making decisions based on this guide.


Quick Help – Need Assistance Today?

  • Life-threatening emergency: Call 911
  • Need shelter tonight: Call 211 or text your ZIP code to 898211
  • Out of food: Apply for SNAP at WV PATH – emergency benefits in 7 days
  • Power being shut off: Apply for LIEAP crisis assistance at WV PATH immediately
  • Eviction notice: Call West Virginia Free Legal Answers at 1-833-457-5342
  • Lost your job: File unemployment at WorkForce West Virginia or 1-800-252-5627
  • Need health coverage: Apply at WV PATH or call 1-877-716-1212
  • Pregnant or have kids under 5: Call WIC at 1-800-WIC-WINS (1-800-942-9467) for food help
  • Domestic violence: Call 1-800-352-6513 (24/7 confidential hotline)

If nothing above works: Call 211 and ask for a “warm handoff” to another agency that can help today.

If You Need Help Today

Get Food Within 24 Hours

Apply for SNAP benefits online at WV PATH. If your household has less than $100 in liquid resources and $150 in monthly gross income, or if your household’s combined monthly gross income and liquid resources are less than what you pay each month for rent or mortgage and utilities expenses, ask for “expedited SNAP” – you can get benefits within 7 days.

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have children under 5, call WIC at 1-800-942-9467. You can often get a same-day appointment and immediate food benefits if you qualify.

Stop a Utility Shutoff Right Now

  • Call your power company and ask for a “hardship extension” – many give you 10-30 days
  • Apply for LIEAP crisis assistance at WV PATH immediately
  • Bring your shutoff notice to speed up processing

Keep Your Housing

  • Call 211 for emergency shelter and rental assistance programs
  • If you received an eviction notice, call West Virginia Free Legal Answers at 1-833-457-5342
  • Contact your local Community Action Agency for emergency rental assistance

Get Cash Quickly

Apply for WV WORKS (TANF) at WV PATH. Cash benefits are based on family size, earned and unearned income, and housing expenses, but amounts are modest.

If you lost your job, file for unemployment benefits immediately at WorkForce West Virginia or 1-800-252-5627. West Virginia pays weekly benefits based on your past earnings.

Reality Check: Getting help isn’t instant. SNAP takes 7-30 days. WV WORKS takes 2-6 weeks. Plan for this delay and ask every agency about emergency funds while you wait.

Main Points You Need to Know

  • Apply the same day for multiple programs – SNAP, WIC, WV WORKS, and Medicaid use overlapping income rules
  • Ask specifically for expedited processing when your situation is urgent
  • Keep copies of everything – take photos of documents with your phone as backup
  • Report changes immediately – income, address, or household changes within 10 days to avoid problems
  • Most programs have work requirements – understand them before you apply
  • West Virginia expanded Medicaid – adults aged 19-64 are eligible for Medicaid with a household income up to 138% of the poverty level
  • Apply to multiple housing lists – Section 8 waiting lists are extremely long in most areas

Managing expectations: West Virginia has more generous benefits than many states, especially for healthcare, but cash assistance remains limited.

Emergency Cash and Food Programs

SNAP (Food Assistance) (Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, October 2024)

What it is: Monthly benefits loaded onto an EBT card to buy groceries. West Virginia has expanded eligibility beyond the standard federal SNAP eligibility requirements and there is no asset limit in West Virginia.

How much you can get: Maximum allotments will increase for the 48 states and D.C., Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The maximum allotment for a family of four in the 48 states and D.C., will be $975 as of October 2024 (FY 2025 amounts).

Income limits (USDA FNS, effective October 2024 through September 2025):

Household Size Max Monthly Income (WV) Max SNAP Benefit
1 person $5,017* $291
2 people $6,774* $535
3 people $8,531* $768
4 people $10,288* $975

*The gross income limit is 200% of the federal poverty level in West Virginia (higher than federal standard of 130%)

How to apply:

  1. Go to WV PATH
  2. Complete application online (takes 20-30 minutes)
  3. Upload photos of your ID, pay stubs, rent receipt, and utility bills
  4. Answer the phone when they call for your interview (usually within 1-2 weeks)

Timeline: You may be eligible to receive SNAP benefits within 7 days of your application date if you meet additional requirements. Regular SNAP takes up to 30 days.

