People with asthma in West Virginia can qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, Medicaid waivers for home care, and ABLE accounts for savings. The process involves proving your asthma severely limits your ability to work for at least 12 months.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with asthma, you must prove your condition prevents you from working for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at how asthma affects your ability to do basic work tasks, like walking, standing, or concentrating. You must also meet income and asset limits for SSI, or have enough work credits for SSDI. Most applicants are denied at first and must appeal. Medical records are critical for approval.
Learn more about federal eligibility (SSA, 2025-11-06).
West Virginia does not have a state disability program. Residents must apply for federal SSI or SSDI through the Social Security Administration. However, West Virginia offers Medicaid waivers that can help people with asthma stay in their homes and receive care. These waivers are for those who would otherwise need nursing home care. The state also has ABLE accounts, which let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Local agencies like the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS) can help with applications and advocacy.
Learn more about West Virginia Medicaid waivers (WVU CED, 2025-11-06).
Start your application here (SSA, 2025-11-06).
Learn more about the application process (Jandils, 2025-11-06).
Learn more about federal programs (SSA, 2025-11-06).
Learn more about state programs (WVDRS, 2025-11-06).
WVABLE is West Virginia’s ABLE account program. It lets people with disabilities save and invest money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the account for qualified disability expenses, like medical care, education, or housing. Contributions are limited, but the account can grow tax-free.
Learn more about WVABLE (WV State Treasurer, 2025-11-06).
For SSI, the income limit in 2025 is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. SSDI has no income limit, but you must have enough work credits. Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size.
Learn more about income limits (SSA, 2025-11-06).
If you get too much SSI or SSDI, you may have to pay it back. Report changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to the SSA. Overpayments can happen if you don’t report changes or if there’s a mistake.
Learn how to avoid overpayments (Internal, 2025-11-06).
Contact the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services or the West Virginia Independence Network for free help with applications and advocacy.
Yes, if your asthma is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. You must provide medical records and meet income or work credit requirements for SSI or SSDI.
Apply online at ssa.gov or visit a local Social Security office. You’ll need medical records and personal information. Most people are denied at first and must appeal.
A Medicaid waiver helps people with asthma stay in their homes and receive care instead of going to a nursing home. It can cover home health aides, therapy, and medical equipment.
Yes, through WVABLE, West Virginia’s ABLE account program. You can save and invest without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
It takes about 6 months for an initial decision. Most people are denied at first and must appeal, which can take up to 2 years.
You can appeal within 60 days. Most appeals require a hearing. Legal help can improve your chances of approval.
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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Yes, the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS) and the West Virginia Independence Network (WIN) offer support and advocacy for people with disabilities.
The average SSI payment in West Virginia is $620.09 per month. SSDI payments average $1,344.70 per month.
Yes, children with severe asthma may qualify for SSI if their condition meets the SSA’s disability criteria and family income is low enough.
You don’t need a lawyer, but legal help can improve your chances, especially if your application is denied and you must appeal.
