People with Muscular Dystrophy in West Virginia can access federal disability benefits 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 enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 earned in the last 10 years). Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with low income and limited resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require proof of disability from medical records. Muscular Dystrophy is considered a qualifying condition if it meets the Social Security Administration’s criteria for severity and duration. [^1]
West Virginia does not run its own state disability program. All residents apply for federal SSI and SSDI through the Social Security Administration. However, West Virginia offers Medicaid waiver programs that help people with Muscular Dystrophy receive home and community-based services instead of institutional care. These waivers cover things like personal care, therapy, and assistive technology. Eligibility for waivers depends on income, assets, and medical need. The state also supports ABLE accounts, which let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. [^2][^3][^4]
WVABLE is West Virginia’s ABLE account program. It lets people with Muscular Dystrophy save and invest money without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. You can use the funds for things like housing, education, transportation, and personal support. To open an account, visit wvtreasury.gov/Citizens/WVABLE. [^4]
For SSI, the income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. 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 income limits vary by program and household size.
If you get too much money from SSI or SSDI, you may have to pay it back. Report any changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to the Social Security Administration right away. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. [^5]
If you need help with your application or appeal, consider contacting Disability Rights West Virginia or the West Virginia Independence Network. They offer free advocacy and support services for people with disabilities.
People with Muscular Dystrophy in West Virginia can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is for those who have worked and paid into Social Security. SSI is for people with low income and limited resources. Both programs require proof of disability from medical records.
No, West Virginia does not have a state disability program. Residents must apply for federal SSI and SSDI through the Social Security Administration. However, the state offers Medicaid waiver programs and ABLE accounts for people with disabilities.
To apply for Medicaid waivers in West Virginia, contact the Bureau for Medical Services or the WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities. They can help you apply for home and community-based services for Muscular Dystrophy. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and medical need.
A WVABLE account is a savings and investment account for people with disabilities in West Virginia. It lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. You can use the funds for things like housing, education, transportation, and personal support.
It takes an average of 6.1 months to get an initial disability decision in West Virginia. Most people are initially denied and need to appeal. If you appeal and go to a hearing, the process takes about two years on average.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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The West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) provides services and resources to help people with disabilities make informed decisions about assistive technology. DRWV also offers advocacy for up to ten people with disabilities to gain or maintain access to assistive technology and related supports.
Yes, you can work while getting disability benefits in West Virginia, but there are limits. For SSI, you must not earn more than $943 per month. For SSDI, you must not do substantial gainful activity, which is $1,550 per month in 2025. There are work incentives to help you keep benefits while you try to work.
If your disability claim is denied, you have 60 days to appeal. Most people need to appeal and may need a hearing. Consider hiring an attorney to help with the appeals process. An attorney can help you fill out paperwork and represent you at hearings.
Report any changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to the Social Security Administration right away. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties.
DRWV offers advocacy for up to ten people with disabilities to gain or maintain access to assistive technology and related supports. WIN provides advocacy, skills training, information, and peer support. WVDRS helps people with disabilities find and keep jobs through supported employment and other programs.
