Roughly 18% of the population living in West Virginia live below the federal poverty line. There are many others who are above the poverty line and still struggle to pay bills and cover their living expenses. The good news is that there are programs that will provide money assistance for paying bills in West Virginia for those who qualify.
To qualify for most programs that will provide money assistance for paying bills, you have to meet the low income guidelines. Many programs also require that you are a citizen or legal non-citizen. There are some programs that will help refugees as well. The programs are usually provided by the federal and state government, but there are also some organizations that help people in communities where they are located.
Programs Offering Money Assistance for Paying Bills
Getting money assistance to pay the bills is crucial so that families do not end up homeless or going without other necessities. The programs below will help ensure that your basic needs are being met. There is no limit to how many you can apply for, so be sure to apply for all those that you feel could help with your situation. Plus, you will never have to worry about paying the money back, because it is not considered a loan.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Housing is an issue that many people struggle to pay, especially with the rising cost of rent and purchasing a home. Those who need help locating affordable housing options or paying their rent can turn to HUD for assistance. HUD is a federal agency that is in charge of helping people in the country with their housing needs. They have a mission to help reduce homelessness. They offer a variety of ways that they help people who qualify, including paying rent, getting caught up on the mortgage, providing weatherization services, and paying for necessary home repairs. They also have a public housing program, which allows people to live in housing units owned by the government. To qualify, you have to be a legal resident of the state and have a low income. To get more information and apply for help, click here.
West Virginia Works – This is the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. This program will provide families who have a low income with money assistance each month. The money they provide each family can be used to pay bills, as well as cover the cost of many living expenses, including rent, transportation, clothing, food, etc. To qualify, you have to have at least one minor child living with you, and you have to be a legal resident of the state. Those who qualify will also receive education and work assistance to be able to improve the situation and become self sufficient. To get more information about the program and apply, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This federally funded program will provide money assistance to purchase food for the family each month. Those who are qualified for the program will receive a debit card that can be used as the payment source each month at the store. There is no limit to how long you can get SNAP benefits, as long as you continue to meet the program requirements. This program used to be called food stamps and is largely still known by that name. To qualify, you must have a low income and assets. The amount your family will receive each month is calculated by how many dependents there are in the home. You can use your SNAP benefits to purchase food, as well as seeds, if you want to be able to plant a garden to grow the food yourself. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Medicaid – This program provides people with money assistance for paying bills related to medical care. The Medicaid program is federally-funded and available across the whole state. Those who have a low income are legal residents of the state may qualify for Medicaid, which has no limit on how long you can get help from it. If your family is approved, the government will help pay for the costs of going to the doctor, getting medical care at the hospital or clinic, and obtaining prescription drugs. To get more information and apply, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program will provide money assistance for paying utility bills. To qualify, you have to be the person responsible for paying the bill and have a low income. They will also help pay for cooling bills if you are disabled, over 60, or have a child who is five or under. The program will send the funds directly to the utility provider and your account will be credited with the payment. This is funded through a block grant from the federal government, so they only have so much money to give out each year. You will need to re-apply for the program each year that you need the assistance. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – The United Way has created this number as a free referral system that people can call if they need money assistance for paying bills. They will help you find local programs that can be of assistance with your particular situation. Let them know where you live and what type of bills you need help paying. To get more information about the program, click here.
Salvation Army – With locations in Beckley, Charleston, Martinsburg, Wheeling, and other cities, this organization helps many people. They provide such services as free food, clothing, transportation vouchers, and shelters. Some locations will also provide money assistance for paying bills. Contact the locations in your area to inquire about help with paying bills. If they cannot help you at that location they may be able to provide you with a referral to a local place that can help with your situation. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
