Do you need housing support?
If you sign a contract with the state known as the FC-18, which you can do at any point before age 21 if you meet the requirements, you can be eligible for independent living support through the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS). This can take several different forms, including living in more of a dorm-like setting or getting a $900 monthly subsidy for your own apartment. You can get this housing support until age 23.
Contact: Your DoHS caseworker, or your county’s local field office. Contact information is available at dhhr.wv.gov/pages/field-offices.aspx
Is that the only help with housing?
No. Separate from DoHS, the U.S. Office of Housing and Urban Development offers housing vouchers for former foster youth until age 25 called Foster Youth to Independence (FYI).
Contact: Your local HUD office or housing agency. Find them here: resources.hud.gov
Do you need financial assistance for education?
Whether or not you sign the FC-18, you may be eligible for up to $5,000 a year to put toward tuition, fees and other expenses related to pursuing a college degree or vocational training. You can access this money until you turn 26. You’re eligible if you have a high school diploma or GED, aged out of foster care, or were adopted or entered legal guardianship at age 16 or older.
Contact: MODIFY at 1-866-720-3605 or online at modify.cedwvu.org
Did you get your high school diploma or GED while in the state’s custody?
If you were able to get your high school diploma or GED while in the state’s custody, you may also be eligible for free, in-state tuition at West Virginia public colleges and universities. This is in addition to the tuition support listed above, under the terms of a bill that lawmakers passed in 2000.
Contact: MODIFY at 1-866-720-3605 or online at modify.cedwvu.org
What about medical coverage?
Former foster kids can get continued medical coverage through Medicaid until age 26. However, it has to be renewed annually after age 21.
Do you have to sign the FC-18 to get these benefits?
You have to sign the contract to get rent subsidies or any of the other independent living services through DoHS. But signing this document isn’t required if you’re just interested in money for education or continued medical coverage. If you don’t sign the form when you age out of the system, you can change your mind and sign it any time before you’re 21 to access these benefits if you meet the other eligibility criteria.
Do you have a story to share about transitioning from foster care to independent living? We are continuing to investigate the child welfare system and how the state serves young people in its care, and we would like your help. You can reach us at tips@mountainstatespotlight.org. If you’d like to reach out to an individual reporter, visit our team page to find their contact information.
We will never use your name or any other identifying information without talking to you first.