Grants for Seniors in West Virginia

Last Updated on March 29, 2024 by Rachel

Key Senior Statistics in West Virginia (60 and over)
Senior Population: 502,518 (28.3%) Senior Population: 502,518 (28.3%)
Male: 46.5% Male: 46.5%
Female: 53.5% Female: 53.5%
Median Age: 70 Median Age: 70
Disability: 38% Disability: 38%
With Social Security Income: 80% With Social Security Income: 80%
With Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits: 14% With Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits: 14%
Below 100% of the Poverty Level: 13% Below 100% of the Poverty Level: 13%
Data Source: Data Source:
Data is taken from American Community Survey 2022. Please check our detailed page about Senior Statistics in West Virginia for more data and information.

Help for Seniors in West Virginia – 29 Assistance Programs

West Virginia has been known for its growing energy-producing industry, plastics, and chemical research. The cost of living in this state is cheaper than the national average and the crime rates are low. It is one of the safest states and housing prices are also low. Hence it is getting the attention of senior citizens. Although West Virginia presents very good options for older people to settle, some of them may need assistance to maintain their well-being. Thus, there are many services and programs that are designed and run by the State of West Virginia, the federal government, and the local social organizations for senior citizens.


The Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs)

AAAs were created through the Older Americans Act (OAA) to address the needs of seniors and connect them with the available resources and programs. These agencies work with the local aging service providers to offer older adults with meals, transportation, and other support services to enable them to thrive within their communities. They also oversee the work of senior service providers, including senior centers to ensure they comply with the program and fiscal policies set by the state or the federal government. Read more about the program at http://www.wvseniorservices.gov/GettingAnswers/OverviewofAgingProgramsInWestVirginia/AreaAgenciesonAging/tabid/97/Default.aspx.

Financial Assistance

West Virginia Medicaid Personal Care was constituted and has been managed by the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services. Older residents who are medically and financially are not in good condition and need assistance are urged to apply for this benefit. It covers all the expenses of personal care after a physician controls the health condition of the applicant. The services of this program are personal hygiene, preparing food, nutrition, clothing, housekeeping, and health-related services. To learn more and to apply, please go to http://www.wvseniorservices.gov/HelpatHome/MedicaidPersonalCare/tabid/78/Default.aspx or call 304 356 4924.

West Virginia Supplemental Health Insurance Program was founded and has been financed by the federal government for low and middle-income people. This program also provides financial assistance services which are known as Extra Help. Elder citizens who are having difficulties paying their medical bills or prescription expenses are qualified to benefit from this monetary aid. Further information can be accessed by clicking on the following link http://www.wvseniorservices.gov/LinkClick.aspx or give it a call at 1 877 987 4463.

Housing and Rent Assistance

West Virginia Section 8-Housing Choice Voucher Program was created and has been subsidized by the federal authorities for low and moderate-income people across the state. Seniors who are at risk of losing their homes because they cannot pay their rent are qualified for this program. It provides affordable, decent, and secure housing options. Eligible residents will be able to decide on their apartment, flat, or house based on their taste. 30 percent of the rent payment will be paid by the beneficiaries and the rest of it will be covered by the program. Since this is a well-known housing program, there is generally a waiting list. It is better to apply as early as possible. To learn more information and apply, please visit https://www.wvhdf.com/section-8-contract-management or make a phone call at 800 955 2232.

West Virginia Low Income Tax Credit Housing Program was formed and has been sponsored by the West Virginia Housing Development Fund for low and moderate-income families and individuals. This program is specially designed for low-income seniors. Eligible candidates will get rent subsidy from the government in this program so the cost of the rent will be lower. Seniors who are 60 years of age or older and ready to provide a security deposit may benefit from this housing program. Further information can be accessed by clicking on the following link https://www.wvhdf.com/programs/low-income-housing-tax-credit-program or by phone at 800 955 2232.

Affordable Housing Fund: The purpose of this program is to offer funding support for technical and housing assistance to non-profits who then work to address the housing needs of older adults. The goal of this program is to encourage collaborations, partnerships, and increased involvement of local communities in helping to meet the West Virginians’ housing needs. Read more at https://www.wvhdf.com/programs/affordable-housing-fund.

