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West Virginia • Rare/Genetic
People with cystic fibrosis in West Virginia can get federal disability benefits, Medicaid, and use ABLE accounts to save without losing benefits. State agencies and nonprofits offer extra support for health, work, and independence.
To get federal disability benefits for cystic fibrosis, you must prove your condition stops you from working for at least 12 months. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who paid into Social Security through work. You usually need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability started. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for low-income people with disabilities, no matter their work history. Both programs require medical proof of your cystic fibrosis and how it limits your daily life. Most people are denied at first and must appeal. [^1]
West Virginia does not have its own state disability program. Residents must apply for federal SSDI or SSI. To get Medicaid, you must be low-income and have a disability. West Virginia uses federal rules for SSI and Medicaid eligibility. If you get SSI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid. The state also offers ABLE accounts (WVABLE) for people with disabilities to save money without losing benefits. There are no state-specific disability income programs, but local agencies help with assistive technology, employment, and independent living services. [^2][^3]
Federal programs for cystic fibrosis in West Virginia include:
West Virginia offers these programs and supports for people with cystic fibrosis:
WVABLE is West Virginia’s ABLE account program. People with cystic fibrosis can save and invest money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. Accounts can be used for qualified disability expenses like medical care, education, housing, and transportation. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits. Visit wvtreasury.gov/Citizens/WVABLE for details. [^3]
For SSI in West Virginia, the income limit is about $943 per month for an individual in 2025. The asset limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size. SSDI has no income limit, but you must not be able to do substantial work. [^1][^5]
If you get too much SSI or SSDI, you may have to pay it back. Report changes in income, living situation, or medical status to Social Security right away. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Use the SSA website or call your local office to report changes. [^7]
Many people are denied at first. Consider getting help from a disability attorney or local agency to improve your chances of approval.
Yes, cystic fibrosis can qualify for federal SSDI or SSI if it stops you from working for at least 12 months. You must provide medical proof and meet income or work credit rules. [^1]
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. Gather medical records and fill out all forms honestly. Most people are denied at first and must appeal. [^4]
The average SSDI payment in West Virginia is about $1,344 per month. The average SSI payment is about $620 per month. Amounts depend on your income and work history. [^2]
Yes, you can save money with a WVABLE ABLE account without losing SSI or Medicaid. There are limits on how much you can save each year. [^3]
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. [^2]
No, West Virginia does not have a state disability program. Residents must apply for federal SSDI or SSI. [^2]
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
WVABLE is West Virginia’s ABLE account program. It lets people with disabilities save and invest money without losing SSI or Medicaid. [^3]
Apply for Medicaid if you are low-income and have a disability. You can apply online or at your local Department of Health and Human Resources office. [^5]
The West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) provides resources and support for assistive technology. [^6]
Yes, there are work incentives for SSDI and SSI recipients. You can try to work without losing benefits right away. [^7]
