Accessing Wyoming Assistance Programs for Your Family

When facing financial hardship, knowing where to turn for help is the first and most critical step. A wide array of Wyoming assistance programs exists to provide a safety net for individuals and families, offering support with food, housing, healthcare, and more.

These resources are administered by several key state agencies, primarily the Department of Family Services (DFS), the Department of Health (WDH), and the Department of Workforce Services (DWS). The goal is to provide a temporary foundation while residents work toward long-term stability and self-sufficiency.

Navigating the offerings of these different departments can be complex. The purpose here is to consolidate this vital information into a single, clear resource, helping Wyomingites identify and access the support they need.

Food and Nutrition Assistance for Wyoming Families

Ensuring families have access to nutritious food is a cornerstone of Wyoming's support network. The state offers a tiered system of assistance, from ongoing monthly benefits to specialized nutrition for mothers and children, and emergency resources for those facing immediate hunger.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, is a federally funded program designed to help low-income individuals and families purchase healthy food. Benefits are provided monthly on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card at authorized stores.

What You Can Buy with SNAP

SNAP benefits can be used to buy a wide variety of food items for the household, including:

• Breads and cereals
• Fruits and vegetables
• Meats, fish, and poultry
• Dairy products

Eligibility and Income Limits

Eligibility for SNAP is primarily based on household income and resources. Most households may have up to $2,500 in countable resources (like cash or money in a bank account). Households with a member who is age 60 or older, or disabled, may have up to $3,750 in resources.

Wyoming SNAP Monthly Income Limits (Effective Oct. 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2026)

How to Apply for SNAP

The application process typically involves submitting an application (in person, by mail, or fax), completing an interview, and, if approved, receiving an EBT card. For those with an urgent need, Wyoming offers expedited benefits, which can be processed within seven days for households with very low income and resources.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides federal grants for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education. WIC serves low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. For assistance, individuals can contact their local WIC office or call the state office at 888-996-9378.

Emergency Food Resources

For individuals and families facing an immediate food crisis, Wyoming has a robust network of emergency food providers.

• Food Bank of Wyoming: As the state's largest hunger-relief organization, the Food Bank of Wyoming works with over 150 partners to distribute food across all 23 counties.
• The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): This federal program supplements the diets of low-income Americans by providing them with emergency food at no cost through local food pantries.
• Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): Also known as the "Evergreen Box™ Program," CSFP provides a free monthly box of nutritious food to income-qualifying individuals who are at least 60 years of age.

To find a local food pantry or soup kitchen, residents should contact the Food Bank of Wyoming or their local DFS office.

Housing, Energy, and Utility Relief Programs

Stable housing is essential for family well-being. Wyoming provides programs to help with heating costs, energy efficiency, and access to affordable housing.

Help with Winter Heating Bills (LIEAP)

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their winter home heating costs for various fuel types.

LIEAP provides two main forms of assistance:

1. Seasonal Heating Assistance: A benefit paid directly to a utility vendor to help cover heating bills from November through May.
2. Crisis Intervention: Emergency assistance to address heating-related crises, such as a utility disconnect notice or a broken furnace.

Eligibility is based on household income, with priority given to households with seniors, individuals with disabilities, or families with young children.

Wyoming LIEAP Annual Income Limits (FFY 2025)

Applications for heating assistance are accepted online from October 1 through April 30.

Improving Home Energy Efficiency (WAP)

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) offers a long-term solution to high energy costs by making homes more energy-efficient at no cost. Services can include adding insulation, sealing air leaks, and performing basic energy-related safety checks. When a household applies for LIEAP, they are automatically considered for WAP.

Rental and Housing Support

For those in need of affordable rental housing, Wyoming offers several options through local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) and the Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA).

• Public Housing: These are affordable rental units owned and managed by a local PHA, with rent typically based on income.
• Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8): This program provides vouchers that allow low-income families to rent from a private landlord, with the voucher covering a portion of the rent. 
• HOME Investment Partnerships Program: This program provides funding to local governments and non-profits to create affordable housing opportunities.

Support for Homeowners

The WCDA is the state's leading resource for affordable housing finance.

• Standard First-Time Homebuyer Program: This program offers 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages with low interest rates to eligible first-time homebuyers.
• Home $tretch Down Payment Assistance (DPA): This program provides a loan of up to $15,000 to help with down payment and closing costs. The loan has a 0% interest rate and is repaid when the home is sold or refinanced.

It is important to note that the Wyoming Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program stopped accepting new applications as of October 31, 2024.

Securing Healthcare Coverage in Wyoming

Access to healthcare is vital for a family's well-being. The Wyoming Department of Health's Healthcare Financing Division oversees the state's public health insurance programs.

Wyoming Medicaid

Wyoming Medicaid is an umbrella of different programs designed to provide health coverage for specific groups of low-income residents. Applying for assistance will automatically screen an applicant for all programs for which they may be eligible.

