West Virginia WIC Benefits for Single Mothers (2025)

Last updated: September 2025

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Quick help (read this first)

• Apply or check eligibility online: use the WV WIC Participant Portal “Am I Eligible?” and “Register” tools. Benefits can be managed and some appointments scheduled online. Go to the WV WIC Participant Portal. For help by phone, call the WV WIC Central Office at 304‑558‑0030. (wvwichousehold.wvdhhr.org, fns-prod.azureedge.us)
• Find your local clinic fast: use the state’s county-based Clinic Search. If you need live help, call your closest clinic (examples and numbers are listed below), or the central line 304‑558‑0030. (dhhr.wv.gov, fns-prod.azureedge.us)
• Know the 2025–26 income limits: WIC uses the federal limit of 185% of poverty. For a family of 2, the gross monthly limit is $3,261\ast \ast ;for3,\ast \ast$4,109; for 4, $4,957 (effective July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026). See the table below. (fns.usda.gov)
• What you get monthly (fruit and veggies): FY 2025 Cash‑Value Benefit (CVB) amounts are $26\ast \ast perchild(1–4),\ast \ast$47 for pregnant/postpartum, $52 for fully/mostly breastfeeding. These amounts run Oct 1, 2024–Sep 30, 2025. (fns.usda.gov)
• Use your CVB and Farmers Market benefits: WV now lets you use the monthly CVB at approved farmers and farm stands. WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) adds a one‑time seasonal benefit up to $30 per eligible participant (June 1–Oct 31). Show your QR code (WICShopper app) to pay. (dhhr.wv.gov)
• Check balances, appointments, and stores: download the free WICShopper app and/or use the ebtEDGE portal. WICShopper info • ebtEDGE cardholder portal. (dhhr.wv.gov)
• Need another kind of help today (rent, utilities, food): dial 211 (or 833‑848‑9905) for statewide referrals 24/7. Text your ZIP to 898‑211. (wv211.org)

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

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Are you eligible in West Virginia?

Start here:

• If you are pregnant, postpartum (up to 6 months), breastfeeding (through baby’s first birthday), have an infant, or have a child under 5 — you meet the “category” requirement. Fathers, grandparents, foster parents and guardians can apply for the child. (dhhr.wv.gov)
• Income must be at or below 185% of the poverty level, or you are automatically income‑eligible if anyone in your household is on SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF. Staff will also check that you live in West Virginia and assess “nutrition risk” during your appointment. (dhhr.wv.gov, fns.usda.gov)
• WIC uses the federal 185% income standard. WV follows those exact limits (see table below). Effective July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026. (fns.usda.gov)

2025–2026 WIC Gross Income Limits (48 states incl. WV)

Effective for certifications July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026.

Add for each additional person: +$10,175\ast \ast annually,+\ast \ast$848 monthly, +$196 weekly. Source: USDA WIC eligibility page (reflects the Federal Register notice for 2025/26). (fns.usda.gov, federalregister.gov)

Reality check:

• Income is “gross” (before taxes). WIC staff will consider household size the day you apply. Pregnant applicants can count the unborn baby toward household size if needed. (fns.usda.gov)
• If you already get SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, bring proof — you’re adjunctively income‑eligible and staff won’t re‑calculate your income from scratch. (dhhr.wv.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you’re close to the line, ask the clinic to review pay stubs for the last 30 days and discuss household size rules (including unborn baby). Use the Participant Portal to prescreen first. (wvwichousehold.wvdhhr.org)

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What WIC gives you in WV (and how much)

Start with the benefit most moms ask about:

