WV WORKS provides monthly cash assistance to eligible families. Most people who receive a monthly WV WORKS check also receive SNAP and Medicaid, but these are not guaranteed based just on receipt of a check.

ELIGIBILITY

There are 2 steps to the eligibility proces:  

Step 1-Gross Income Test
The family’s gross income must be below an amount that varies by family size. If this income test is passed, certain other deductions are applied to the income to determine the amount of the benefit. These are: 40% of earned income; child care expenses; and a portion of redirected child support. There is 1 incentive payment paid monthly based on case circumstances, a child support incentive/pass-through payment when child support is redirected to the Bureau for Child Support Enforcement.

Step 2-WV WORKS requirements
In addition to financial eligibility, the client is required to complete an orientation to WV WORKS that may be done in a group or individually. Applicants are required to attend orientation to learn about available activities and services and for an explanation of the 60-month lifetime limit for receipt of benefits.

In addition, each adult or emancipated minor is required to negotiate a personal responsibility contract. This contract is an agreement between the applicant and DHHR which identifies goals, objectives and actions that must be taken in order to become self-sufficient. The personal responsibility contract may be renegotiated at any time; it is an ever-changing document. Within the first 30 days a home visit will be completed by the WV WORKS Case Manager.