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West Virginia • Chronic Illness
People with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis in West Virginia can access federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, Medicaid waivers for home care, and ABLE accounts for savings. The process is complex, but help is available from state agencies and advocacy groups.
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 a work history and enough work credits. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources. Both programs require proof of disability from medical records and other evidence. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews all applications and makes the final decision.
Medical evidence is crucial. The SSA may ask for more tests or consult a doctor.
Learn more about federal eligibility (SSA.gov, accessed 2025-11-06).
West Virginia does not have its own state disability program. Residents apply for federal SSDI and SSI only. The state does offer Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities who need home care, including those with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. These waivers help cover services so you can stay at home instead of in a nursing home. To get a waiver, you must be eligible for Medicaid and meet the waiver’s medical and financial rules. The state also has an ABLE account program (WVABLE) that lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
Learn more about Medicaid waivers (CED WVU, accessed 2025-11-06).
Learn more about applying for SSI (Jandils.com, accessed 2025-11-06).
Learn more about federal programs (SSA.gov, accessed 2025-11-06).
West Virginia offers several programs for people with disabilities:
Learn more about state programs (WVDRS.org, 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 needs-based benefits. To open a WVABLE account, you must have a disability that started before age 26 and meet federal ABLE rules. You can save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) and up to $410,000 total. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and transportation.
Learn more about WVABLE (WV Treasury, accessed 2025-11-06).
For SSI in West Virginia, the income limit is about $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple (2025). SSDI has no income limit, but you must not be able to do substantial work. Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size. For Medicaid waivers, you must meet both medical and financial criteria. WVABLE accounts do not count toward SSI or Medicaid resource limits.
Learn more about SSI income limits (SSA.gov, accessed 2025-11-06).
If you get too much SSI or SSDI, you may have to pay it back. Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to the SSA right away. Overpayments can happen if you don’t report changes or if the SSA makes a mistake. You can ask for a waiver if you can’t afford to pay back the overpayment. Always keep records of all payments and reports.
Learn more about overpayments (SSA.gov, accessed 2025-11-06).
Many people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis in West Virginia need help with applications and appeals. Contact your local Social Security office or a disability advocacy group for support.
West Virginia residents can apply for federal SSDI and SSI. SSDI is for those who worked and paid into Social Security. SSI is for those with low income and few resources. There is no state disability program.
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at your local Social Security office. You’ll need medical records and proof of income. Most initial claims are denied, so be ready to appeal.
Medicaid waivers help people with disabilities stay at home with specialized care instead of in a nursing home. They cover services like home health aides and therapy for those who qualify.
Yes, with a WVABLE account. WVABLE lets people with disabilities save and invest without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. You must have a disability that started before age 26.
The average SSDI payment is about $1,344 per month. The average SSI payment is about $620 per month. Payments depend on your income and work history.
It takes about 6 months for an initial decision. Most claims are denied at first. If you appeal and go to a hearing, it can take about 2 years.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.
You can hire an SSI attorney to help with appeals. Most initial claims are denied, but appeals can be successful. Legal aid groups may also offer help.
SSDI is for people who worked and paid into Social Security. SSI is for people with low income and few resources. Both require proof of disability and inability to work for at least 12 months.
Yes, but there are limits. SSDI and SSI have work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits. Report all work to the SSA.
WVABLE is West Virginia’s ABLE account program. It lets people with disabilities save and invest without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You must have a disability that started before age 26.