Home4Good: Created by the Federal Home Loan Bank Pittsburgh and the West Virginia Housing Development Fund, the Home4Good program was intended to meet the unmet critical housing needs of seniors, including homelessness. The program offers a steady source of funding for nonprofits working to deal with the worrying homelessness situation in West Virginia, with the primary objective being to reduce the impacts of homelessness. Find out more at https://www.wvhdf.com/programs/home4good.

The HOME Program: The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) program has existed since 1992 and is means to make decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing available for low-income older adults, especially rental housing, and improve the government’s ability, both local and state, to provide housing to the needy seniors, offer, federal housing services, and improve the capacity of nonprofits to offer affordable housing in West Virginia. The West Virginia Housing Development Fund administers the program. More details are available at https://www.wvhdf.com/programs/the-home-investment-partnerships-program.

Home Repair Grants for Seniors

USDA’s Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants in West Virginia or Section 504 Home Repair Program offers home repair grants to low-income senior homeowners to help them, deal with health and safety hazards in their homes. To qualify for the program support, one must be at least 62, be the homeowner and occupy the house, meet the low-income limits, and be unable to acquire affordable credit elsewhere. The grants are up to $10,000 and must be repaid only if the homeowner changes the ownership of the property by reselling or transferring it to someone else within three years of receiving the funds. More information is available at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/wv.

Healthcare Assistance

The West Virginia Lighthouse Program was specifically designed to assist health care for older citizens throughout the state. Seniors who are not eligible for Medicaid Services may benefit from this program. This state-funded program mainly offers mobility assistance, nutrition, housekeeping, and personal care. Even though the length of these services depends on the applicants’ health condition, a beneficiary receives sixty hours of service per month in most cases. Read more at http://www.wvseniorservices.gov/HelpatHome/Lighthouse/tabid/74/Default.aspx or dial 304 558 3317.

West Virginia State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) has been serving in this state since 1992 to provide medical information for Medicare receivers. Seniors who already receive Medicare and need objective information about their health issues can benefit from this program. Any kind of question about health issues, Medicare programs, medical treatment procedures, and more can be answered by this assistance. For further information, please visit  http://www.wvseniorservices.gov/StayingHealthy/SHIPMedicare/tabid/ or call toll-free number 1 877 987 4463.

WV Medicaid: The agency responsible for administering the Medicaid program in West Virginia is the Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Medical Services (BMS). Seniors eligible for Medicaid can have access to healthcare services through the BMS. Medicaid helps low-income older adults pay for their medical expenses. Medicaid for Long-term Care is intended to help seniors and disabled older adults in nursing homes. The program also covers other medical expenses not included in the Medicare program or other private health insurance. Read more about the program at https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/Services/familyassistance/Pages/Medicaid-for-Long-Term-Care.aspx.

WV Medicare: Medicare is a federally-funded healthcare insurance program helping seniors the disabled older adults pay their medical expenses. Any elderly aged 65+ or who meets the disability description can qualify for Medicare. The cost of premiums always varies, depending on the plans seniors select. Older adults who’ve worked most of their loved ones will mostly qualify for the premium-free Part A plan. But many seniors must pay Part B plan, whose cost varies depending on one’s income. Medicare Part B costs anywhere between $135.50 and $460.50 per month.

Original Medicare has the same guidelines and requirements in all 50 states, but private Medicare plans vary from one location to another. While these plans can cover more than what’s covered in the Original Medicare, it is a requirement that they include everything covered in the Original Medicare. Medicare plans include:

  1. Part A: Covers hospital, hospice care, and skilled nursing care.
  2. Part B: Covers medical appointments with doctors or other healthcare professionals, mental health, laboratory tests, medical equipment, and transportation via ambulance.
  3. Part C (Medicare Advantage): Covers dental care, vision, hearing, non-emergency transportation, additional home care, physical fitness, and more.
  4. Part D: Covers prescription medication.

Medicare Premium Assistance programs: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB): Pays for Medicare Part A and B premiums. It also covers Medicare co-pays and deductibles, including those in long-term care facilities.

Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLIMB): Pays for the Medicare Part B.

For more details, please visit https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/Services/familyassistance/Pages/Medicare-Premium-Assistance-Programs.aspx.

For assistance with dental care, there are resources available for seniors, check Dental Grants in West Virginia.