Key Medicaid Populations

• Children: Medicaid covers children up to age 18 through programs like Child MAGI, with eligibility based on family income. It also covers children in foster care and former foster youth.
• Pregnant Women: Coverage is available for pregnant women with household incomes at or below 154% of the Federal Poverty Level and continues for 12 months post-partum.
• Parents and Caretaker Relatives: The Family Care program provides coverage to parents or relatives caring for a Medicaid-eligible child who meet low-income guidelines.
• Aged, Blind, and Disabled: Individuals age 65 or older, blind, or with a qualifying disability may be eligible if they meet strict income and resource limits, such as an asset limit of $2,000 for an individual.

To apply for Medicaid or ask questions, residents can call the Customer Service Center at 1-855-294-2127.

Kid Care CHIP

For families who earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance, Wyoming's Kid Care CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) offers a solution. This program provides low-cost health, dental, and vision coverage for uninsured children up to age 18 in families with an income up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Support for Seniors and Medicare Beneficiaries

Wyoming offers additional programs to help seniors manage their healthcare costs.

• Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs): For low-income Medicare beneficiaries, MSPs can help pay for Medicare premiums, deductibles, and co-insurance.
• Wyoming State Health Insurance Information Program (WSHIIP): This program provides free, confidential, and unbiased counseling to help seniors understand their Medicare rights and options. The statewide number is 1-800-856-4398.

Financial, Child Care, and Family Support

Wyoming provides direct financial and family support services designed to promote stability. Many of these benefits require active participation in work or job training, reflecting the state's goal of empowering families.

Temporary Cash Assistance (TANF/POWER)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides temporary cash assistance to families with children. In Wyoming, this program is called Personal Opportunities with Employment Responsibilities (POWER).

There are two distinct POWER programs:

1. POWER Work Program: This is the primary cash assistance program for low-income families and requires participants to engage in activities designed to lead to employment.
2. POWER Caretaker Relative Program: This program provides cash assistance to relatives (such as grandparents) who are the primary caregivers for children.

All POWER recipients are also provided with free Child Support services.

Child Care Subsidy Program

The Child Care Subsidy Program helps low-income families pay for child care, making it possible for parents to work, attend school, or participate in a job training program. To qualify, parents must be engaged in an approved activity.

The amount of assistance depends on the family's income and the cost of care. Wyoming has streamlined the application process through its ECARES (Early Childhood Access Resources and Eligibility System) portal, which allows parents to check eligibility and apply online.

Child Support Services

The Wyoming Child Support Program, operated by DFS, provides essential services to ensure children receive financial support from both parents. Services include locating non-custodial parents, establishing paternity, and enforcing child support orders. These services are available to any parent who applies.

Employment, Training, and Workforce Services

The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) operates a comprehensive system to support job seekers, the unemployed, and individuals with disabilities.

Unemployment Insurance (UI)

Unemployment Insurance provides temporary, partial wage replacement to workers who lose their job through no fault of their own. To be eligible, an individual must meet certain work and wage requirements and be actively seeking new work. Claims are filed through the DWS Unemployment Insurance Division.

Wyoming Workforce Centers

Wyoming's Workforce Centers are the central hubs for employment services across the state. These "one-stop" centers offer an integrated array of services, including:

• Job search and referral assistance
• Resume and cover letter preparation
• Career counseling and interest testing
• Mock interviews
• Information on training and education opportunities

Specialized services are also available for veterans, individuals with disabilities, and older workers. 

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is dedicated to helping Wyoming residents with disabilities prepare for, secure, and maintain meaningful employment. VR counselors work one-on-one with clients to develop personalized plans that can include vocational training, job placement assistance, and on-the-job support.

Job Training and Skill Development

Wyoming invests in its workforce through several key training programs.

• Wyoming Works Program: This program provides grants for adult students to enroll in approved, high-demand programs at any of Wyoming's community colleges.
• Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF): This fund offers grants that connect employers with professional development opportunities to increase the skill level of their employees.

Your First Call for Help: Centralized Resources

The network of assistance programs in Wyoming is extensive. For anyone unsure of where to turn, these centralized resources are the best place to start.

Wyoming 211: The Statewide Information Hub

Wyoming 211 is the state's premier information and referral service. It is a free, confidential hub that connects residents to the full spectrum of health and human services available in their community.

Residents can connect with Wyoming 211 in several ways:

• Dial 2-1-1 from any phone.
• Call the toll-free number at 1-888-425-7138.
• Text a zip code to 898211.
• Search the online database of resources.

Wyoming 211 also partners with other key initiatives, serving as a connection point for health insurance assistance and resources for the aging and disabled.

Department of Family Services (DFS) Local Offices

For many core assistance programs—including SNAP, TANF/POWER, and LIEAP—the local DFS office is the primary point for in-person applications and case management. These offices serve as the community-level hubs for the state's economic assistance programs.

Community Action Agencies

Community Action Agencies are local non-profit or government entities designated to provide services that address the causes of poverty. Organizations like the Community Action Partnership of Natrona County offer direct services such as emergency assistance, case management, and housing readiness workshops.

Frequently Asked Questions