Tim Walker
AMR Reporter
The West Virginia School Clothing Allowance Program normally opens July 1 every year, however this year the program had been put on pause by the governor’s office due to uncertainty over the federal Needy Families funding. The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) issued a press release saying those funds are now available, and the DoHS’s Bureau for Family Assistance began accepting school clothing allowance applications July 20, up until August 15, or until the funds for the program are fully allocated – so apply soon.
Applications can be made online at: www.wvpath.wv.gov
People may also request a paper application be mailed to them by calling 1-877-716-1212 or by visiting their local DOHS office. In Pocahontas County the DOHS Child support Offices are located at 211 Valhalla Lane, Marlinton, WV 24954, with a phone number of 304-799-2540 and at 704 Third Avenue, Marlinton, WV 24954 -phone number 304-799-6032.
This program is available for eligible children enrolled in West Virginia Schools. Eligible children will each receive a $200 benefit that can be used toward the purchase of appropriate school clothing or piece goods for families who sew clothing for their children.
To be eligible, the monthly income for a family of four may not exceed $3,483 (which equates to an annual income of $41,796.) The income limits for household sizes of more or less than the four-person household example vary and may be calculated at $596 per additional person in the household. You can view the table for the income limits for different sized households below.
Clothing allowance recipients will receive their clothing payments on their electronic benefit transfer card (EBT card,) it will work like a debit card and can be used at any retailer that accepts EBT cards. However, guardians of children in foster care will receive their benefits by check, not EBT card.
If you will be applying and need to update your address, you may call DoHS’s Customer Care Center at 1-877-716-1212.