• Monthly Fruit & Vegetable Cash‑Value Benefit (CVB), FY 2025:
  • Children 1–4: 26**/month • Pregnant & postpartum: **47/month
  • Mostly/fully breastfeeding: $52/month
  These amounts are effective Oct 1, 2024–Sep 30, 2025. USDA adjusts each federal fiscal year. (fns.usda.gov)
• Seasonal Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP): one‑time up to $30 per eligible participant (in addition to regular WIC), usable June 1–Oct 31 at authorized markets. In WV, you can also spend your monthly CVB at approved farm stands/markets using your QR code. (dhhr.wv.gov)
• The rest of your food package is specific foods/quantities (milk, eggs, cheese or yogurt; cereal; peanut butter/beans; whole grains; infant foods; and more). WV follows the updated 2024 USDA rule expanding produce choices and whole grains. See the “Approved Shopping Guide” and the federal “Maximum Monthly Amounts” snapshot. (dhhr.wv.gov, fns.usda.gov)

FY 2025 CVB amounts at a glance

Source: USDA Policy Memo on FY 2025 CVB. (fns.usda.gov)

Tip:

• You can scan items in stores with the WICShopper app to check if they’re allowed before you get to the register. WV’s “Approved Shopping Guide” lists brands and sizes. (dhhr.wv.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If your CVB isn’t showing up or your benefits don’t ring up, check your balance/benefit dates on ebtEDGE or WICShopper, and call your clinic. For statewide help, call 304‑558‑0030. (dhhr.wv.gov, fns-prod.azureedge.us)

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Where and how to shop (stores and farmers)

Start here:

• Grocery stores: WV lists approved vendors by county. Use the store finder to make sure the store you plan to visit is WIC‑authorized. (dhhr.wv.gov)
• Farmers markets: As of June 1, 2024, WV accepts both CVB and FMNP at authorized farmers and markets using WIC Farm Market Direct. Bring your eWIC card or WICShopper QR code. FMNP benefits expire October 31. (dhhr.wv.gov)

Table: shopping tools and where to use them

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If a vendor says an item isn’t allowed, show the WICShopper scan result and the Approved Shopping Guide. If problems continue, report the issue to your clinic or the WV WIC Vendor Unit (304‑558‑1115) and use another approved store. (dhhr.wv.gov)

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How to apply (fastest paths) and what to bring

Start here:

• Apply online: Prescreen, register, and schedule available appointments in the WV WIC Participant Portal. (wvwichousehold.wvdhhr.org)
• Or call a clinic directly (use the clinic finder) or the central office 304‑558‑0030 to get booked. Many clinics offer evening hours, and some allow walk‑ins. Expect about one hour for a certification appointment. (dhhr.wv.gov)

Application checklist (bring originals or clear copies)

Expectations:

• The clinic will do a nutrition assessment (e.g., height/weight, diet questions). Benefits are loaded to your eWIC card after certification. (dhhr.wv.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you can’t upload documents or travel: call the clinic to ask about options. WV’s Participant Portal supports online tasks (appointments, info updates). For statewide help, call 304‑558‑0030. (dhhr.wv.gov, fns-prod.azureedge.us)

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Timelines: what to expect

• Prescreen and registration: same day (online).
• Next available appointment: varies by county; many clinics have evenings and some walk‑ins.
• Appointment length: about 1 hour; bring kids who are applying.
• After certification: benefits typically load to your eWIC card right away; confirm dates in WICShopper or ebtEDGE.

Source: WV WIC Participant Portal help and “What to bring” page. (wvwichousehold.wvdhhr.org, dhhr.wv.gov)

Table: typical steps and timing

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If scheduling is tight or you lack transport, ask about evening hours, tele‑nutrition education, or a closer pop‑up clinic. WV is actively modernizing services, including an in‑hospital certification pilot with WVU Medicine to enroll moms before discharge. (dhhr.wv.gov)

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Real‑world examples (WV math)

• Morgantown mom with a toddler, working 30 hours/week at **$20/hour\ast \ast ($2,600/month gross). Household of 2. The monthly limit for 2 is $3,261\ast \ast ,soshe’sunderthelimit.Ifeligibleattheclinic,shecouldreceive:childCVB\ast \ast$26 per month, plus the child’s standard food package. (fns.usda.gov)
• Charleston mom pregnant with her second child and on Medicaid: adjunctively income‑eligible. If certified, she would receive: pregnant CVB $47\ast \ast /month;afterbirth,postpartumCVB\ast \ast$47/month up to 6 months; the infant gets WIC infant foods/formula per medical need and age. (dhhr.wv.gov, fns.usda.gov)

