Nearly 500,000 West Virginia Social Security Recipients Are About to See Bigger Checks in 2026

Nearly half a million Social Security recipients in West Virginia are set to receive higher monthly payments as the state completes a long-planned phaseout of its income tax on Social Security benefits. Starting in 2026, benefits will no longer be taxed at the state level, putting more cash directly into retirees’ pockets.

How Many People Will See Higher Payments

Roughly 480,000 West Virginia residents rely on Social Security checks each month. For many of them, even modest increases in take-home income can have a meaningful impact on household budgets strained by years of inflation and rising living costs.

The Three-Year Phaseout Explained

The tax elimination didn’t happen overnight. House Bill 4880, passed in 2024, laid out a three-year schedule. In 2024, seniors received a 35 percent tax cut on benefits. That rose to 65 percent in 2025, and in 2026 the tax is fully eliminated at 100 percent.

Why West Virginia Took This Step

State lawmakers say the goal is simple: keep retirees in West Virginia and make the state more competitive. Forty-one states already exempt Social Security benefits from income taxes, and West Virginia had been increasingly at risk of losing retirees to friendlier tax climates.

What the Extra Money Means for Seniors

Delegate Jonathan Pinson, a Republican from Mason County, said the change could be equivalent to an extra month of groceries for some seniors. The additional income can help retirees catch up on bills, manage everyday expenses, and maintain the quality of life they worked decades to achieve.

The Ripple Effect on Local Communities

Supporters argue that the benefit extends beyond individual households. According to Pinson, every dollar that stays local generates about $1.50 in economic activity. As seniors spend more on goods and services, communities across the state could see increased economic momentum.

The Cost to the State Budget

Eliminating the tax isn’t without trade-offs. West Virginia is expected to forgo about $37 million in annual revenue. Lawmakers backing the move say the long-term gains—from population retention and consumer spending; will help offset the loss.

Why Some Call It an End to “Double Taxation”

Advocates noted that many retirees already pay federal taxes on Social Security benefits. Taxing those benefits again at the state level has long been viewed by critics as double taxation, making the exemption a fairness issue as much as a financial one.

Bipartisan Support Amid Inflation Pressures

The measure drew bipartisan backing in the state legislature. Advocates said the decision reflects a broader effort to restore seniors’ buying power after years of inflation that eroded the real value of fixed incomes.

Could Other States Follow Next?

Experts say West Virginia’s move could add pressure on the remaining states that still tax Social Security benefits, including Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah, and Vermont. With America’s senior population growing, the race to become a retirement-friendly state may only intensify in the years ahead.

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