CHARLESTON — The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Family Assistance (BFA) is accepting school clothing allowance applications for eligible children enrolled in West Virginia schools.
Each student eligible for the program receives a $200 benefit, which can be used for school clothing or piece goods if families sew clothing for their children.
This year, recipients will receive the allowance through an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card, replacing the traditional paper voucher. This new system enables online transactions and provides a broader choice of vendors. The EBT card functions like a debit card and is accepted at any retailer that handles EBT cash transactions. Parents or guardians of children in foster care will receive a check.
The DoHS automatically provided school clothing allowance benefits by the end of June to:
- Families with school-aged children who receive WV WORKS assistance;
- Parents or guardians of children in foster care;
- Children aged four to 18 who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, are enrolled in school, and whose household income is under 130% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Families who received the benefit in 2023 and currently have Medicaid coverage should have received an application by mail in late June.
Others may also qualify, provided their monthly income for a family of four does not exceed $3,250. Income verification for July 2024 must be included with the application.
A detailed chart of income limits for the 2024 school clothing allowance program is available here.
Families can apply online at wvpath.wv.gov. To request a paper application, contact the local DoHS county office or the Office of Constituent Services’ Customer Service Center at 1-877-716-1212. All applications must be received by the end of July.
