The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) announced today that its comprehensive review of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs is nearing completion. As part of that process, the Department has completed its review of several programs and, at Governor Patrick Morrisey's direction, is releasing Fiscal Year 2027 funding for those programs immediately.
The review is part of Governor Morrisey's effort to protect these programs - and the West Virginians who rely on them - by ensuring they are funded at sustainable levels the state can sustain each year.
The following programs have completed review and will immediately receive Fiscal Year 2027 funding:
- TANF West Virginia 211
- TANF West Virginia Department of Education: Assess
- TANF Good News Mountaineer Garage Inc.: Donated Vehicles
- TANF WV Alliance for Sustainable Families: Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- TANF WVU Research Corp: Healthy Families
- TANF Community and Technical Colleges
Together, these programs represent approximately $3.8 million in TANF funding and provide services that help eligible West Virginians prepare for employment, access reliable transportation, pursue education and training, strengthen families, and connect with needed resources.
In addition, DoHS sent a letter to State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt notifying her that the Department will allow the West Virginia Department of Education to utilize available, unexpended Fiscal Year 2026 TANF funding for the SPOKES program while the Department completes its review. The extension will allow the Department of Education to continue operating the program using available FY 2026 funds while the review is finalized.
The Department expects to announce the remaining TANF funding decisions in the near future as it concludes its comprehensive review.
Why Was the TANF Review Necessary?
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is funded primarily through an annual federal block grant, along with required state funding.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government provided states with additional one-time funding. West Virginia used those temporary dollars to expand TANF-supported programs and services.
When that temporary funding ended, the annual federal TANF grant returned to normal pre-pandemic levels. West Virginia continued supporting the pandemic-era expansion of many of these programs by using TANF reserve funds that had accumulated over previous years.
Today, West Virginia receives approximately $98.8 million in federal dollars each year to support TANF-funded state activities but spends approximately $137 million annually on TANF programs. The difference has been covered using TANF reserve funds - essentially savings accumulated over previous years. At the current expenditure rate, those reserve funds will be exhausted in about 13 months.
Those reserve funds help these programs respond when demand unexpectedly increases - whether because more families qualify for assistance or an emergency creates greater need. Spending them down to zero would leave West Virginia without that cushion when families need it most.
That is why Governor Patrick Morrisey directed DoHS to conduct a comprehensive review of every TANF-funded program. The review is identifying which programs can continue as currently funded, where adjustments are needed, and how TANF dollars can best support West Virginia families within the recurring funding available each year.
The Department's review is focused on ensuring TANF funding reflects the recurring federal dollars available each year rather than relying on one-time reserve funds that will soon be exhausted. The goal is to protect critical services while putting the program on sustainable financial footing, so these programs remain available to the West Virginia families who need them most - this year and in the years ahead.