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Using your eWIC card without headaches

• Balance and dates: check in WICShopper or at ebtEDGE; your benefits show a “first day to use” and “last day to use.” Plan purchases before the end date. (dhhr.wv.gov)
• Lost card or PIN issues: check your balance/change PIN at ebtEDGE; contact your local clinic for card replacement; or call the WV WIC Central Office at 304‑558‑0030 if you can’t reach the clinic. (dhhr.wv.gov, fns-prod.azureedge.us)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If a card problem stops you at checkout, keep your receipt, note the store, and call the clinic or 304‑558‑0030 to troubleshoot before your benefit end date. (fns-prod.azureedge.us)

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Breastfeeding and postpartum supports in WV

Start here:

• 24/7 lactation help: WV WIC offers free access to the Pacify app (live IBCLC support) for WIC moms. Ask your clinic to enroll you. (dhhr.wv.gov)
• Pumps and peer counselors: many clinics have lactation counselors, IBCLCs, and pump loans; ask your clinic about availability. (dhhr.wv.gov)
• New 2024–2026 USDA updates: more produce, more whole‑grain options, and other tweaks aligned with the Dietary Guidelines; CVB increases are locked in per USDA schedule. (reuters.com, fns.usda.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you can’t reach your clinic, call 304‑558‑0030 and ask for breastfeeding support options in your county. (fns-prod.azureedge.us)

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Common mistakes to avoid

• Showing up without documents (ID, address, income or proof of Medicaid/SNAP/TANF, immunization records). Bring them and save time. (dhhr.wv.gov)
• Not checking your benefit dates. CVB and other benefits have “last day to use” each month — check WICShopper or ebtEDGE before shopping. (dhhr.wv.gov)
• Buying items not on the WV Approved List. Scan with WICShopper or check the “Approved Shopping Guide.” (dhhr.wv.gov)
• Forgetting farmers market season. FMNP benefits and market CVB use run summer through October 31 — don’t leave money unspent. (dhhr.wv.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask your clinic to walk you through your food package and show you how to read your eWIC balance/receipt. If you hit a store problem, report it and try another approved store from the finder. (dhhr.wv.gov)

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Local clinics and contacts (examples)

Use the full directory to find the clinic nearest you. Here are some frequently used offices by region for quick dialing.

Full directory: All WV WIC Clinics. Statewide contact: 304‑558‑0030. (dhhr.wv.gov, fns-prod.azureedge.us)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If a clinic doesn’t pick up, try another in your region or call the Central Office at 304‑558‑0030 to get routed. (fns-prod.azureedge.us)

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For diverse communities (inclusive help)

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: WIC eligibility is based on pregnancy/parenting status, income, WV residency, and nutrition risk — not sexual orientation or gender identity. Ask for a translator or preferred name/pronouns during scheduling. Use the online portal to note language needs. (wvwichousehold.wvdhhr.org)
• Single mothers with disabilities or caring for kids with disabilities: Call ahead to request accommodations at your clinic (accessible hours/locations). If transport is a barrier, ask about evening appointments and outreach events/pop‑ups. WV WIC has been modernizing service delivery, including hospital‑based certifications and outreach. (dhhr.wv.gov)
• Veteran single moms (TRICARE, VA): WIC is based on income and nutrition risk; having private insurance or TRICARE does not disqualify you. Bring proof of income and residency. (fns.usda.gov)
• Immigrant and refugee single moms: You must live in WV; there is no length‑of‑residency rule. Ask for an interpreter when booking your appointment; language support is available. (fns.usda.gov, wvwichousehold.wvdhhr.org)
• Tribal citizens: WV WIC is state‑administered (no separate ITO clinics). Apply through your local WV clinic; out‑of‑state tribal WIC programs may have different procedures. (fns-prod.azureedge.us)
• Rural single moms with limited access: Use WICShopper to plan, the clinic finder to locate the closest office, and consider mobile food bank distributions for extra groceries (not WIC funds). See Mountaineer Food Bank’s mobile pantry schedule. (dhhr.wv.gov, mountaineerfoodbank.org)
• Single fathers raising kids under 5: You can apply for your kids’ WIC benefits. Bring your ID, proof of address, and the children’s birth certificates/shot records. (dhhr.wv.gov)
• Language access: When scheduling in the Participant Portal, select “Do you need a translator?” and choose the language. You can also ask by phone. (wvwichousehold.wvdhhr.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you face barriers at a clinic, call 304‑558‑0030 or email the office (see the USDA WV WIC contact page) to request help from the state. For other needs (transport, food, utilities), dial 211. (fns-prod.azureedge.us, wv211.org)

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Extra resources in West Virginia (beyond WIC)

• WV 211 (United Way): Free 24/7 referrals for rent, utilities, food, and more. Dial 211 or 833‑848‑9905; text ZIP to 898‑211. (wv211.org)
• Mountaineer Food Bank (statewide mobile and pantries): 304‑364‑5518 • mountaineerfoodbank.org. (mountaineerfoodbank.org)
• Facing Hunger Foodbank (southwest WV/tri‑state): 304‑523‑6029 • facinghunger.org. (business.huntingtonchamber.org)
• Right From The Start (home visiting for pregnant and postpartum moms): 800‑642‑8522 • wvdhhr.org/rfts. (wvdhhr.org)
• La Leche League USA (find local/virtual breastfeeding groups): Find support near you. (lllusa.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Call WV 211. Ask for the nearest food pantry, rental assistance, or transportation help to get to your WIC visits. (wv211.org)

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Quick Reference Tables

A) Application checklist (printable)

Sources: WV WIC Apply + “What to bring.” (dhhr.wv.gov)

B) Income limits 2025–26 (monthly)

Full table above; effective July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026. (fns.usda.gov)

C) Monthly CVB amounts (FY 2025)

Source: USDA FY 2025 CVB memo. (fns.usda.gov)

D) Farmers Market (seasonal)

Source: WV WIC market updates. (dhhr.wv.gov)

E) Sample West Virginia clinic contacts

Directory: All WV WIC Clinics. (fns-prod.azureedge.us, dhhr.wv.gov)

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10 West Virginia‑specific FAQs (2025)

• Do I have to be on Medicaid to get WIC?
  No. You can qualify by income and nutrition risk even without Medicaid. If you have Medicaid/SNAP/TANF, you’re automatically income‑eligible. (dhhr.wv.gov)
• I work full‑time. Can I still qualify?
  Yes. Check your gross household income against the 185% limits (see table). Many working families qualify. (fns.usda.gov)
• How fast can I start using benefits?
  If eligible at your certification visit, benefits are typically issued the same day to your eWIC card. Check your “first/last day to use” in WICShopper or ebtEDGE. (dhhr.wv.gov)
• Can I use WIC at farmers markets?
  Yes. Use your monthly CVB and your seasonal FMNP (up to $30) at authorized markets using your QR code (PIN/DOB). FMNP expires Oct 31. (dhhr.wv.gov)
• Does WV allow online or curbside WIC shopping?
  WV is working with other states to expand online/curbside options; planning is underway, but statewide rollout is not yet available. Check your clinic for updates. (dhhr.wv.gov)
• How long does the appointment take?
  Plan about 1 hour for a certification visit (bring children who are applying). (dhhr.wv.gov)
• I lost my WIC card — what now?
  Contact your clinic for replacement and check/secure your account via ebtEDGE. If you can’t reach the clinic, call 304‑558‑0030. (dhhr.wv.gov, fns-prod.azureedge.us)
• I live in a rural county with no bus. How can I make this work?
  Ask about evening or pop‑up appointments; use WICShopper to scan/plan before trips; consider Mountaineer Food Bank mobile distributions for extra groceries. (mountaineerfoodbank.org)
• I’m breastfeeding — what support is available?
  WV WIC offers Pacify (24/7 IBCLC access), peer counselors, and pump loans in many clinics. Ask your clinic to enroll you. (dhhr.wv.gov)
• How many families does WV WIC serve?
  WV WIC reported serving more than 37,000 mothers and young children monthly and reaching about 70% of babies born in the state (2024 release). (dhhr.wv.gov)

