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West Virginia • Mental Health
People with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in West Virginia can qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, Medicaid waivers, ABLE accounts, and state support programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with OCD, your condition must be severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a medical guide called the Blue Book. OCD is listed under Section 12.06 for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. You must show that your symptoms cause extreme limitation in at least one area or marked limitation in two areas, such as understanding, interacting, concentrating, or adapting. You also need medical records, treatment history, and proof that you cannot do substantial work. For SSDI, you must have worked and paid into Social Security. For SSI, your income and assets must be low. Both programs require ongoing medical proof of disability.
In West Virginia, people with OCD may also qualify for state-specific programs. The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS) helps people with disabilities find jobs and get support. The West Virginia Medicaid waiver program lets people with disabilities stay at home and get specialized care instead of being placed in institutions. The West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) can help with devices and tools. The West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) and the West Virginia Independence Network (WIN) offer advocacy and peer support. To get these services, you must meet income and disability criteria set by each program. Some programs require proof of diagnosis and ongoing treatment. Legal aid is available to help with applications and appeals.
Check if your OCD is severe enough to stop you from working.
Gather medical records and treatment history.
Visit SSA.gov or your local Social Security office to start your SSI/SSDI claim.
Ask about Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts for extra support.
Contact WVDRS or WVU CED for state help.
Consider legal help if your claim is denied.
SSA Apply Online (2025-04-01)
WVDRS Contact (2025-04-01)
Step 1: Get a diagnosis and treatment plan from a mental health professional. Keep all records.
Step 2: Review SSA’s Blue Book Section 12.06 to see if your OCD meets the criteria.
Step 3: Start your SSI/SSDI application online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local office.
Step 4: Submit all medical records, work history, and proof of income.
Step 5: If denied, file an appeal within 60 days. Legal help can improve your chances.
Step 6: Apply for Medicaid waivers if you need home care or support services.
Step 7: Open a WVABLE account to save money without losing benefits.
Step 8: Contact WVDRS for job training and support.
Step 9: Join peer support groups like WIN for advice and resources.
Step 10: Keep SSA and Medicaid updated about any changes in your condition or income.
SSA Disability Application (2025-04-01)
WV Medicaid Waivers (2025-04-01)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For people who worked and paid into Social Security.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For low-income people with disabilities, regardless of work history.
Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income people with disabilities.
Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities after 24 months of SSDI.
ABLE Accounts: Let people with disabilities save money without losing benefits.
SSA Disability Programs (2025-04-01)
Medicaid.gov (2025-04-01)
Medicare.gov (2025-04-01)
ABLE National Resource Center (2025-04-01)
West Virginia Medicaid Waivers: Let people with disabilities stay at home and get care instead of being placed in institutions. Examples include the Children with Disabilities Community Service Program (CDCSP) and Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver (TBIW).
WVABLE: ABLE accounts for West Virginians with disabilities to save and invest without losing public benefits.
West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS): Job training, counseling, and support for people with disabilities.
West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS): Help with devices and tools for independence.
West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC): Advocacy and support for independent living.
West Virginia Independence Network (WIN): Peer support, skills training, and information.
West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CED): Education, research, and services for people with disabilities.
WVABLE is West Virginia’s ABLE account program. It lets people with disabilities save and invest up to $17,000 per year without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other public benefits. Accounts can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other qualified expenses. Anyone with a disability that started before age 26 can open an account. Family and friends can also contribute. WVABLE is managed by the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office.
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. SSDI has no income limit, but you must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals in 2024 and expected to rise slightly in 2025. Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size. ABLE accounts do not count toward SSI or Medicaid asset limits.
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to SSA and Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person. If you get an overpayment notice, you can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan. Legal help is available if you need it.
Legal aid and advocacy groups in West Virginia can help you with your disability application and appeals. Contact WVDRS or a local SSI attorney for support.
Yes, if your OCD is severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months. You must meet SSA’s medical and work criteria. Many people with OCD qualify for SSI or SSDI if their symptoms are well-documented and limit their ability to work.
SSI is for low-income people with disabilities, regardless of work history. SSDI is for people who worked and paid into Social Security. Both programs require proof that your OCD stops you from working.
Contact the Bureau for Medical Services or visit the WVU CED website. You must meet income and disability criteria. Waivers let you get care at home instead of in an institution.
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. You can use it for housing, education, and other qualified expenses. WVABLE is West Virginia’s ABLE program.
You don’t need a lawyer, but legal help can improve your chances of approval, especially if your claim is denied. Lawyers only get paid if you win.
You can appeal within 60 days. Most people are denied at first, but many win on appeal. Legal help can make the process easier.
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.
WVABLE (2025-04-01)
WVDRS (2025-04-01)
WIN (2025-04-01)
Legal Help for SSI (2025-04-01)
WV Medicaid Waivers (2025-04-01)
WVABLE (2025-04-01)
WVDRS (2025-04-01)
WVATS (2025-04-01)
SILC (2025-04-01)
WIN (2025-04-01)
CED (2025-04-01)
The federal SSI limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2025. SSDI has no income limit, but you must not earn more than the SGA limit, which is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals in 2024.
Yes, but there are limits. SSDI and SSI have work incentives and trial work periods. You must report any income to SSA.
WVDRS, WVATS, SILC, WIN, and WVU CED offer job training, assistive technology, advocacy, peer support, and education for people with OCD.
Report changes online, by phone, or in person to SSA and Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties.