Utility Bills Assistance

West Virginia Low Income Energy Bill Assistance Program is one of the biggest utility assistance programs that was formed and has been sponsored by the federal government. Low or middle-income elder residents are one of the priority groups. Some part of their utility bills will be covered by the program. The program may directly provide cash assistance for eligible seniors to help paying their utility bills or it can pay automatically to the electricity companies. Some beneficiaries may get roughly 20 percent of the discount on their bills. The link to their official website is as follows https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/Services/familyassistance/Pages/Utility-Assistance.aspx or get in touch with 304 558 0628.

Mon Power/First Energy is a local electricity firm that offers several programs and services to contribute to the community. It provides discounts on utility bills for low and moderate-income individuals and families. Low-income senior residents who are struggling to cover their bills are prioritized by this company. Eligible seniors may benefit from payment plan preparation, free electricity service, or a certain amount of discounts based on their current financial condition. To see more information, please follow the link https://www.firstenergycorp.com/mon_power.html or make a phone call at 1 888 544 4877. Other various resources are also available for low-income seniors to get help with bills.

20% Discount Program: Also known as the Special Reduced Residential Service Rate Program, the 20% Utility Discount Program works to provide 20% discounts to older adults on their electric, gas, and water services. West Virginia American Water (WVAW) is the only program currently taking part in the program. Only seniors receiving SNAP and are at least 60 are eligible for the program support.

Tel-Assistance/LIFELINE: The purpose of Lifeline is to offer telephone services to low-income seniors and disabled older adults at reduced costs. Apply for assistance here.

The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP): The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) administers this program, whose purpose is to help low-income older adults pay their water and wastewater bills. The program’s eligibility is based on income, household size, and whether they are responsible for the water or wastewater bills. The elderly applying must meet all the program requirements, including having incomes not exceeding 60% of the State Medina Income. The applicants must also undergo face-to-face interviews at the local DHHR. LIHWAP funds are only used to settle water and sewer bills. Read more about the program at https://legalaidwv.org/news/new-low-income-household-water-assistance-program-lihwap/.

Food Assistance

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): The West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources (DHHR) administers SNAP, while the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s rules and regulations and those of Food Nutrition Services govern it. The program eligibility depends on the size of the household, income, and asset limit, which must not exceed $2,750. The amount of food benefits older adults will receive depends on their incomes, after all the deductions, including taxes, are made. SNAP benefits are issued via Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which can be used to purchase food items from local grocery stores, farmers’ markets, or other food vendors approved by USDA. Older adults cannot use the benefits to buy unnecessary things, such as alcoholic beverages and cigarettes. They are only used to buy food items and seeds or plants to grow in home gardens. Read more at https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/Services/familyassistance/Pages/Supplemental-Nutritional-Assistance-Program-%28Former-Food-Stamp-Program%29.aspx.

Congregate Meals are specifically prepared for low and moderate-income senior residents who are not able to cook nutritious and healthy meals that are compatible with their diet. These meals are served across the state through churches, religious facilities, senior centers, food pantries, soup kitchens, and housing facilities. The program aims to meet the needs of senior citizens by creating social activities and environments and maintaining their well-being. For more information, please click the link http://wvseniorcare.com/In-Home-Services/Meals-Brought-to-Your-Home/ or dial 1 866 987 2372.

West Virginia Home Delivered Meals Service is particularly planned to deliver food for elder residents in need. Seniors who are not in a good health position to go to one of the food pantries are eligible for this benefit. It serves free hot, cold, and frozen meals on a daily basis. To benefit from this service, please click here http://www.seniormons.org/index.php/offered-meals/home-delivered-meals or by phone at 304 296 9812. There are numerous other nationwide programs that offer food assistance, particularly to seniors who are struggling with poor nutrition.

Transportation Assistance

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT): NEMT is a transportation assistance program given to seniors receiving Medicaid benefits. The program’s purposes are to provide Medicaid beneficiaries with safe and reliable transportation services, help them save on costs, and reduce the chances of them suffering fraud, waste, and abuse. The support is scheduled and managed through the local transit providers throughout the state. More information is available at https://dhhr.wv.gov/bms/Members/transportation/Pages/Non-Emergency-Medical-Transportation-(NEMT)%20Information%20for%20Members.aspx.

Charities And Nonprofits’ Assistance to Seniors

Cornerstone Caregiving: Cornerstone Caregiving is a nonprofit dedicated to offering personalized care services to older adults within their reach. Seniors in need of assistance can simply make a call to any of the nearest offices, and talk to a team member who will explain to them the in-home healthcare options the organization can offer. From there, seniors can be taken through a smooth care process. Read more about the organization at https://cornerstonecaregiving.com/schedule-free-home-care-assessment-youngstown/.

