West Virginia § 9-8-1 - 9-8-1. Definitions.
Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 9-8-1 — 9-8-1. Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 9-8-1. 9-8-1. Definitions.
As used in this article:
"Able bodied adult" means a person between the ages of 18 and 49 years of age without dependents and who does not meet any of the exemptions set forth in §9-8-2(a) of this code.
"Applicant" or "recipient" means a person who is applying for, or currently receiving, public assistance in the State of West Virginia from the department.
"Department" means the Department of Human Services.
"Electronic benefit transfer" or "EBT" means any electronic system which allows the department to issue and track benefits via a magnetically encoded payment card.
"Good cause" means circumstances beyond the household’s control, including, but not limited to, illness, illness of another household member requiring the presence of the member, a household emergency, natural disaster, a declared state of emergency due to inclement weather, or the unavailability of transportation.
"Public assistance" means government benefits provided to qualifying individuals on the basis of need to provide basic necessities to individuals and their families. These shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
(A) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP;
(B) Medicaid; and
(C) Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, or TANF.
"Secretary" means the Secretary of the Department of Human Services.
"Work" or "working" means:
(A) Work in exchange for money;
(B) Work in exchange for goods or services ("in kind" work);
(C) Unpaid work, verified under standards established by the department in rule; or
(D) Any combination thereof.
Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 9-8-1
What does West Virginia Code § 9-8-1 cover?
Section 9-8-1 ("9-8-1. Definitions.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite West Virginia § 9-8-1?
A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 9-8-1" (West Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of West Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.
How does West Virginia § 9-8-1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.