West Virginia • Chronic Illness

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Benefits in West Virginia

People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in West Virginia can apply for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state programs such as Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts. These programs help cover medical costs, provide financial support, and support independence.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can qualify for SSI and SSDI if it prevents work for at least 12 months.
West Virginia offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based care.
ABLE accounts let people save without losing public benefits.
State agencies provide advocacy, assistive technology, and employment support.
Legal and nonprofit groups offer help with applications and appeals.

Last reviewed: 2025-11-06

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Eligibility

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security, have a disability that stops you from working for at least 12 months, and meet the work credit requirements (usually 20 credits in the last 10 years) [^1].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. Your disability must prevent you from working for at least 12 months [^2].
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) can qualify as a disability if it severely limits your ability to work and is supported by medical evidence [^2].
Both programs require proof of your disability from doctors and other records [^2].

In West Virginia, people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may qualify for Medicaid if their income and resources are low. Medicaid covers medical care and some home and community-based services [^3].
West Virginia offers Medicaid waivers, such as the Children with Disabilities Community Service Program (CDCSP), which help people with disabilities stay in their homes and get specialized care [^3].
The West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) provides help with devices and tools to support independence [^4].
The West Virginia State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) and the West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) offer advocacy and support for people with disabilities [^4].
State agencies can help with employment services and assistive technology if you qualify [^4].

How to apply in West Virginia

Gather medical records that show your Chronic Fatigue Syndrome diagnosis and how it affects your daily life.
Visit ssa.gov or call Social Security to start your SSI or SSDI application.
For Medicaid, apply online at dhhr.wv.gov or call 211 for help.
For Medicaid waivers, contact the Bureau for Medical Services or the Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
For ABLE accounts, visit wvtreasury.gov/Citizens/WVABLE.
Ask for help from legal aid or advocacy groups if needed.

Step 1: Get medical records from your doctor that detail your Chronic Fatigue Syndrome diagnosis, symptoms, and how it limits your ability to work or do daily tasks.
Step 2: Visit ssa.gov or call your local Social Security office to start your SSI or SSDI application. You will need to provide your medical records, work history, and personal information [^2].
Step 3: If your application is denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Consider getting help from a disability attorney or legal aid group [^2].
Step 4: For Medicaid, apply online at dhhr.wv.gov or call 211 to get help with the application process [^3].
Step 5: For Medicaid waivers, contact the Bureau for Medical Services or the Center for Excellence in Disabilities for information and application help [^3].
Step 6: For ABLE accounts, visit wvtreasury.gov/Citizens/WVABLE to learn about eligibility and how to open an account [^5].
Step 7: Contact advocacy groups like the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services or the West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council for support with employment, assistive technology, and other services [^4].

Programs & Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid into Social Security but can no longer work due to a disability [^1].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources [^2].
Medicaid: Health insurance for low-income people with disabilities, covering medical care and some home and community-based services [^3].
Medicare: Health insurance for people 65 or older or for people with disabilities who have received SSDI for 24 months [^3].

Medicaid Waivers: Programs like the Children with Disabilities Community Service Program (CDCSP) help people with disabilities stay in their homes and get specialized care [^3].
West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS): Provides services and resources to help people with disabilities make informed decisions about assistive technology [^4].
West Virginia State Rehabilitation Council (SRC): Reviews and advises on rehabilitation services for people with disabilities [^4].
West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC): Promotes independence and inclusion for people with disabilities [^4].
West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CED): Offers education, research, and services for people with disabilities [^4].
WVABLE: Allows people with disabilities to save and invest without losing public benefits [^5].

Money & Banking

WVABLE is West Virginia’s ABLE account program. It lets people with disabilities save and invest money without losing eligibility for public benefits like SSI or Medicaid [^5].
To open a WVABLE account, visit wvtreasury.gov/Citizens/WVABLE and follow the instructions. There are limits on how much you can save each year [^5].
WVABLE accounts can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and personal support services [^5].

For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2025. West Virginia may have additional rules for Medicaid and other state programs [^2].
For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not be able to do substantial gainful activity (SGA), which is $1,550 per month in 2025 for most people [^1].
Medicaid income limits vary based on family size and program. Check dhhr.wv.gov for current limits [^3].

If you receive too much money from SSI or SSDI, you may have to pay it back. Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security right away [^6].
For Medicaid, report changes in income or resources to avoid overpayments [^3].
Use the SSI Income Estimator tool to help plan your finances and avoid overpayments [^6].

Tips & Gotchas

Need Help Applying?

Call 211 for free referrals to local agencies that can help with benefits applications, legal aid, and more.

Contacts

Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
Website
For SSI and SSDI applications and questions.
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
Phone: 1-877-716-1212
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Website
For Medicaid and waiver questions.
211 West Virginia
Phone: 211
Hours: 24/7
Website
For referrals to local health and human services.

FAQs

Can Chronic Fatigue Syndrome qualify for disability benefits in West Virginia?
Yes, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can qualify for SSI and SSDI if it prevents you from working for at least 12 months and is supported by medical evidence. You must meet the program’s income and resource rules [^2].
How do I apply for SSI or SSDI in West Virginia?
You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide medical records and other personal information [^2].
What are Medicaid waivers in West Virginia?
Medicaid waivers help people with disabilities stay in their homes and get specialized care instead of living in institutions. Programs like CDCSP are available in West Virginia [^3].
What is an ABLE account and how does it work in West Virginia?
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save and invest money without losing public benefits. WVABLE is West Virginia’s ABLE account program [^5].
What support is available for employment in West Virginia?
The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services and the West Virginia State Rehabilitation Council offer support for people with disabilities who want to work [^4].
How do I get help with my application for benefits?
You can get help from legal aid groups, advocacy organizations, or by calling 211 for referrals to local agencies [^6].

Official resources

How to Qualify for SSDI(federal)
How to Apply for SSI(federal)
West Virginia Medicaid Application(state_agency)
WVABLE ABLE Account Program(state_agency)

Related Purple guides

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.

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