People with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in West Virginia can access federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. The application process is complex, but help is available from state agencies and legal advocates.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and have a disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources and be aged, blind, or disabled. ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, meaning claims are fast-tracked for approval. Most people with ALS qualify for SSDI if they have enough work credits, and for SSI if they meet income and asset limits. Both programs provide monthly payments and may lead to Medicare or Medicaid coverage.
West Virginia does not have a state disability program. Residents must apply for federal SSDI and SSI through the Social Security Administration. There are no state-specific disability benefits, but West Virginia offers Medicaid for those with low income and resources, and the WVABLE program for saving and investing without losing benefits. The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS) provides employment and assistive technology support. Advocacy organizations like DRWV help people with disabilities access services and supports. ALS is recognized as a qualifying condition for all federal and state disability programs.
Step 1: Collect all medical records, including diagnosis and treatment history for ALS.
Step 2: Visit the Social Security Administration website (ssa.gov) or your local office to start your application.
Step 3: Fill out the application for SSI, SSDI, or both. Be honest and thorough.
Step 4: Submit all required documents, including medical records, proof of income, and identification.
Step 5: Wait for a decision. Most initial claims are denied, so be prepared to appeal.
Step 6: If denied, file an appeal within 60 days. Consider hiring a disability attorney to help.
Step 7: If approved, you may receive back pay and monthly benefits.
Step 8: Apply for Medicaid if you have low income and resources.
Step 9: Consider opening a WVABLE account to save and invest without losing benefits.
Step 10: Contact DRWV or WVDRS for advocacy and support services.
Most initial claims are denied; appeals are common [2].
Legal help can improve your chances of success [4].
WVABLE and Medicaid can provide additional support [3][8].
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for those who have worked and paid into Social Security. ALS is fast-tracked for approval.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
Medicare: Health insurance for those who receive SSDI after 24 months.
Medicaid: Health insurance for those with low income and resources, available to SSI recipients.
ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities, including ALS.
SSDI and SSI are the main federal disability programs [7].
Medicare and Medicaid provide health coverage [8].
ABLE accounts help with savings [3].
WVABLE: Allows people with disabilities to save and invest without losing public benefits like SSI or Medicare. Open to those with a disability onset before age 46.
West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS): Provides employment services, assistive technology, and advocacy for people with disabilities.
DRWV (Disability Rights West Virginia): Advocacy for access to assistive technology, employment, and other supports.
West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS): Provides resources and support for assistive technology.
West Virginia Independence Network (WIN): Advocacy, skills training, and peer support.
West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC): Promotes independence and inclusion.
West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CED): Education, research, and service for people with disabilities.
WVABLE is a state-specific savings program [3].
WVDRS and DRWV provide employment and advocacy support [5].
WVABLE is West Virginia’s ABLE account program. It allows people with disabilities to save and invest up to $17,000 per year without losing eligibility for public benefits like SSI or Medicaid. Accounts can be used for qualified disability expenses, including housing, education, and assistive technology. To open a WVABLE account, visit the WVABLE website or call 304-340-5050. WVABLE is a great option for people with ALS who want to save for future needs without risking their benefits.
For SSI, the federal income limit is $914 per month for an individual in 2025. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must be unable to work. For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size. For WVABLE, there is no income limit, but you must have a disability that began before age 46. Always report changes in income to avoid overpayments.
If your income or resources change, you must report it to the Social Security Administration and Medicaid. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties. For SSI, report changes in income, resources, living arrangements, and marital status. For SSDI, report changes in work activity. For Medicaid, report changes in income, resources, and household size. For WVABLE, report changes in disability status. Always keep records of all reports and communications.
Most initial disability claims are denied. Consider hiring a disability attorney or contacting DRWV for help with your application and appeals.
Open a WVABLE account to save and invest without risking your SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
No, West Virginia does not have a state disability program. Residents must apply for federal SSDI and SSI through the Social Security Administration. ALS is a qualifying condition for both programs.
Visit ssa.gov or your local Social Security office to apply. Gather medical records and proof of income. Complete all forms truthfully and submit all required documents. Most initial claims are denied, so be prepared to appeal.
The average SSDI payment in West Virginia is $1,344.70 per month. The average SSI payment is $620.09 per month. Payments depend on your income and work history.
Yes, you can open a WVABLE account to save and invest without losing eligibility for public benefits like SSI or Medicaid. WVABLE is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities.
West Virginia offers advocacy, assistive technology, employment services, and peer support through agencies like DRWV, WVDRS, WVATS, WIN, SILC, and CED. These services help people with ALS live independently and access needed supports.
It takes an average of 6.1 months to get an initial disability decision in West Virginia. Most people are initially denied and must appeal. If you appeal and go to a hearing, the process takes around two years on average.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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WVATS, WIN, SILC, and CED offer additional resources [5].
While you can apply without a lawyer, most initial claims are denied. A disability attorney can help you fill out forms and appeal denials, improving your chances of success.
SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSDI is for those who have worked and paid into Social Security. ALS is a qualifying condition for both programs.
Yes, there are work incentives for people with disabilities. You can work and still receive benefits, but there are limits on how much you can earn. Report all work activity to avoid overpayments.
Report changes in income, resources, living arrangements, and marital status to the Social Security Administration and Medicaid. Keep records of all reports and communications to avoid overpayments and penalties.