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Reality checks, warnings, and pro tips

• Benefits don’t solve your whole food budget — they are “supplemental.” Stretch your CVB by buying in‑season produce and frozen veggies without sauce. Scan with WICShopper before you get to checkout. (dhhr.wv.gov)
• Some stores run out of certain WIC items near month‑end. Shop earlier if you can or try another approved store (use the store finder). (dhhr.wv.gov)
• For farmers markets, your FMNP is a one‑time seasonal benefit and it expires October 31; don’t wait. (dhhr.wv.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Call your clinic for substitutions within your food package, ask another approved store, or switch to a different market day. Report chronic store issues to your clinic or the Vendor Unit (304‑558‑1115). (dhhr.wv.gov)

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Why this guide goes further

• Uses the 2025–26 income chart (not last year’s).
• Uses the FY 2025 CVB amounts and WV’s 2024 market updates (CVB at markets + QR code).
• Gives direct clinic phones, statewide number, and the exact online tools.
• Flags the in‑hospital certification pilot and active modernization. (fns.usda.gov, dhhr.wv.gov)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from West Virginia Department of Health (WIC/Office of Nutrition Services), USDA Food and Nutrition Service, and established nonprofits. It follows our editorial standards for verified, up‑to‑date, practical guidance. See our full standards: ASingleMother.org Editorial Policy. Last verified September 2025, next review April 2026.

We correct verified errors promptly. Email info@asinglemother.org with corrections. We respond within 72 hours.

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Disclaimer

• Program rules, amounts, clinic hours, and tools can change. Always confirm details with your local WV WIC clinic or the WV WIC Central Office (304‑558‑0030) and check USDA updates for income limits and CVB amounts. (fns-prod.azureedge.us, fns.usda.gov)
• Health and nutrition information here is general and not medical advice. Talk to your clinician or WIC nutritionist for guidance specific to you and your child.
• Security on our site: we do not collect sensitive personal information. For WIC benefits, only use official state/USDA tools such as the WV Participant Portal, WICShopper app, and ebtEDGE. Avoid third‑party apps for managing your WIC EBT unless the state endorses them. (dhhr.wv.gov)

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Sources (selected)

• WV WIC main site, Apply, Foods, Mobile Apps, Farmers Market, Clinics, and ebtEDGE pages. (dhhr.wv.gov)
• USDA WIC 2025–26 Income Guidelines and WIC eligibility page. (fns.usda.gov)
• USDA FY 2025 Cash‑Value Benefit (CVB) amounts and 2024 Food Package final rule/implementation. (fns.usda.gov)
• WV Department of Health news (CVB at farmers markets; income guideline announcements; food package expansion). (dhhr.wv.gov)
• WV WIC in‑hospital certification pilot expansion (2025). (dhhr.wv.gov)
• Pacify breastfeeding app for WV WIC (press release). (dhhr.wv.gov)
• WV 211 contact information (dial 211, 833‑848‑9905, text ZIP to 898‑211). (wv211.org)

Back‑up/local support:

• Mountaineer Food Bank (304‑364‑5518), mobile pantry schedules. (mountaineerfoodbank.org)
• Facing Hunger Foodbank (304‑523‑6029). (business.huntingtonchamber.org)

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If any link is broken or a number doesn’t work, please email us at info@asinglemother.org so we can update it quickly.

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