Public Comment Open On State TANF Plan

The West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Family Assistance Division of Family Support, will accept comments on the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) State Plan until Nov. 29. TANF is a federal block grant program that allows states to help low-income families achieve stability and self-sufficiency.       

The plan is a required document that outlines how West Virginia administers and operates its TANF program, including program policies, structure, eligibility requirements, benefit levels, and administrative procedures.   

The program has come under increased scrutiny this year, starting in May when Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced an audit had discovered a deficit of $40 million.  

Then in July, the West Virginia School Clothing Allowance Program, which provides families with a $200 voucher to buy clothing before the school year starts, was delayed for three weeks as the DoHS conducted a comprehensive review of TANF programs. The clothing allowance program closed after just one week because available TANF funds allegedly ran out.  

After the issues with the school clothing allowance, Morrisey’s administration has raised concerns about TANF funds being withdrawn as cash, claiming half of the money was unaccounted for. But some nonprofits, lawmakers and other officials have been unconvinced of claims of fraud and misuse by recipients.  

Both the FY 2027 TANF State Plan and its 2024 predecessor note that “The reports from the former EBT processor, JPMorgan, and the current EBT processor, FIS received to date, have not revealed a TANF transaction at any of the restricted (Merchant Category Classification) locations.” 

The FY 2027 TANF State Plan does include a new section of prohibitions on use of electronic benefit transfer cards with more detailed restrictions on not only where funds can be spent, but what ATMs can be used to withdraw benefits as cash.    

It adds businesses including “tattoo parlors, massage parlors, body piercing parlors, spas, nail salons, lingerie shops, vapor cigarette stores, psychic or fortune-telling businesses, bail bond companies, video arcades, movie theaters, swimming pools, cruise ships, theme parks, dog or horse racing facilities, pari-mutuel facilities,” to a list that previously restricted benefits being used “at gambling casinos, gaming establishments, liquor stores or adult information establishments.” 

The new section also outlines a three-strike violation system under which, “The recipient is subject to disqualification of benefits for up to three months following the first offense, for up to one year following the second offense, and a permanent termination of benefits following the third offense, unless expressly prohibited by federal law.”   

The FY 2027 TANF State Plan will be available for review at local DoHS offices, the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office, and online at bfa.wv.gov/state-plans. A list of county office locations is available at dohs.wv.gov/field-offices. 
 
Written comments regarding the TANF plan design and services may be submitted to: 
 
West Virginia Department of Human Services 
Bureau for Family Assistance 
Division of Family Support 
350 Capitol St., Room B-18 
Charleston, WV 25301-3705 
 
Comments may also be submitted by email to dohspubliccomments@wv.gov or by phone at (304) 352-4431. 

Read the full draft plan below: