Low-Income Resources in West Virginia

This page is a public directory of programs that may help with food support, housing and utilities, child and family care, healthcare resources, and crisis services. Availability and eligibility vary by program. If something looks outdated, please let us know.

Food resources
Housing and utilities
Child and family care
Healthcare resources
Crisis care
Debt help

Food resources

If you need help with groceries, start with West Virginia SNAP (Food Assistance) through the Department of Human Services. Nutrition support for families with young children and local food pantry options are also available across the state.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — West Virginia Department of Human Services

Helps with: Monthly food benefits for eligible households.
How to start: Review program details, then apply online when ready.

Program overview: West Virginia SNAP (Food Assistance)
Apply / manage benefits: WV PATH (benefits portal)

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) — West Virginia Department of Health

Helps with: Nutrition support for eligible pregnant people, infants, and young children.
How to start: Learn about the program and contact a local WIC clinic.

Program overview: West Virginia WIC Program

Find a food pantry — West Virginia food bank networks

Helps with: Locating food pantries, mobile distributions, and meal programs across West Virginia.
How to start: Use the food bank find-food tools to locate nearby options.

Housing and utilities

If housing or utility bills are a concern, West Virginia offers assistance through energy programs and housing agencies. Many services are delivered locally through community action agencies.

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) — West Virginia DHS

Helps with: Assistance paying home heating and cooling costs for eligible households.
How to start: Review program details and apply through the WV PATH system or local office.

Program overview: West Virginia LIHEAP
Apply: WV PATH

Housing programs and renter resources — West Virginia Housing Development Fund

Helps with: Affordable housing programs, rental assistance information, and renter guidance.
How to start: Review renter resources and linked programs.

WV Housing Development Fund renter resources

Child and family care

Families may need help with child care costs or temporary cash assistance. In West Virginia, these programs are administered through the Department of Human Services.

Child Care Assistance — West Virginia DHS

Helps with: Assistance paying for child care for eligible working families.
How to start: Review program information and apply through WV PATH.

Program overview: West Virginia Child Care Assistance
Apply: WV PATH

West Virginia WORKS (TANF) — Cash assistance

Helps with: Temporary cash assistance and employment supports for eligible families with children.
How to start: Review eligibility and apply when ready.

Program overview: West Virginia WORKS (TANF)
Apply: WV PATH

Healthcare resources

If healthcare coverage or medical costs are a concern, West Virginia offers Medicaid and WVCHIP health coverage for eligible residents. Applications are handled through the state benefits portal.

West Virginia Medicaid & WVCHIP — Eligibility and enrollment

Helps with: Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible individuals and families.
How to start: Review eligibility information and apply online when ready.

Program overview: West Virginia Medicaid
WVCHIP: WVCHIP
Apply: WV PATH

Find a community health center — HRSA

Helps with: Locating federally supported clinics that often offer sliding-fee care.
How to start: Search by location to find a clinic near you.

HRSA Find a Health Center

Crisis care

If you or someone in your household is in immediate danger, call 911. If you need urgent emotional support or help finding local services, the options below can help you find the right next step quickly.

211 West Virginia

Helps with: Local referrals for food, housing, utilities, childcare, healthcare, and community services.
How to start: Call 211 or use the online directory.

Dial: 2-1-1
211 West Virginia

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (West Virginia)

Helps with: Free, confidential support for mental health or emotional crisis.
How to start: Call or text 988, or use chat.

Call or text: 988
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

West Virginia Help Hotline

Helps with: 24/7 mental health and substance use crisis support statewide.
How to start: Call the statewide help line.

Call: 1-844-HELP4WV (435-7498)
Help4WV

West Virginia Domestic Violence Hotline

Helps with: Confidential support and connection to domestic violence services across West Virginia.
How to start: Call the statewide hotline to reach an advocate.

Call: 1-800-799-7233
West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Disaster Distress Helpline (SAMHSA)

Helps with: Crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters.
How to start: Call or text.

Call or text: 800-985-5990
Text: TalkWithUs to 66746
Helpline details

If debt is part of the picture

Many people looking for assistance are also dealing with credit card balances, collections, payday loans, or medical bills. If you want a calm review of options, Money Fit offers nonprofit credit counseling and education. We’ll help you understand what’s realistic, without pressure.

Talk with Money Fit Debt management plan help Payday loan help

Note: Program availability and eligibility vary. Money Fit does not provide cash assistance and cannot guarantee outcomes.

Last reviewed: January 2026 | URL: /low-income/west-virginia/