West Virginia has numerous grant programs that felons can turn to during difficult financial times. The grant program will help felons pay for their bills while they work to get back on their feet. The grants are largely funded by the federal government, but there also some that are funded by the local and state governments. There are both short and long term grant programs that felons can receive help from.
Grants, unlike loans, do not ever have to be paid back. Felons who are approved for grants will be able to have their basic needs met and not have to worry about trying to pay back the funds. There are grants for felons in West Virginia that will help with paying rent, obtaining food, paying utility bills, and more. Apply for as many of the grant programs that you qualify for, because there is no limit to the number of grants you can receive at any one time.
Grants for Felons in West Virginia
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program is federally funded and used to be known as food stamps. Felons who need help obtaining food may be able to receive a monthly SNAP benefit. The grant is put on an electronic debit card that is given to recipients. The card can be used at farmers markets and stores to pay for food items. The amount of benefit that you receive is determined by how many people live in your household. To be approved, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. To apply for SNAP in West Virginia, click here.
WV Works – This program is similar to the national one called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Felons who are approved will receive a monthly cash benefit that can be used for living expenses, including on rent, food, transportation, and paying bills. This program is conducted in conjunction with a work program that will helps felons become self sufficient. The program also provides cash bonuses for things like getting a high school diploma, becoming self sufficient, and completing vocational training. To qualify for the cash grant through WV Works, you have to meet the low income guidelines and be a citizen or legal alien. To learn more or apply, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Felons who need help paying utility bills may qualify for a grant through LIHEAP. The program helps felons who have a low income by paying for their utility bill. If approved for a grant, the funds will be given directly to the utility provider on your behalf. The grant program also offers felons with a low income with a 20% discount on their utility bills. If you are approved for the discount program you will be able to get 20% off your water, electric and gas bills. The qualifications for getting an energy grant through LIHEAP include having a low income and being a legal citizen. To apply, click here.
Medicaid – This federally funded program provides felons who qualify with free medical care. The program will pay for such health services as having dental work, doctor visits, emergency care, prescription drugs, substance abuse treatment, and more. To qualify, you have to be a US citizen, as well as a resident of West Virginia, and you have to have a low income. To get more information about Medicaid in West Virginia or apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Felons who need help finding affordable housing and paying the rent may qualify for assistance through HUD. The federally funded programs through HUD will help felons pay rent, avoid foreclosure, purchase a home, and receive weatherization services. HUD also owns housing units where felons can live for a low monthly rent. To qualify for HUD assistance you have to be a legal citizen and have a low income. To learn more about HUD in West Virginia or apply, click here.
Lifeline – This federally funded program will help felons who need help paying their phone bill. Felons who qualify for the program will receive a free mobile phone that comes with voice, text, and data. To qualify, you have to have a low income. If you are already receiving SNAP or WV Works grants you may automatically qualify for a free mobile phone through the Lifeline program. To apply, click here.
In addition to the above grants for felons in West Virginia it is a good idea to reach out to local churches and non-profit organizations. They often have programs aimed at helping their local community members. Some of the ways they help felons is by providing food, clothing, transportation vouchers, and more. Some offer free counseling services and bill paying assistance to felons in the community. Plus, most of these programs do not have strict requirements regarding who can receive the assistance.
