Raising a Grandchild on Social Security in West Virginia: Benefits You Can Stack

Your Social Security Does Not Disqualify the Child

This is the single most important thing a West Virginia grandparent on a fixed income needs to know: your Social Security retirement, SSDI, pension, or any other personal income does not count when the state evaluates your grandchild for financial help.

The WV WORKS child-only grant evaluates only the child's income and assets. Your $900 or $1,400 or $2,200 per month in Social Security is completely disregarded. The child qualifies based on the child's own financial situation, which for most grandchildren is zero income and minimal assets.

This means a grandparent living on $1,800/month in Social Security can receive an additional $417/month in child-only cash assistance for one grandchild and may qualify the child for Medicaid or WV CHIP coverage under the child's eligibility rules. The grandparent's income is excluded from the child's WV WORKS and Medicaid calculations, but it does count when SNAP eligibility is calculated.

What You Can Stack

Here is what a typical West Virginia kinship household headed by a grandparent on a fixed income can access simultaneously:

WV WORKS child-only grant — $417/month for one child, $480 for two, $542 for three. Your income is disregarded. The assistance group's countable assets may not exceed $2,000, regardless of group size.

Medicaid or WV CHIP — Health coverage for the child. Medicaid members under age 21 are exempt from copayments; WVCHIP copays and any premium depend on the child's enrollment plan. When a child lives with a nonparent relative, the child is evaluated as a separate medical unit. Your income does not count. Medicaid covers children up to 138-163% FPL depending on age, and WV CHIP extends up to 300% FPL.

SNAP — Here your income may count because SNAP generally groups people who customarily purchase and prepare meals together. A child under 18 who lives with and is under your parental control must be included in your SNAP household even if you shop and cook separately. West Virginia's Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility raises the gross income limit to 200% FPL and eliminates the asset test for most households. A grandparent on Social Security plus the child-only grant will often fall under this threshold, especially after deductions for medical expenses (if you are 60+) and the standard utility allowance.

SNAP Stretch — SNAP purchases at participating West Virginia markets are matched so spending power can double or triple. The state describes higher matches for shoppers age 60 or older or shopping with a child; the program is available to SNAP customers, not only grandparents.

Childcare subsidies — If you meet the activity requirement — for example, working at least 20 hours per week, attending school or job training at the required level, or participating in an approved WV WORKS activity — subsidized childcare through CCR&R may be available. The current intake cap is 185% FPL, with a graduated phase-out when income exceeds the guideline but remains below 85% of State Median Income.

Free school meals — Children on WV WORKS or SNAP are directly certified for free breakfast and lunch. Summer EBT provides food assistance during school breaks.

HealthCheck (EPSDT) — All children on Medicaid receive HealthCheck: comprehensive screenings, dental, vision, mental health services, and free transportation to medical appointments.

The Math on a Fixed Income

A grandmother in Kanawha County on $1,100/month Social Security, raising one grandchild:

• WV WORKS child-only grant: +$417/month
• SNAP (estimated, after deductions): +$200-300/month
• Medicaid for the child: no premiums or copayments for eligible children under age 21
• School meals: free
• SNAP Stretch at participating markets: SNAP spending power can double or triple under the program's match rules

Total additional support: roughly $617-717/month in cash and food benefits, plus healthcare and school meals. This does not touch the grandmother's Social Security.

Applying for Everything at Once

A single visit to your county DoHS office can start WV WORKS, SNAP, and Medicaid applications simultaneously. Bring the child's birth certificate, Social Security cards, proof of residency, and any documentation of the child's income (if any).

Apply through WV PATH (wvpath.wv.gov) or in person at the county office. You can start a Child Care application through WV PATH, but must still visit your regional CCR&R agency in person to complete it and receive assistance.

The West Virginia Kinship Financial Help Guide includes a complete benefits checklist, document preparation lists for each agency, and a tracking worksheet to manage applications and renewal deadlines across every program.

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