West Virginia • Chronic Illness

Fibromyalgia Benefits in West Virginia: 2025 Guide

People with fibromyalgia in West Virginia may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, state Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources for West Virginians living with fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia can qualify for SSI/SSDI if it prevents work for 12+ months.
West Virginia offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based care.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save without losing benefits.
Legal help is available for appeals and complex cases.
State agencies and nonprofits provide advocacy and support.

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 prevents you from working for at least 12 months, and meet the required work credits (usually 20 credits in the last 10 years) [8].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older, regardless of work history. Your disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death [8].
Fibromyalgia is recognized as a disabling condition if it severely limits your ability to work and is supported by medical evidence [8].
Both programs require proof of disability from a doctor and detailed application forms [8].

In West Virginia, people with fibromyalgia may also qualify for Medicaid waivers, which help cover home and community-based services so you can live independently instead of in an institution [2].
The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS) offers support for employment-related services, including assistive technology and job training, for people with disabilities who want to work [5].
The West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) can help you find and access devices and tools that make daily life easier [5].
West Virginia’s ABLE program (WVABLE) lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits [3].
State legal aid and advocacy organizations can help with appeals and complex cases [6].

How to apply in West Virginia

Gather medical records and proof of income.
Visit ssa.gov or call Social Security to start your SSI/SSDI application.
For Medicaid waivers, contact the Bureau for Medical Services or the Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
For ABLE accounts, visit wvtreasury.gov/Citizens/WVABLE.
For legal help, call 211 or visit a local legal aid office.

Step 1: Collect all medical records, including doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment history for fibromyalgia.
Step 2: Visit ssa.gov or call your local Social Security office to start your SSI or SSDI application. You can also apply in person at a Social Security office.
Step 3: Complete all required forms, including the disability report and work history form. Be honest and detailed about how fibromyalgia affects your daily life and ability to work.
Step 4: Submit your application. Social Security will review it and may ask for more information or schedule a medical exam.
Step 5: If denied, you have 60 days to appeal. Consider hiring an SSI/SSDI attorney for help with the appeal process.
Step 6: For Medicaid waivers, contact the Bureau for Medical Services or the Center for Excellence in Disabilities for application details and eligibility.
Step 7: For ABLE accounts, visit the WVABLE website to open an account online.
Step 8: For legal help, call 211 or visit a local legal aid office for free or low-cost assistance.

Programs & Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people who have worked and paid into Social Security but can no longer work due to disability [8].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older [8].
Medicaid: Health insurance for low-income and disabled people, including those with fibromyalgia [9].
Medicare: Health insurance for people 65 or older or for those who have received SSDI for 24 months [9].

Medicaid Waivers: Programs that help people with disabilities live at home with family and receive specialized care instead of being institutionalized. Examples include the Children with Disabilities Community Service Program (CDCSP) and Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver (TBIW) [2].
WVABLE: ABLE accounts that let people with disabilities save and invest without losing public benefits like SSI or Medicaid [3].
West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS): Provides employment-related services, including job training and assistive technology, for people with disabilities [5].
West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS): Helps people find and access assistive devices and tools [5].
West Virginia Independence Network (WIN): Offers advocacy, skills training, and peer support for people with disabilities [5].
West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC): Promotes independence and inclusion for people with disabilities [5].

Money & Banking

WVABLE is West Virginia’s ABLE account program. It lets people with disabilities save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits [3].
Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like housing, education, transportation, and personal support services [3].
To open an account, visit wvtreasury.gov/Citizens/WVABLE and follow the online instructions [3].

For SSI, the 2025 federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. West Virginia may have additional state supplements [8].
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 [8].
For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size. Contact the Bureau for Medical Services for details [9].

If you receive too much money from SSI or SSDI, you may have to pay it back. Report any changes in income, living situation, or medical status to Social Security right away to avoid overpayments [4].
For Medicaid, report changes to the Bureau for Medical Services. Failure to report can result in loss of benefits or penalties [9].
For ABLE accounts, report any changes to the WVABLE program as required [3].

Tips & Gotchas

Need Help Applying?

Call 211 for free help finding local agencies and legal aid.
Visit your local Social Security office for in-person support.
The Center for Excellence in Disabilities offers webinars and resources for Medicaid waivers.

Contacts

Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday-Friday
Website
For SSI/SSDI applications and questions.
West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services
Phone: 1-800-642-8207
Email: [email protected]
Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday
Website
For employment and assistive technology services.
West Virginia State Treasurer's Office (WVABLE)
Phone: 304-340-5050
Email: [email protected]
Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday
Website
For ABLE account questions.

FAQs

Can fibromyalgia qualify for disability benefits in West Virginia?
Yes, fibromyalgia can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work and is supported by medical evidence. You must prove your condition is expected to last at least 12 months [8].
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 Social Security office. You will need medical records and proof of income. Most initial claims are denied, so consider hiring an attorney for appeals [4].
What are Medicaid waivers in West Virginia?
Medicaid waivers help people with disabilities live at home with family and receive specialized care instead of being institutionalized. They cover services like personal care, therapy, and respite care [2].
How do I open a WVABLE account?
Visit wvtreasury.gov/Citizens/WVABLE and follow the online instructions. You must have a disability that started before age 26 to qualify [3].
What is the income limit for SSI in West Virginia?
The 2025 federal income limit for SSI is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. West Virginia may have additional state supplements [8].
Can I work while receiving SSI or SSDI?
Yes, there are work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits. Social Security has special rules for people with disabilities who want to work [8].

Official resources

Social Security Disability Eligibility(federal)
WVABLE ABLE Accounts(state_agency)
Medicaid Health Insurance(state_agency)

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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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