The state of West Virginia has a higher poverty rate than most other states. It’s been this way for years, leaving many people in the state to feel financially challenged. Rather than go without having their basic needs met, there are programs that provide financial assistance for seniors in West Virginia. These programs can be an important part of ensuring that seniors do not end up homeless, without food, or without the medical care they may need.
There are numerous programs in place that seniors can apply to for assistance. The programs will help meet basic needs, including providing food, shelter, medical care, and ensuring that utility bills are paid. Since the funds provided are not considered a loan, it will not have to be paid back at any time. People can get the help they need during financially challenging times.
The programs provided by the federal and state government usually have requirements that need to be met in order to be approved for the program. These include having a low income and being a citizen or legal non-citizen. Some of them have a time limit on how long someone can receive the benefits, while others do not. There are also programs offered by organizations that aim to serve the people in the community. They don’t usually have strict requirements in order to get assistance.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program used to be called food stamps and is still what many people call it. It is a program that will ensure people have their basic food needs met. Those approved will get a plastic card, similar to a debit card, which will have funds on it. The card can be used as a payment source at the grocery store and some farmers markets. Each month, the government will electronically add funds to the card. There is no limit to how long you can get the food assistance as long as you continue to meet the qualifications. The amount you will receive each month is determined by where you live and how many dependents there are in the home. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information and apply, click here.
Salvation Army – Seniors can always turn to a local chapter of this organization to get free hot meals, as well as boxes of food supplies to take home. They have numerous locations in the state and will give people free food, as well as clothing, shelter services, help paying bills, and more. To get more information about the organization and find a location, click here.
Mountaineer Food Bank – This organization will help seniors in West Virginia to find a local food pantry or food bank, where they can get free food supplies. They also offer mobile events, where they take the food out into the community and people can pick it up there. To get more information, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Housing is one of the biggest expenses that most seniors will have. It is important that they know where to turn to get financial assistance to help pay for rent. Those who need an affordable place to live, rental assistance, or to avoid foreclosure should contact HUD. This federal agency will help seniors and others who have a low income. They will help with rent, finding affordable housing options, paying for house repairs, and providing weatherization services. They will also help homeowners avoid foreclosure. There are no limits to how long you can get help through HUD. To qualify for assistance, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Mountaineer Rental Assistance Program – This organization will help people with financial assistance to pay rent. To get assistance you have to meet the low income and resident requirements. To get more information and apply, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) – This program will help seniors with a low income to be pay for their utility bills. The payment for those who are approved is sent directly to the utility provider and your account will be credited. They do offer crisis assistance for those who have a disconnection notice. To qualify, you have to meet the low income guidelines. They also have other programs, including helping people get a 20% discount on their utility bill, weatherization services, and financial assistance to repair or replace their heating and cooling unit. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – By calling this number, seniors can find financial assistance programs in their local area that may be able to help with their unique needs. This is a free referral service program that is provided by the United Way organization and is open to anyone in need of assistance. They can refer you to local programs that will provide assistance with paying utilities, rent, buying food, and more. To get more information and apply, click here.
edical Bills Assistance Programs
Medicaid – The federal government created this program to give those with a low income financial assistance paying for medical bills and prescription drugs. To qualify, you have to be under the age of 65, be a citizen or legal non-citizen, and you have to meet the low income requirements. Those approved will get help paying for most types of medical bills. To get more information and apply, click here.
Medicare – This program is similar to Medicaid, listed above, only you do not have to meet low income requirements. This program will help pay for the medical bills of every citizen or legal non-citizen over the age of 65, including for the doctor, hospital, eye doctor, and prescription drugs. There is no limit to how long you can use this program. To get more information and apply, click here.
