WV WORKS (TANF Cash Assistance)
Last updated August 2026
WV WORKS is West Virginia's version of TANF, the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. It gives monthly cash assistance to eligible families and connects them to work and training. Apply through the WV PATH website or by contacting a local Department of Human Services office.
The program serves low-income families with dependent children. If you have custody of a child and little income, this is the cash-aid door to check first.
One thing to understand about the money. Most WV WORKS families also get SNAP and Medicaid, but those benefits are not automatic just because you receive WV WORKS. You apply for each, and WV PATH lets you apply for all three at once.
WV WORKS is built around work. Participants can get employment and education services, including assessment, vocational training, college, job-skills help, and education tied to a job. The point is a path off cash aid, not just the check.
Watch the clock. As a TANF program, WV WORKS follows the federal 60-month lifetime limit on federally funded assistance. That is a lifetime count across your whole adult life, so treat each month you draw as scarce.
Because the cash grant is modest, the real value is often the doors it opens. Pair it with SNAP for food, Medicaid for coverage, LIEAP for your heating bill in winter, and 2-1-1 for local emergency funds.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Families with children who are West Virginia residents and meet the income and resource rules
- Most adults take part in work and education activities, and federal and state time limits apply to how long a family can receive cash
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online at WV PATH or contact a local Department of Human Services office.
- 2
Show that you have custody of a dependent child and report your income.
- 3
Apply for SNAP and Medicaid in the same WV PATH session.
- 4
Meet with your worker to set up employment or training services.
- 5
Keep every appointment, since the program is work-focused.
What to have ready
- ID and Social Security numbers for the family
- Proof of income and West Virginia residency
- Proof that you have a dependent child in your care. Your local office confirms the full list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Who can get WV WORKS?
Low-income West Virginia families with dependent children. Apply through WV PATH or a local Department of Human Services office.
How long can I get it?
WV WORKS follows the federal 60-month lifetime limit on federally funded TANF assistance.
Do I get SNAP and Medicaid too?
Many WV WORKS families receive both, but they are not automatic. You apply for each, and WV PATH lets you apply for all three together.
Does it help me find work?
Yes. WV WORKS offers assessment, vocational training, college, job skills, and education tied to a job.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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