WV school clothing allowance program to open July 20 after weeks of uncertainty under Morrisey

West Virginia’s school clothing allowance program, which has faced uncertainty this month in the Morrisey administration, will start accepting applications July 20. 

The state Department of Human Services made the announcement Friday afternoon. 

The long-standing program provides assistance for eligible families to purchase shirts, pants, socks, coats and more for students before they head back to school.

The school clothing allowance program didn’t launch July 1 as expected, and Gov. Patrick Morrisey attributed the pause to a review of the state’s use of federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding.

Morrisey announced in May that TANF faces a $43 million structural deficit due to increased COVID-era spending by DoHS.

The governor “ensured that the funding needed to open the program for families this year will be available,” DoHS said in a press release on Friday.

“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. Starting July 20, West Virginia families can apply for the School Clothing Allowance,” Morrisey said. 

Lawmakers told West Virginia Watch there was no reason for the school clothing allowance program or any TANF-funded program to be paused this summer after they already approved $177 million in TANF funding for DoHS to spend this current fiscal year.

“I want to thank Gov. Morrisey and his administration for ensuring the 2026 School Clothing Allowance Program will move forward for West Virginia families,” said Del. Evan Worrell, R-Cabell. “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.”

“I look forward to working with Gov. 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,” Worrell continued. 

Earlier on Friday, the West Virginia Democratic Party condemned Morrisey’s move to withhold funding for the school clothing allowance program, despite announcing a $370 million state budget surplus. They called on the governor to immediately release the funds.

“No child should have to walk into a classroom wondering whether they’ll have clothes that fit because the governor chose political theater over keeping his word. West Virginia has the resources. The Legislature has acted,” the state Democratic Party wrote in a news release.

Children eligible for the school clothing allowance program 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.

The monthly income for a family of four for the school clothing program may not exceed $3,483. 

Families may apply online or request a paper application be mailed to them by contacting their local DOHS office. Applications will be accepted until Aug. 15, 2026, or until the available funds are fully allocated, whichever occurs first.