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West Virginia • Physical/Mobility
People in West Virginia with mobility impairments can get federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), Medicaid waivers for home care, and ABLE accounts for saving. Most benefits are federal, but state agencies help with applications and local support.
To get federal disability benefits in West Virginia, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) rules. For SSDI, you need a qualifying disability that stops you from working for at least 12 months, and enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. For SSI, you must have low income and limited assets, and be unable to work for at least 12 months due to your disability. Both programs require medical proof of your mobility impairment. The SSA uses strict rules to decide if your condition qualifies. Most people with mobility impairments who cannot work for a year or more may be eligible if they meet the income and work history rules. ^1
West Virginia does not run its own disability benefits program. Residents apply for federal SSI and SSDI through the SSA. However, West Virginia offers Medicaid waiver programs that help people with mobility impairments get home and community-based services instead of living in institutions. These waivers cover things like personal care, home modifications, and assistive technology. To qualify for a waiver, you must be eligible for Medicaid and meet the waiver’s medical and financial rules. The state also has the WVABLE program, which lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. There are no state disability cash benefits in West Virginia. ^2^4
These programs are run by the federal government and are available in all states, including West Virginia. [^1][^8]
West Virginia does not have a state disability cash benefit program. All cash benefits come from federal programs. [^2][^3][^4]
WVABLE is West Virginia’s ABLE account program. People with mobility impairments can save up to $17,000 per year in a WVABLE account without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. The money can be used for disability-related expenses like assistive technology, home modifications, and transportation. Accounts are easy to open online. [^4]
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 Medicaid waivers, you must meet both Medicaid and waiver-specific rules. [^2][^3]
If your income or health changes, you must report it to the SSA or Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to debt or loss of benefits. Report changes as soon as possible. [^5]
Most initial disability claims in West Virginia are denied. Legal help can make your appeal stronger and improve your odds of getting benefits.
West Virginia Medicaid waivers pay for home care and other services so people with mobility impairments can live at home instead of in institutions.
West Virginia residents with mobility impairments can apply for federal SSI and SSDI. SSI is for people with low income and assets. SSDI is for those who worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both require proof of a qualifying disability. [^1][^2]
No, West Virginia does not have a state disability cash benefit program. Residents must apply for federal SSI and SSDI. The state does offer Medicaid waivers and the WVABLE savings program. [^2][^4]
To apply for Medicaid waivers, contact the Bureau for Medical Services. You must be eligible for Medicaid and meet the waiver’s medical and financial rules. Waivers help pay for home care and other services for people with mobility impairments. [^3]
WVABLE is West Virginia’s ABLE account program. It lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like assistive technology and home modifications. [^4]
It takes about 6 months to get an initial decision on a disability claim in West Virginia. Most claims are denied at first. If you appeal, the process can take up to two years. [^2]
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check official government websites for the most current rules and eligibility.
Yes, there are work incentives for SSI and SSDI recipients. You can try to work without losing benefits right away. The SSA has rules about how much you can earn. [^5]
Most initial claims are denied. You can appeal within 60 days. The appeals process can take up to two years. Legal help can improve your chances of success. [^2][^5]
Yes, Disability Rights West Virginia (DRWV) offers free legal advocacy for people with disabilities. They can help with access to benefits, assistive technology, and employment services. [^1]
Report changes in income or health to the SSA or Medicaid as soon as possible. This helps avoid overpayments and loss of benefits. [^5]
The average SSDI payment in West Virginia is about $1,345 per month. The average SSI payment is about $620 per month. Amounts depend on your work history and income. [^2]
