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West Virginia • Neurological/Developmental
People with epilepsy in West Virginia can get financial, medical, and support benefits through federal and state programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with epilepsy, you must have a severe condition that stops you from working for at least 12 months. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a work history and enough work credits. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources. Both programs require medical proof of your epilepsy and how it limits your daily life. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your application and medical records to decide eligibility.
Learn more about federal eligibility.
West Virginia does not have its own state disability program. Residents apply for federal SSDI and SSI through the Social Security Administration. However, West Virginia offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including epilepsy, so they can get care at home instead of in institutions. The Children with Disabilities Community Service Program (CDCSP) and other waivers help children and adults with epilepsy get specialized services. West Virginia also has ABLE accounts (WVABLE) for saving without losing benefits. There are no state-specific income or asset limits for disability benefits, but Medicaid waivers have their own rules.
Start your application online at SSA.gov or in person at a Social Security office.
Apply for SSDI/SSI Apply for Medicaid waivers Apply for WVABLE
Learn about SSI vs SSDI Learn about Medicaid vs Medicare Learn about Medicaid waivers
Learn about Medicaid waivers Learn about WVABLE Learn about WVATS
WVABLE is West Virginia’s ABLE account program. People with epilepsy can save and invest money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. You can use the account for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and transportation. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits, but the money does not count as income for SSI or Medicaid. To open a WVABLE account, visit the state treasurer’s website.
Learn about ABLE accounts Open a WVABLE account
For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2025. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not be able to do substantial work. For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size. For WVABLE, there are no income limits, but you must have a qualifying disability. Always report changes in income to avoid overpayments.
Learn about SSI income limits Learn about Medicaid income limits
If your income or health changes, you must report it to the Social Security Administration and Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. For SSI and SSDI, report changes online, by phone, or in person. For Medicaid, report changes to the Bureau for Medical Services. For WVABLE, report changes to the state treasurer’s office. Always keep records of what you report.
Many people with epilepsy need legal help to get approved for benefits. Contact a disability attorney or advocacy group for help with your application and appeals.
Yes, epilepsy is a qualifying disability for federal SSDI and SSI benefits in West Virginia. You must prove your epilepsy stops you from working for at least 12 months. Most people need medical records and help from a disability attorney.
Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov or at a local Social Security office. For Medicaid waivers, contact the Bureau for Medical Services or WVU CED. For WVABLE, apply online at the state treasurer’s website.
The average SSDI payment in West Virginia is about $1,345 per month. The average SSI payment is about $620 per month. Your payment depends on your income and work history.
No, West Virginia does not have its own state disability program. Residents apply for federal SSDI and SSI. However, West Virginia offers Medicaid waivers and WVABLE accounts for people with epilepsy.
Medicaid waivers in West Virginia let people with epilepsy get care at home instead of in institutions. Programs like CDCSP help pay for home care, therapy, and other services for children and adults with epilepsy.
Yes, WVABLE lets people with epilepsy save and invest without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the account for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and transportation.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check official government websites for the most up-to-date rules and eligibility.
It takes about 6 months to get an initial decision on SSDI or SSI in West Virginia. Most people are denied at first and must appeal, which can take up to 2 years.
You can apply without a lawyer, but most people need legal help for appeals after initial denials. A disability attorney can help you fill out paperwork and represent you at hearings.
You need medical records that prove your epilepsy diagnosis, treatment history, and how it limits your daily life. Include doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment plans.
Yes, SSDI and SSI have work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits. You must report any income changes to avoid overpayments.