Documents needed:

  • Photo ID for adults
  • Social Security cards for everyone
  • Last 30 days of pay stubs (if working)
  • Rent receipt or lease
  • Recent utility bills

Reality check: While there are minimum and maximum SNAP benefit amounts, in general $100 more in net income = $30 less in benefits.

WV WORKS (Family Assistance Cash Help) (Source: West Virginia Bureau for Family Assistance)

What it is: WV WORKS, West Virginia’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, provides monthly cash assistance to eligible families. If you receive WV WORKS, you’re required to spend 6 weeks out of each 12 months looking for a job. After 24 months of cash assistance, you’re expected to work an average of at least 25 hours a week.

Income limits: In West Virginia, a family is considered “needy” when their countable income is less than or equal to 100% of the Standard of Need (SON). The family allowable asset level is $2,000, and the value of one vehicle is disregarded regardless of the value of the vehicle.

How to apply:

  1. Apply at WV PATH (same application as SNAP)
  2. Attend required orientation session
  3. Sign a personal responsibility contract outlining path to self-sufficiency

Timeline: Once your application is filed, an eligibility interview will be arranged. Decision typically within 2-4 weeks.

Lifetime limit: Benefits in West Virginia are limited to 60 months (5 years).

Reality check: WV WORKS payment amounts are not publicly available in current state materials – contact your local office for specific benefit levels.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

What it is: Special food packages for pregnant women, new moms, and children under 5. West Virginia WIC serves more than 36,000 mothers and young children monthly and serves 86% of all babies born in West Virginia.

How much you can get: Cash value benefits for fresh produce: $26/month per child, $47/month for pregnant and postpartum women, $52/month for breastfeeding women as of federal FY 2025.

Income limits: The new guidelines indicate a family of four can earn $55,500 and qualify for WIC benefits as of 2023, representing 185% above the federal poverty level.

WIC Income Limits (2025 – 185% FPL):

Household Size Max Annual Income
1 person $29,160
2 people $39,440
3 people $49,720
4 people $60,000

How to apply: Call 1-800-942-9467 or contact your county health department. You’ll need an appointment for a health screening.

Timeline: Often same week if appointments are available.

Automatic qualification: A person or certain family members who participate in other benefits programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicaid, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families automatically meet the income eligibility requirement.

Health Coverage Options

Medicaid for Different Groups (West Virginia Bureau for Medical Services)

Adults 19-64 (Medicaid expansion): Under the expanded eligibility guidelines, adults aged 19-64 are eligible for Medicaid with a household income up to 138% of the poverty level. For a single adult in 2025, that amounts to $21,597 in total annual income.

Pregnant Women: The Medicaid income limit for those who are pregnant is 190% of the federal poverty level. Coverage extends through 12 months postpartum.

Children: The Medicaid income limit for children under 1 year old is 163% of the federal poverty level, while children age 1 to 5 years old is 146% of the federal poverty level and children age 6 to 18 years old is 138% of the federal poverty level.

How to apply: Apply at WV PATH or call 1-877-716-1212.

WV CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance)

If a child isn’t eligible for Medicaid, they still may be able to receive coverage under CHIP which has a higher income limit – up to 305% of the federal poverty level. CHIP eligibility for kids in West Virginia already extended to households with income up to 300% of the poverty level.

Reality check: West Virginia’s Medicaid expansion means most single mothers and their children qualify for free health coverage.

Housing Assistance Programs

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

What it is: Federal rental assistance where you pay 30% of your income toward rent and the program covers the rest, up to local payment standards.

Income limits: Must be “very low income” – typically 50% of area median income. Income limits vary by county in West Virginia.

How much help: You typically pay 30% of your income toward rent. For example, if you earn $1,500/month, you’d pay about $450 and the program covers the rest.

Reality check: Waiting lists are extremely long – often years in Charleston, Huntington, and Morgantown areas. Many lists are closed.

