Back-to-School Clothing Subsidy Program Open For Applications

As West Virginia families prepare for the school year ahead, an annual state program aims to help them afford new school clothing.

Each year, the Bureau for Family Assistance — a branch of the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) — offers a school clothing allowance program to help families experiencing financial need make back-to-school clothing purposes.

To qualify, families must have children enrolled in West Virginia schools and provide proof they meet DoHS income requirements. For a family of four to qualify, their monthly household income must be $3,380 or less.

Program participants receive $200 per child to purchase school clothing in the form of an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card, which works for both online and in-person transactions through retailers that accept EBT payments. Foster care families receive the $200 in the form of a check.

Applications for the program opened July 7, and must be submitted to the DoHS by July 31.

For more information or to apply for the program online, visit People’s Access To Help (PATH), a digital benefits portal from the DoHS.

Families can also request a paper application to be mailed to their household by contacting their local DoHS office or calling the DoHS customer service center at 877-716-1212.