People who are blind in West Virginia can access federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. These programs help cover medical costs, daily living expenses, and support independence.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes, and have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. For blindness, this means central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the use of a correcting lens, or a visual field limitation in the better eye such that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees. You generally need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year your disability begins [8].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people who are blind, disabled, or age 65 or older and have limited income and resources. For blindness, the same visual standards apply. SSI is not based on work history but on financial need [7].
Both programs require a medical determination of disability from the Social Security Administration [8][7].
In West Virginia, people who are blind may qualify for additional state programs and supports. These include Medicaid waivers, which help pay for home and community-based services so people can live independently [2].
The West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) provides resources and support for people who need assistive technology, such as screen readers or magnifiers [5].
The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS) offers vocational rehabilitation services to help people who are blind find and keep jobs [5].
The West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) and the West Virginia Independence Network (WIN) provide advocacy and peer support for people with disabilities, including those who are blind [5].
State legal aid organizations can help with applications and appeals for benefits [6].
Step 1: Get a medical evaluation to confirm your blindness. Your doctor should document your visual acuity and field of vision.
Step 2: Collect your personal information, including Social Security number, proof of income, and medical records.
Step 3: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. Be ready to provide detailed information about your condition and work history [8][4].
Step 4: If you need home and community-based services, apply for a Medicaid waiver through the Bureau for Medical Services. You can get help from the Center for Excellence in Disabilities or by calling 211 [2][6].
Step 5: To open an ABLE account, visit the WVABLE website and follow the instructions. This lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits [3][5].
Step 6: For assistive technology, contact WVATS. They can help you find and get devices and services to help you live independently [5].
Step 7: For job training and employment support, contact WVDRS. They offer vocational rehabilitation services for people who are blind [5].
Step 8: If you need help with the application process or appeals, contact a legal aid organization or advocacy group [6].
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people who are blind and have a work history. Payments are based on your earnings record [8].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people who are blind and have limited income and resources. Payments are based on financial need [7].
Medicare: Health insurance for people who receive SSDI after a 24-month waiting period [9].
Medicaid: Health insurance for people with low income, including those who are blind and receive SSI [9].
Medicaid Waivers: Programs that help pay for home and community-based services for people who are blind, so they can live independently instead of in institutions [2].
WVABLE: ABLE accounts that let people who are blind save and invest money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits [3][5].
West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS): Provides resources and support for assistive technology, such as screen readers, magnifiers, and other devices [5].
West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS): Offers vocational rehabilitation services to help people who are blind find and keep jobs [5].
West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) and West Virginia Independence Network (WIN): Provide advocacy, peer support, and information for people with disabilities, including those who are blind [5].
Legal Aid Organizations: Offer free or low-cost legal help with benefits applications and appeals [6].
WVABLE is West Virginia’s ABLE account program. People who are blind can save and invest money in a WVABLE account without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid benefits [3][5].
Contributions to WVABLE accounts are not tax-deductible, but earnings grow tax-free. Withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are also tax-free [3].
There are annual and lifetime contribution limits. Check the WVABLE website for current limits [3].
For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual. This limit may be higher for people who are blind [7].
For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must be unable to work due to your disability [8].
For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size. Contact the Bureau for Medical Services for current limits [2].
If you receive too much money from SSI or SSDI, you may have to pay it back. This is called an overpayment [4].
You must report changes in your income, living situation, or medical condition to the Social Security Administration [4].
Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties [4].
If you get an overpayment notice, contact the Social Security Administration right away. You may be able to set up a repayment plan or ask for a waiver [4].
Legal aid and advocacy groups in West Virginia can help you with benefits applications and appeals. Call 211 for referrals to local services.
SSI is for people who are blind and have limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSDI is for people who are blind and have a work history and have paid Social Security taxes. Both programs provide monthly payments, but eligibility and payment amounts differ [7][8].
Contact the Bureau for Medical Services or the Center for Excellence in Disabilities. They can help you apply for Medicaid waivers, which pay for home and community-based services so you can live independently [2].
Yes, you can save money in a WVABLE ABLE account without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. WVABLE is West Virginia’s ABLE account program for people with disabilities [3][5].
The West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) provides resources and support for assistive technology, such as screen readers, magnifiers, and other devices to help people who are blind live independently [5].
You can get help from a legal aid organization or advocacy group. They can help you fill out forms and appeal denials. Contact a local legal aid office or call 211 for referrals [6].
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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The federal income limit for SSI in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual. This limit may be higher for people who are blind. Check with the Social Security Administration for current limits [7].
Yes, there are work incentives for people who are blind. You can earn some income without losing benefits. Check the SSI and SSDI work incentives guides for details [4].
Contact the Social Security Administration right away. You may be able to set up a repayment plan or ask for a waiver. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties [4].
Yes, the West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) and the West Virginia Independence Network (WIN) provide advocacy and peer support for people with disabilities, including those who are blind [5].
You must report changes in your income, living situation, or medical condition to the Social Security Administration. You can do this online, by phone, or in person at a local office [4].