How to apply:

  1. Find your local Public Housing Authority using HUD’s directory
  2. Apply when waiting lists open (they announce this on their websites)
  3. Apply to multiple PHAs to improve your chances

Major West Virginia Housing Authorities:

  • Charleston: Housing Authority of Charleston – 304-340-3456
  • Huntington: Huntington Municipal Housing Authority – 304-526-4401
  • Morgantown: Morgantown Housing Authority – 304-292-0101
  • Parkersburg: Housing Authority of Parkersburg – 304-428-6753
  • Wheeling: Housing Authority of the City of Wheeling – 304-234-3725

Emergency Housing Assistance

Call 211 for:

  • Emergency shelter placement
  • Rapid rehousing (short-term rent assistance)
  • Deposit and utility connection assistance
  • Homeless prevention programs

Work and Training Support

Unemployment Benefits (WorkForce West Virginia)

How much you can get: West Virginia pays weekly benefits based on your past earnings, with benefits lasting up to 26 weeks in most circumstances.

How to apply:

  1. File online at WorkForce West Virginia
  2. Call 1-800-252-5627 if you can’t apply online
  3. You must actively search for work to maintain benefits

Timeline: First payment typically comes 2-3 weeks after filing.

Job Training and Support

If you receive WV WORKS, you’re required to spend 6 weeks out of each 12 months looking for a job. After 24 months of cash assistance, you’re expected to work an average of at least 25 hours a week.

WorkForce West Virginia Centers:

  • Free job search assistance
  • Skills training programs
  • Help with resumes and interviews
  • Find locations at WorkForce West Virginia

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Single Mom, Two Kids, Earning $2,000/Month

What she could qualify for:

  • SNAP: About $400-500/month (income under WV’s 200% FPL limit)
  • WIC: $73/month in produce benefits (if kids under 5)
  • Medicaid for all: Yes (under 138% FPL for adults, higher limits for children)
  • WV WORKS: Possibly, depends on exact income calculation
  • Section 8: Maybe, depends on local income limits

Reality: She’d get substantial food and healthcare help, but housing assistance has long waiting lists.

Example 2: Pregnant Woman, No Job, Living with Family

What she could qualify for:

  • SNAP: Expedited processing, up to $291/month
  • WIC: $47/month in produce benefits plus formula/food packages
  • Medicaid pregnancy coverage: Yes (up to 190% FPL)
  • WV WORKS: Likely eligible based on no income
  • Section 8: Could apply but long waiting lists

Timeline: SNAP in 7 days, WIC same week, Medicaid in 2-3 weeks.

Example 3: Recently Lost Job, One Child, Was Earning $2,500/Month

What she could qualify for:

  • Unemployment: Weekly benefits based on past earnings for up to 26 weeks
  • SNAP: About $300-400/month initially
  • Medicaid for both: Yes (under expansion guidelines)
  • Emergency rent assistance: Maybe through local programs

Key: File for unemployment immediately – it’s based on when you file, not when you lost the job.

Specific Resources for Different Situations

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers

  • Apply for all programs normally – sexual orientation and gender identity don’t affect eligibility
  • If you face discrimination, document it (worker name, date, time) and request a supervisor
  • Contact Fairness West Virginia at 304-346-4474 for support if needed

Single Mothers with Disabilities or Disabled Children

  • If you receive SSI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid
  • SNAP has special rules for households with disabled members – higher income limits possible
  • Ask about “child-only” WV WORKS if your child gets SSI
  • Priority for housing assistance may be available

Veteran Single Mothers

  • Ask about HUD-VASH vouchers (housing for homeless veterans) through VA and local housing authorities
  • Contact Huntington VA Medical Center at 304-429-6741 for veteran-specific programs
  • May qualify for expedited services through some programs

Immigrant/Refugee Single Mothers

  • Qualified immigrants may be eligible after 5-year waiting period
  • Refugees, asylees, and trafficking victims often qualify immediately
  • Emergency services (like emergency Medicaid) may be available regardless of status
  • Contact local refugee resettlement agencies for guidance

Tribal Members

  • Can use both state programs and tribal-specific resources
  • Contact your tribal housing office in addition to applying to state housing authorities
  • Indian Health Service facilities may be available for healthcare

Rural Single Mothers

  • Use 211 to find traveling WIC clinics and Community Action office schedules
  • Some programs have mobile services that visit rural areas monthly
  • Transportation may be provided for required appointments
  • Internet access required for many applications – check public libraries

Single Fathers

  • All programs listed here are available to single fathers with custody
  • “Caretaker relative” includes fathers, grandparents, guardians
  • Don’t be discouraged if staff seem surprised – you have the same rights

