Clothing vouchers for needy families, delayed by the state, are back on.
The Department of Human Services announced that applications for school clothing allowance vouchers will be accepted starting July 20.
That’s about three weeks after when the clothing vouchers usually would have gone active. Eligible families can usually shop with the vouchers starting July 1.
This year, though, there was a delay.
Over the past week, a coalition called The Legislative Action Team for Children and Families had called on Morrisey to immediately release funds and begin accepting applications. Lawmakers of both parties had also questioned the holdup.
“We are very pleased that the governor has ended the delay in releasing the School Clothing Allowance applications, ensuring children have what they need when they go back to school,” said Jim McKay, director of Prevent Child Abuse West Virginia and chairman of the Legislative Action Team.
“Hundreds of parents from every corner of West Virginia have expressed concerns about the delay. What is confusing is how this came about in the first place.”
The administration has described its financial concerns that led to the delay in broad terms.
The clothing vouchers are part of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, which is jointly funded through the federal government and the state. The governor said in May that TANF faces a $40 million spending gap in West Virginia.
In an announcement that the state is starting up this year’s program, Gov. Patrick Morrisey said his administration needed time to assess the finances.
The governor announced that West Virginia has ensured that the funding needed to open the program for families this year will be available. The announcement did not specify a total allocation for the program, though.
“We are doing this the right way, and we’re working to make funding streams last. COVID-era reliance on one-time money helped create these challenges, so now we are working to put this program on solid footing,” Morrisey said.
Each year, more than 80,000 children across the state are able to use the School Clothing Allowance for back-to-school essentials like pants, shirts, skirts, dresses, shoes, coats, underwear and other basic clothing.
Each eligible child will receive a $200 benefit that may be used toward the purchase of appropriate school clothing or piece goods for families who sew clothing for their children.
Qualifying households can apply for a $200 stipend per child, which will be distributed via EBT cards or checks for foster parents.
To participate, residents must meet specific income requirements and submit their applications by August 15 or until the program’s budget is exhausted.
The monthly income for a family of four for the school clothing program may not exceed $3,483. Verification of income for July 2026 must be submitted with the application.
All families taking part must apply and may do so online at www.wvpath.wv.gov or by requesting a paper application be mailed to them by contacting their local DOHS office or by calling 1-877-716-1212.
Lawmakers had criticized the administration for the delay, saying it was inadequately explained to the public and that the money had been budgeted.
When the clothing vouchers were delayed on July 1, the administration had also announced the fiscal year’s conclusion with a multi-million dollar surplus. At the same time, the state was celebrating the America 250 observance with entertainment costing about $2 million.
Earlier today, before the start of the voucher program was announced, West Virginia Democrats issued a press release headlined “Morrisey Finds Millions for a Ferris Wheel, But Won’t Release Funds to Help Poor Children Buy School Clothes.”
“The only deficit is one of compassion in the executive branch,” Delegate Kayla Young, D-Kanawha, said in the press release prior to the announcement that the voucher program will go on.
Delegate Evan Worrell, chairman of the House Committee on Health and Human Resources, had expressed frustration over the delay on clothing vouchers.
Worrell, who is also a member of the Finance Committee, noted that lawmakers already approved $177 million in TANF funding for the Department of Human Services to spend this fiscal year.
After the announcement that the clothing voucher program will start, Worrell expressed thanks to the governor and his administration.
“Back-to-school expenses can be a significant burden, and this program helps provide children with the clothing they need to start the school year with confidence. I’m grateful that funding has been released so eligible families can once again benefit from this important program,” said Worrell, R-Cabell.
“I look forward to working with Governor Morrisey during the next legislative session to review how TANF funds are being utilized and to ensure these federal dollars are being invested effectively, transparently, and in ways that best serve West Virginia’s children and families. By working together, we can strengthen programs like this and help ensure their long-term sustainability.”