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West Virginia • Chronic Illness
If you have heart disease in West Virginia, you may qualify for federal and state benefits like SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. These programs help cover medical costs, living expenses, and support independence. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in West Virginia, your heart disease must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and earned enough work credits. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and be aged, blind, or disabled. Both programs require medical proof of your condition and its impact on your ability to work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your application and medical records to decide if you meet their standards for disability.
Sources: SSA Disability Qualifications (accessed 2025-11-06), Jandils SSI Application Guide (accessed 2025-11-06)
In West Virginia, people with heart disease may also qualify for state-specific programs. Medicaid covers health care for low-income people and those with disabilities. Medicaid waivers, like the Children with Disabilities Community Service Program (CDCSP), help people get care at home instead of in institutions. The West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) can help you get devices and tools to manage your condition. Centers for Independent Living, such as the West Virginia Independence Network (WIN), offer advocacy and support. Legal aid organizations can help with applications and appeals. State agencies review your case and may require additional documentation or assessments.
Sources: WV Medicaid Waivers (accessed 2025-11-06), WV Division of Rehabilitation Services (accessed 2025-11-06), (accessed 2025-11-06)
Most initial claims are denied, so be ready to appeal. Legal aid can help you through the process.
Sources: SSA Disability Application (accessed 2025-11-06), Jandils SSI Application Guide (accessed 2025-11-06), WV Medicaid Application (accessed 2025-11-06), 211 West Virginia (accessed 2025-11-06), DRWV Advocacy (accessed 2025-11-06), WVATS (accessed 2025-11-06), WVABLE (accessed 2025-11-06)
Sources: SSA Disability Qualifications (accessed 2025-11-06), Pathways to the Future Benefits (accessed 2025-11-06)
Sources: WV Medicaid Waivers (accessed 2025-11-06), WVABLE (accessed 2025-11-06), WVATS (accessed 2025-11-06), WIN (accessed 2025-11-06), (accessed 2025-11-06), (accessed 2025-11-06)
WVABLE is a state program that lets people with disabilities save and invest money without losing eligibility for public benefits like SSI or Medicare. This is helpful for covering unexpected expenses or planning for the future. You can open a WVABLE account online or by phone. The account is tax-advantaged and can be used for qualified disability expenses.
Learn more about ABLE Accounts
Sources: WVABLE (accessed 2025-11-06), WV Division of Rehabilitation Services (accessed 2025-11-06)
For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2025. 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. Medicaid and Medicaid waivers have their own income and asset limits, which vary by program and household size. WVABLE accounts have annual contribution limits, but savings do not count against SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
Sources: SSA SSI Limits (accessed 2025-11-06), WVABLE (accessed 2025-11-06)
If you get too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to the SSA or Medicaid office right away. This helps avoid overpayments and penalties. If you get an overpayment notice, you can request a waiver or set up a payment plan.
Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes
Sources: SSA Overpayments (accessed 2025-11-06), WV Medicaid Reporting (accessed 2025-11-06)
Legal aid and advocacy groups can help you with applications and appeals. Call 211 for referrals to local resources.
Yes, if your heart disease is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must provide medical proof and meet income and resource limits for SSI. SSDI requires a work history.
SSI is for people with low income and few resources, regardless of work history. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid into Social Security. Both require proof of disability and its impact on work.
You can apply for Medicaid online through the Bureau for Medical Services website or by calling 211 for help. You will need to provide proof of income, disability, and other personal information.
Medicaid waivers, like the CDCSP, help people with disabilities get care at home instead of in institutions. They can cover home health aides, therapy, and other services to support independent living.
Yes, WVABLE lets people with disabilities save and invest without losing public benefits like SSI or Medicare. This is helpful for covering unexpected expenses or planning for the future.
Assistive technology includes devices and tools that help people with disabilities manage daily living. WVATS provides resources and support to help you make informed decisions about assistive technology.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and requirements.
Most initial claims are denied. You can appeal within 60 days. Legal aid can help you with the appeals process and improve your chances of approval.
You can get help from legal aid organizations, the Disability Rights of West Virginia (DRWV), or by calling 211 for referrals to local resources. Centers for Independent Living also offer support.
Yes, report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to the SSA or Medicaid office right away. This helps avoid overpayments and penalties.
The federal income limit for SSI is $943 per month for an individual in 2025. Medicaid and Medicaid waivers have their own income and asset limits, which vary by program and household size.
