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West Virginia • Chronic Illness
People with HIV/AIDS in West Virginia can access federal and state benefits, including SSI, Medicaid, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. These programs help cover medical costs, daily living expenses, and support independence.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. HIV/AIDS is listed as a qualifying condition if it causes severe symptoms or complications. For SSI, you must also have limited income and resources. SSDI requires a work history and enough Social Security credits. Both programs are run by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and have strict rules about what counts as a disability [8].
If you are approved, you may also qualify for Medicaid, Medicare, or other health programs. These can help pay for HIV treatment, medications, and related care [7].
In West Virginia, people with HIV/AIDS can apply for Medicaid if their income is low enough. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital stays, HIV medications, and other needed services. The state also offers Medicaid waivers, which let people get care at home instead of in a nursing home. These waivers can help pay for home health aides, medical equipment, and other supports. To qualify, you must meet both medical and financial rules set by the state [2].
West Virginia also has programs like WVABLE, which lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. There are also local agencies that offer help with applying for benefits, finding jobs, and getting assistive technology [5].
WVABLE is West Virginia’s ABLE account program. It lets people with disabilities save and invest money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the account for things like housing, education, and medical care. To open a WVABLE account, visit the state treasurer’s website [3].
For SSI, the income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual. For Medicaid, the limit varies by program and household size. Some Medicaid waivers have higher income limits. Always check with the state for the most up-to-date rules [2].
If you get too much SSI or Medicaid, you may have to pay it back. Report any changes in income, living situation, or medical status to avoid overpayments. You can report changes online or by phone [4].
Call 211 for free help finding local agencies that can assist with applications and resources for people with disabilities in West Virginia.
Yes, HIV/AIDS can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it causes severe symptoms or complications that prevent you from working for at least 12 months. You must also meet income and resource rules for SSI [8].
You can apply for Medicaid online through the state website. You will need to provide proof of income and your HIV/AIDS diagnosis. Medicaid covers medical care, HIV medications, and other needed services [2].
Medicaid waivers let people with HIV/AIDS get care at home instead of in a nursing home. They can pay for home health aides, medical equipment, and other supports. To qualify, you must meet medical and financial rules [2].
Yes, you can use a WVABLE account to save and invest money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. WVABLE accounts are designed for people with disabilities [3].
SSI is for people with low income and resources who cannot work due to HIV/AIDS. SSDI is for people who worked and paid into Social Security but can no longer work due to HIV/AIDS [7].
If your claim is denied, you can appeal within 60 days. An SSI attorney can help you fill out the appeal and gather the needed paperwork [4].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most up-to-date rules and eligibility.
The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services, the Center for Excellence in Disabilities, and local legal aid programs can help with applications and finding resources [5].
Yes, there are work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits. These rules vary, so check with the SSA or a local agency for details [7].
You will need proof of your HIV/AIDS diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work. This can include doctor notes, lab results, and treatment records [8].
The process can take several months. If your claim is denied, the appeal process can take longer. An attorney can help speed up the process [4].
