Multiple Sclerosis Benefits in West Virginia

• To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. You must be aged, blind, or disabled.
• For both programs, your disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Multiple Sclerosis is listed as a qualifying condition by the Social Security Administration.
• You must provide medical evidence showing your MS symptoms and how they limit your ability to work.
• The process can take several months to years, and most initial applications are denied. Appeals are common.

Source: Social Security Administration, How Does Someone Become Eligible? (accessed 2025-11-06)

• West Virginia does not have a state disability program. Residents must apply for federal SSDI and SSI benefits.
• Medicaid waivers in West Virginia, such as the Children with Disabilities Community Service Program (CDCSP) and Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver (TBIW), help people with MS receive home and community-based services instead of institutional care.
• To qualify for Medicaid waivers, you must be a West Virginia resident, meet financial eligibility, and have a qualifying disability like MS.
• The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS) helps people with disabilities, including those with MS, access employment services and assistive technology.
• The West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) provides resources and support for assistive devices.
• WVABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility.

Source: WV Division of Rehabilitation Services, Adult Resources (accessed 2025-11-06), WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities, Waivers (accessed 2025-11-06), West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, WVABLE (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Gather your medical records and work history.
• Visit the Social Security Administration website or a local office to apply for SSDI or SSI.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact the Bureau for Medical Services or the WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
• To open a WVABLE account, visit the WVABLE website.
• For employment and assistive technology support, contact the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services.
• Consider hiring an attorney for help with appeals.

Source: Social Security Administration, How to Apply (accessed 2025-11-06), WV Division of Rehabilitation Services, Adult Resources (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Step 1: Collect all medical records related to your Multiple Sclerosis, including doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment plans.
• Step 2: Gather your work history, including employer names, dates of employment, and job duties.
• Step 3: Go to the Social Security Administration website (ssa.gov) or visit your local Social Security office to start your SSDI or SSI application.
• Step 4: Fill out the application completely and truthfully. Submit all required documents, including medical records and work history.
• Step 5: Wait for a decision. The average time for an initial decision in West Virginia is about 6 months. Most initial applications are denied, so be prepared to appeal.
• Step 6: If denied, file an appeal within 60 days. You may need to attend a hearing.
• Step 7: For Medicaid waivers, contact the Bureau for Medical Services or the WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities for application forms and guidance.
• Step 8: To open a WVABLE account, visit the WVABLE website and follow the instructions to apply.
• Step 9: For employment and assistive technology support, contact the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services.
• Step 10: Consider hiring an attorney to help with the appeals process and ensure your application is complete.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to disability.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who are aged, blind, or disabled.
• Medicaid: Health insurance for people with low income and/or disabilities.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people 65 or older or for those who have received SSDI for 24 months.

Source: Social Security Administration, Disability Benefits (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Medicaid Waivers: Programs like the Children with Disabilities Community Service Program (CDCSP) and Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver (TBIW) help people with MS receive home and community-based services instead of institutional care.
• WVABLE: Allows people with disabilities to save and invest without losing eligibility for public benefits like SSI or Medicaid.
• West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS): Provides employment services, vocational rehabilitation, and assistive technology support.
• West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS): Offers resources and support for assistive devices.
• West Virginia Independence Network (WIN): Provides advocacy, skills training, information, and peer support.
• West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC): Promotes independence and inclusion for people with disabilities.
• West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CED): Serves as a resource for education, research, and services for people with disabilities.

Source: WV Division of Rehabilitation Services, Adult Resources (accessed 2025-11-06), WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities, Waivers (accessed 2025-11-06), West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, WVABLE (accessed 2025-11-06)

• WVABLE accounts let people with disabilities save and invest without losing eligibility for public benefits like SSI or Medicaid.
• You can open a WVABLE account online and contribute up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit).
• Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and assistive technology.
• WVABLE is a state program that follows federal ABLE Act rules.

Source: West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, WVABLE (accessed 2025-11-06)

• For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2025. West Virginia does not have a state supplement.
• For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must be unable to work due to your disability.
• For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size. Contact the Bureau for Medical Services for specific limits.

Source: Social Security Administration, SSI Income Limits (accessed 2025-11-06)

• If you receive too much money from SSI or SSDI, you may have to pay it back. This is called an overpayment.
• You must report changes in your income, resources, living situation, or medical condition to the Social Security Administration.
• Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties.
• If you have an overpayment, you can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan.

Source: Social Security Administration, Overpayments (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  For federal disability benefits.
• West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services
  Phone: 1-800-642-8207

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  For employment and assistive technology support.
• WVABLE
  Phone: 304-340-5050

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  For ABLE accounts.

• What are the main disability benefits for Multiple Sclerosis in West Virginia?

  The main benefits are federal SSDI and SSI. West Virginia also offers Medicaid waivers for home care, WVABLE accounts for saving, and support from agencies like WVDRS and WVATS.

• How do I apply for SSDI or SSI in West Virginia?

  You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You'll need medical records and work history. Most initial applications are denied, so be ready to appeal.

• What is a Medicaid waiver and how can it help with Multiple Sclerosis?

  A Medicaid waiver lets people with MS get home and community-based services instead of living in an institution. Programs like CDCSP and TBIW help cover care costs.

• Can I save money without losing SSI or Medicaid in West Virginia?

  Yes, you can open a WVABLE account. This lets you save and invest without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other public benefits.

• What is the average SSDI and SSI payment in West Virginia?

  The average SSDI payment is about $1,345 per month. The average SSI payment is about $621 per month. Payments vary based on your income and work history.

• How long does it take to get a disability decision in West Virginia?

  It takes about 6 months for an initial decision. Most people are denied at first and need to appeal, which can take up to 2 years.