Catholic Charities WV: Catholic Charities work to address the needs of senior West Virginians by availing services and programs that enhance their quality of life. With their HomeCare program, older adults and seniors with disabilities can have access to in-home support. More information is available at https://catholiccharitieswv.org/cause/basic-needs-emergency-assistance/.

Assistance for Senior Veterans

The West Virginia Department of Veterans: The West Virginia Department of Veterans is dedicated to offering support services and benefits to Veterans and their families. Through this program, about $2 billion of federal benefits are brought to the state to assist the veterans. The department also operates local offices, which offer several services throughout the state. The staff at these offices can be consulted about anything related to Veteran-benefits, and they conduct over 250 consultations every day. Read more about the program at https://veterans.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx.

Home Repair Assistance for Veterans in West Virginia: Administered by the Fairmont-Morgantown Housing Authority (FAMHA), this program is dedicated to providing home repair support to older Veterans in West Virginia. The goal is to make their homes’ energy efficient and make more accessible. Through the program, senior veterans can apply for forgivable loans to help them make the necessary home modifications to improve their housing conditions. This program is only available in five counties, namely Preston, Taylor, Harrison, Monongalia, and Marion counties. Find out more about this program at https://www.huduser.gov/portal/pdredge/pdr_edge_inpractice_061713.html.

VA Homeless Programs: Veterans Affairs works to prevent homelessness among senior veterans in West Virginia by referring them to available services and community resources related to housing. They can also be referred to as assistance programs offered by government entities. Read more at https://www.va.gov/homeless/HousingResources/.

WV Aging & Disability Resource Center: The purpose of this Resource Center is to provide support to seniors and older adults with disabilities by connecting them with the necessary resources and assistance in applying the programs that best address their long-term care needs.

Olmstead Office: Olmstead Office works to assist older west Virginians by promoting equal opportunities for the elderly disabled to enable them to participate in the community without feeling like they are left out in certain matters. Read more at https://www.wvdhhr.org/oig/olmstead.html.

WV Family Support Application: This initiative provides financial support to families having seniors with developmental disabilities. Older adults should know that this program is only used as a last resort if help is not available in other state-run or local programs. More details are available here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What financial assistance programs are available for seniors in West Virginia? Seniors in West Virginia can access the West Virginia Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program for vouchers to purchase fresh produce, the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) for help with heating bills, and the West Virginia Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (WVPAP) for aid with prescription medication costs.

2. How can seniors apply for Medicaid in West Virginia? Medicaid applications can be completed online through the WV PATH portal, by mail, or in person at local Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) offices. Essential documents include proof of income, residency, age, and assets.

3. What housing assistance is available for seniors in West Virginia? The West Virginia Housing Development Fund offers the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) for rental assistance and provides information on affordable senior housing options. Additionally, there are programs for home repair and energy efficiency improvements for seniors.

4. Can seniors receive assistance with utility bills in West Virginia? Yes, the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) provides financial support to seniors struggling with winter heating costs, ensuring they stay warm during the cold months.

5. How do seniors get help with prescription medications in West Virginia? The West Virginia Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (WVPAP) and the West Virginia Rx Card offer discounts and assistance with prescription drug costs for eligible seniors.

6. Are there property tax relief programs for seniors in West Virginia? West Virginia offers a Homestead Exemption for seniors aged 65 and older, which reduces the taxable value of their primary residence for property tax purposes, providing financial relief.

7. What in-home care services can seniors access in West Virginia? Through the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services, seniors can access in-home care services such as personal care, meal delivery, and respite care under programs like the Lighthouse Program, supporting independent living.

8. How can seniors access transportation services in West Virginia? Many counties in West Virginia offer transportation services for seniors through local Area Agencies on Aging, providing essential rides to medical appointments, shopping, and social activities.

9. What nutritional programs support seniors in West Virginia? The Elderly Nutrition Program provides congregate meals at senior centers and home-delivered meals through programs like Meals on Wheels, ensuring seniors have access to nutritious food.

10. How can seniors in West Virginia receive legal assistance? Legal Aid of West Virginia offers free legal services to low-income seniors, covering areas such as healthcare, housing, consumer rights, and elder abuse prevention.