West Virginia Housing Assistance by Region

Charleston/Kanawha County

  • Housing Authority of Charleston: 304-340-3456
  • Kanawha County Community Action: 304-925-0021
  • Legal Aid: West Virginia Free Legal Answers – 1-833-457-5342

Huntington/Cabell County

  • Huntington Municipal Housing Authority: 304-526-4401
  • Cabell County Community Action: 304-523-4581

Morgantown/Monongalia County

  • Morgantown Housing Authority: 304-292-0101
  • Monongalia County Community Action: 304-291-9452

Parkersburg/Wood County

  • Housing Authority of Parkersburg: 304-428-6753
  • Wood County Community Action: 304-428-4717

Wheeling/Ohio County

  • Housing Authority of the City of Wheeling: 304-234-3725
  • Ohio County Community Action: 304-242-4015

Program Comparison Table

Program Max Monthly Benefit Income Limit (Family of 3) How Long to Get Help
SNAP $768 $8,531/month (WV) 7-30 days
WV WORKS Contact local office Contact local office 2-6 weeks
WIC $73 food + benefits $49,720/year Same week
Unemployment Based on past wages Based on past wages 2-3 weeks
Section 8 Varies by rent ~50% area median Years waiting

Common Mistakes That Delay Your Benefits

SNAP/WV WORKS Mistakes

  • Not answering unknown calls: Department often calls from blocked numbers for interviews
  • Missing the interview: Reschedule immediately if you can’t make it
  • Not reporting expedited need: Specifically ask for “expedited SNAP” if you qualify
  • Incomplete documents: Take photos of everything as backup

Housing Mistakes

  • Applying to only one housing authority: Apply everywhere you’re willing to live
  • Not updating contact information: You’ll lose your place if they can’t reach you
  • Waiting for “perfect” timing: Apply even if lists are closed – they’ll put you on the next opening

General Mistakes

  • Not keeping copies: Always save confirmation numbers and emails
  • Not reporting changes: Income or address changes must be reported in 10 days
  • Giving up too quickly: If denied, you can often appeal or reapply with more documentation

What to Do If You’re Denied

  1. Request written reason for denial
  2. File appeal within required timeframe if you disagree
  3. Ask for “aid pending” to continue benefits during appeal when allowed
  4. Get help from West Virginia Free Legal Answers: 1-833-457-5342

When Programs Don’t Work – Plan B Options

If SNAP is denied or delayed:

  • Contact local food banks through Mountaineer Food Bank
  • Ask churches about emergency food assistance
  • Look into Salvation Army and local soup kitchens

If housing assistance isn’t available:

  • Negotiate payment plan with landlord in writing
  • Ask family/friends about temporary housing
  • Contact domestic violence shelters if that applies (they help all women in crisis)
  • Look into transitional housing programs through 211

If utilities are being shut off:

  • Ask utility company for budget billing plan
  • Get doctor’s note for medical necessity extension if anyone has health conditions
  • Contact churches and local charities for one-time bill assistance

If you can’t find work:

  • Consider gig work (Uber, DoorDash, TaskRabbit) for immediate income
  • Ask current/former employers about temporary or part-time positions
  • Check with temp agencies for same-week work

Emergency mindset: When you’re in crisis, accept help that gets you through today. You can make longer-term plans once you’re stable.

Timeline Expectations – Be Realistic

Week 1

  • Apply for SNAP, WV WORKS, Medicaid online
  • Call WIC for appointment
  • File unemployment if applicable
  • Contact 211 for emergency assistance

Week 2-3

  • Attend SNAP/WV WORKS interview
  • WIC appointment and first benefits
  • First unemployment payment (if approved)
  • Emergency assistance decisions

Month 2-3

  • Regular SNAP benefits begin
  • WV WORKS decision and first payment
  • Medicaid coverage starts
  • Begin required work activities

Month 6+

  • Review and recertify for ongoing programs
  • Housing assistance applications may start moving
  • Job training programs may be available

Managing expectations: Getting stable takes months, not days. Focus on immediate needs first (food, shelter) then work on longer-term stability.

Common Questions Single Moms Ask

“Can I get help if I work?”

Yes, West Virginia has more generous income limits than many states. SNAP allows income up to 200% of federal poverty level, and WIC goes up to 185% FPL. Working actually helps you qualify for some programs like child care assistance.

