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West Virginia • Chronic Illness
If you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in West Virginia, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in West Virginia, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need to have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Most people need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and be disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. COPD is listed in the Social Security Blue Book under respiratory disorders, so it may qualify if it meets the criteria. You must provide medical records showing your diagnosis, treatment, and how your condition limits your ability to work [1].
West Virginia does not have a state disability program. Residents must apply for federal SSI or SSDI benefits. However, West Virginia offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including COPD, to help them stay at home and receive care. These waivers can cover home health aides, medical equipment, and other supports. To qualify for a waiver, you must be eligible for Medicaid and meet the waiver’s medical and financial criteria. The state also has programs for assistive technology, independent living, and employment services. These programs can help people with COPD live more independently and find work if possible [3].
WVABLE is West Virginia’s ABLE account program. It lets people with disabilities save and invest money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other public benefits. You can use the account for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, transportation, and health care. To open an account, visit wvtreasury.gov/Citizens/WVABLE. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits, but the funds do not count as income for SSI or Medicaid [9].
For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Some income, like the first $20 of unearned income and the first $65 of earned income, is not counted. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must be unable to do substantial gainful activity (SGA), which is $1,550 per month in 2025 for most people. Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size [10].
If you get too much money from SSI or SSDI, you may have to pay it back. Report any changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to Social Security right away. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person. If you do not report changes, you may get an overpayment and have to pay it back. For Medicaid, report changes to the Bureau for Medical Services. For ABLE accounts, report changes to WVABLE [11].
If you need help with your application, consider contacting a disability attorney or local advocacy group. They can help you fill out forms, gather records, and appeal if denied.
People with COPD in West Virginia can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if they have worked and paid Social Security taxes, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if they have low income and resources. Both programs require proof of disability from a doctor [2].
No, West Virginia does not have a state disability program. Residents must apply for federal SSI or SSDI benefits. However, the state offers Medicaid waivers and other support programs for people with disabilities [4].
To apply for Medicaid waivers, contact the Bureau for Medical Services or the Center for Excellence in Disabilities. You must be eligible for Medicaid and meet the waiver’s medical and financial criteria. Waivers can help you stay at home and receive care [3].
WVABLE is West Virginia’s ABLE account program. It lets people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other public benefits. You can use the account for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, transportation, and health care [9].
It takes an average of 6.1 months to get an initial disability decision in West Virginia. Most people are denied at first and must appeal. If you appeal and go to a hearing, the process takes about two years on average [2].
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.
Yes, you can work while getting disability benefits, but there are limits. For SSI, you can earn up to $943 per month in 2025. For SSDI, you must be unable to do substantial gainful activity, which is $1,550 per month in 2025. There are work incentives to help you try working without losing benefits [12].
You need detailed medical records showing your COPD diagnosis, treatment, and how your condition limits your ability to work. This includes doctor’s reports, test results, and a list of medications. The more complete your records, the better your chances of approval [2].
If your application is denied, you have 60 days to appeal. You can request a reconsideration, a hearing, or review by an administrative law judge. Most people are denied at first, so it’s important to appeal and consider legal help [5].
Yes, the West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) provides services and resources for assistive technology. This can include devices and equipment to help people with COPD live more independently [6].
You can get help from a disability attorney, local advocacy groups, or the West Virginia Independence Network (WIN). These organizations can help you fill out forms, gather records, and appeal if denied [5].
