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West Virginia • Sensory
People with low vision in West Virginia can access federal disability programs like SSI and SSDI, Medicaid waivers for home care, and ABLE accounts for saving. State agencies and nonprofits offer advocacy, assistive technology, and employment support.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in West Virginia, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need work credits from recent employment. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources. Both programs require proof of disability from a doctor. Children with low vision may qualify for benefits if their condition meets Social Security’s definition of disability. Adults with disabilities that began before age 22 may also qualify for benefits based on a parent’s work record. These rules apply to all states, including West Virginia.
West Virginia does not run its own disability program. Residents apply for federal SSI and SSDI through the Social Security Administration. However, West Virginia offers Medicaid waiver programs that help people with low vision receive care at home instead of in institutions. These waivers are for people who meet income and disability requirements. The state also has programs like WVABLE, which lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. State agencies and nonprofits provide advocacy, assistive technology, and employment support for people with low vision.
Gather medical records and proof of income.
Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov or at a local Social Security office.
For Medicaid waivers, contact the Bureau for Medical Services.
For ABLE accounts, visit the WVABLE website.
Seek help from a disability attorney if your claim is denied.
SSA Apply Online (SSA.gov, accessed 2025-11-06)
WVABLE Application (WV State Treasurer, accessed 2025-11-06)
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly payments for people with low income and limited resources.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people who have worked and paid into Social Security.
Medicaid: Health insurance for people with low income and disabilities.
Medicare: Health insurance for people 65 or older or with disabilities.
Medicaid Waivers: Programs that let people with disabilities get care at home.
SSA Disability Programs (SSA.gov, accessed 2025-11-06)
Medicaid.gov (Medicaid.gov, accessed 2025-11-06)
Medicare.gov (Medicare.gov, accessed 2025-11-06)
West Virginia offers several programs for people with low vision:
Medicaid Waivers: These programs help people with disabilities stay at home with specialized care. Examples include the Children with Disabilities Community Service Program (CDCSP) and Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver (TBIW).
WVABLE: ABLE accounts that let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
Assistive Technology: The West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) provides resources and support for people with disabilities.
Employment Support: The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services helps people with disabilities find jobs and get training.
Advocacy: Disability Rights West Virginia (DRWV) provides legal advocacy for people with disabilities.
CED WVU Waivers (CED WVU, accessed 2025-11-06)
WVABLE (WV State Treasurer, accessed 2025-11-06)
WVABLE is West Virginia’s ABLE account program. It lets people with disabilities save and invest money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other public benefits. You can use the account for qualified disability expenses like assistive technology, housing, and education. Contributions are limited each year, but the account can grow tax-free. To open a WVABLE account, visit the WVABLE website.
For SSI, the income limit in 2025 is $1,620 per month for an individual (or $2,700 if blind). SSDI has no income limit, but you must not be able to do substantial work. Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size. ABLE accounts have annual contribution limits, but savings do not count against SSI or Medicaid resource limits.
If you get too much money from SSI or SSDI, you may have to pay it back. Report changes in income, living situation, or disability status to Social Security right away. Medicaid and ABLE accounts also require reporting changes. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties.
Contact Disability Rights West Virginia for free legal advocacy and help with applications. They can assist with appeals and accessing assistive technology.
People with low vision in West Virginia can apply for federal SSI and SSDI. These programs provide monthly payments if you meet the disability and income requirements. You can also get Medicaid and Medicare for health coverage.
No, West Virginia does not have a state disability program. Residents must apply for federal SSI and SSDI through the Social Security Administration. The state does offer Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts.
Contact the Bureau for Medical Services to apply for Medicaid waivers. These programs help people with low vision get care at home. You must meet income and disability requirements to qualify.
An ABLE account, like WVABLE, lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses such as assistive technology and housing.
Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits, but there are limits. For SSI, you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind). SSDI has no income limit, but you must not be able to do substantial work.
The West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) provides resources and support for people with disabilities. Disability Rights West Virginia also offers advocacy for assistive technology access.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and requirements.
WVATS (WVDRS, accessed 2025-11-06)
DRWV (DRWV, accessed 2025-11-06)
It takes about 6 months to get an initial decision on a disability claim in West Virginia. Most claims are denied at first, and appeals can take up to 2 years.
If your claim is denied, you have 60 days to appeal. Consider hiring a disability attorney to help with the appeals process. Most people who appeal eventually get approved.
Yes, the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services helps people with disabilities find jobs and get training. They also provide assistive technology and other support services.
Report changes in income, living situation, or disability status to Social Security right away. Medicaid and ABLE accounts also require reporting changes to avoid overpayments.