“What if I don’t have all the documents?”

Apply anyway with what you have. Upload or bring additional documents later. Ask about “good cause” exceptions if you’re fleeing domestic violence or other crisis situations.

“How much can I earn and keep benefits?”

Each program is different. West Virginia’s SNAP has higher income limits than most states. WIC income limits are generous. Report all changes within 10 days to avoid overpayments.

“Can I get help if I live with family?”

Depends on whether you buy and prepare food together. If you’re a separate “household” for food purposes, you can often apply independently. Housing programs look at your individual income, not your family’s.

“What if I have a car payment or debt?”

Car payments don’t usually count as allowable deductions for SNAP. Student loans in deferment don’t count. Child support payments you make DO count as deductions.

“How long can I get help?”

SNAP: As long as you meet requirements (recertify every 6-12 months) WV WORKS: 60 months (5 years) lifetime limit
WIC: Until child turns 5, or 1 year postpartum Unemployment: Up to 26 weeks maximum Section 8: No time limit if you follow program rules

“What if I’m denied?”

You can appeal most decisions within the stated timeframe. Get help from West Virginia Free Legal Answers (1-833-457-5342). Sometimes it’s just missing paperwork or a misunderstanding.

“Can I apply if I’m undocumented?”

Emergency services are available regardless of immigration status. Your U.S. citizen children can get benefits even if you can’t. Some local charities don’t check immigration status. For SNAP and WV WORKS, only qualified immigrants and U.S. citizens can apply, but emergency Medicaid covers childbirth and emergency medical care.

Language assistance: West Virginia provides interpreters and translated documents for major programs. Call 1-877-716-1212 and ask for language assistance in your preferred language.

Resources Directory

Statewide Helplines

  • 211 West Virginia: Dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898211
  • WV PATH (Benefits): 1-877-716-1212
  • WorkForce West Virginia: 1-800-252-5627
  • WIC: 1-800-942-9467
  • West Virginia Free Legal Answers: 1-833-457-5342

Crisis Support

  • Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-352-6513
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • West Virginia Crisis Helpline: 1-844-HELP4WV

Online Applications

Document Help

Important Warnings and Reality Checks

About Benefit Amounts

West Virginia has relatively generous benefits compared to many states, especially for healthcare and SNAP. However, cash assistance through WV WORKS remains modest and has strict work requirements.

About Waiting Times

Everything takes longer than you want. Section 8 waiting lists are years long. Even SNAP can take 30 days. Plan accordingly and don’t rely on just one program.

About Work Requirements

Most programs require you to work or participate in job training. Since July 1, 2023, West Virginia has implemented statewide work requirements and time limits for certain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamps) recipients. West Virginia takes these requirements seriously and will cut benefits if you don’t comply.

About Fraud Consequences

All programs monitor for fraud aggressively. Report income changes immediately. Never lie on applications. The penalties include permanent disqualification and having to pay money back.

About Income Reporting

Report ALL income – cash jobs, child support, help from family, unemployment benefits. Programs share information with each other. What looks like unreported income to one program can get you in trouble with all of them.

Disclaimer

Program rules, benefit amounts, and income limits change frequently. This guide provides general information as of August 2025, but you should always verify current requirements with the specific agency before applying. Contact information and program availability can change without notice.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For legal questions about benefits, appeals, or eligibility, contact West Virginia Free Legal Answers at 1-833-457-5342.

The information in this guide comes from official government sources, but errors can occur. Always check with the agency directly for the most current and accurate information about your specific situation.

When in doubt, apply anyway. It’s better to try and be denied than to assume you don’t qualify and miss out on help you need.

About This Guide

Compiled by ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from West Virginia Bureau for Family Assistance, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, West Virginia Bureau for Medical Services, and West Virginia Department of Health.

This comprehensive resource is produced following our editorial standards using only official government sources and established nonprofit organizations. While carefully researched and regularly updated, this guide is not affiliated with any government agency and is not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed as program rules and funding availability change frequently.

Last verified: August 2025
Next review: February 2026

Despite our careful verification process, errors may occur. Email corrections to info@asinglemother.org and we respond within 48 hours to serve West Virginia families better.

Official Sources

This guide references current policies and benefit amounts from:

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