People with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in West Virginia may qualify for federal benefits like SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid, plus state supports such as Medicaid waivers and the WVABLE savings program. West Virginia does not have a separate state disability benefit, but advocacy and local resources can help with access to care, housing, and employment.
To qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) with a traumatic brain injury, you must prove your condition prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death[5]. For SSDI, you also need enough work credits from jobs covered by Social Security ("20/40 rule")[8]. SSI has strict income and resource limits; SSDI is based on your work history. Both require detailed medical evidence.
The Ticket to Work program lets you test your ability to work without losing benefits right away (a "trial work period")[8]. To start the process, visit ssa.gov or your local Social Security office[5].
West Virginia does not have a separate state disability benefits program—only federal SSI and SSDI are available for income support[2]. However, West Virginia Medicaid offers waiver programs that can provide home- and community-based services for people with disabilities, including those with traumatic brain injury, helping them remain independent and avoid nursing homes[3]. Eligibility for Medicaid is based on income and disability status; waivers may have additional criteria.
WVABLE is a state-federal partnership that allows people with disabilities, including TBI, to save and invest money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid[4][6]. The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS) and local Centers for Independent Living offer employment support, skills training, and advocacy for people with TBI[6]. Advocacy organizations like DRWV provide direct help with applications, appeals, and accessing assistive technology[1].
To apply for SSI or SSDI in West Virginia: • Gather your medical records and work history. • Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office[5][8]. • For Medicaid waivers and WVABLE, contact the West Virginia Bureau for Medical Services or WV State Treasurer’s Office directly[3][4]. • Seek help from local advocacy groups if you need assistance with forms or appeals[1].
1. Collect Documents: Gather medical records, proof of income, work history, and any existing disability diagnoses. For SSDI, have your Social Security number and proof of work credits[8].
2. Start Your Application: Apply for SSDI and/or SSI through ssa.gov, by phone, or in person. You may also visit a local Social Security office in West Virginia for in-person help[5][8]. Be truthful and consistent with your answers[2].
3. Medical Review: A disability specialist will review your case, and you may be asked for additional exams or records. Most initial applications are denied due to incomplete paperwork[2][5].
4. Appeals: If denied, you have 60 days to appeal. Consider hiring a qualified attorney; most successful appeals involve legal help[5]. The average wait time for a hearing is about two years[2].
5. Medicaid and Waivers: Once approved for SSI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid. For specialized home care, apply through the West Virginia Medicaid waiver program—contact the Bureau for Medical Services or West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities for guidance[3].
6. WVABLE: To open an ABLE account, visit wvtreasury.gov/Citizens/WVABLE. WVABLE lets you save and invest without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility[4].
7. Local Advocacy: Organizations like DRWV and WVDRS can provide direct advocacy, assistive technology, and help applying for vocational rehabilitation and supported employment programs[1][6].
Social Security Disability Programs
Medicare & Medicaid
Ticket to Work: Helps people with TBI return to work without immediately losing benefits[8].
Assistive Technology: The West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) can help you find and fund devices that support independence[6].
West Virginia Medicaid Waivers
WVABLE Accounts
State Vocational Services
Advocacy and Legal Support
WVABLE is West Virginia’s ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) program. It lets people with disabilities—including traumatic brain injury—save and invest without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other public benefits[4][6]. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like housing, transportation, and assistive technology.
SSI has strict income and resource limits: in 2025, the federal benefit rate is $943/month for an individual (amounts may be lower if you have other income)[2]. SSDI does not have income or resource limits for eligibility, but your benefit amount depends on your earnings history[8]. Medicaid eligibility is also based on income; approval for SSI often means automatic Medicaid qualification[9].
If you receive too much SSI, SSDI, or other benefits, you must report the overpayment and may need to repay the excess amount. Promptly report changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to avoid overpayments. For guidance, see our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Most initial SSI/SSDI applications are denied. Disability Rights of West Virginia and local legal aid can help you appeal—don’t give up if you’re denied at first[1][5].
WVABLE lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. This is a game-changer for financial independence in West Virginia[4][6].
Medicaid waivers can help you stay at home with TBI instead of moving to a nursing home. Ask about the TBI Waiver (TBIW) through the Bureau for Medical Services[3].
Yes, both SSI and SSDI allow some work through the Ticket to Work program and work incentives. Earnings must stay below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. Report all income to the Social Security Administration to avoid benefit cuts or overpayments[8].
No, West Virginia does not have a separate state disability program. Residents must apply for federal SSI or SSDI[2].
Initial decisions average about six months, but most applicants are denied and must go through a lengthy appeals process, which can take up to two years for a hearing[2].
WVABLE is a savings and investment account for people with disabilities, including TBI. It allows you to save up to $100,000 without losing eligibility for SSI and Medicaid, helping cover disability-related expenses[4][6].
Yes, Disability Rights of West Virginia (DRWV) and local legal aid groups can help with applications, appeals, and access to assistive technology[1]. Hiring an SSI/SSDI attorney may also improve your chances of winning an appeal[5].
Yes, West Virginia offers Medicaid waivers for TBI, which may fund home- and community-based services. Contact the Bureau for Medical Services or WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities for details[3].
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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State-specific information is limited; start here for the most current resources and applications: Bureau for Medical Services, Medicaid Waivers and West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services[3][6].
If denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Most people are denied at first; legal help is strongly recommended for appeals, as the process is complex and time-consuming[5].
If you receive SSI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid. If not, apply through the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. For waivers, contact the Bureau for Medical Services for application forms and assistance[3].
Funds in your WVABLE account must be used for "qualified disability expenses" such as housing, education, transportation, health, and assistive technology. Other spending may affect your eligibility for public benefits[4].
The West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) helps residents find and fund devices that support independence. Advocacy groups like DRWV can also connect you with resources and funding[1][6].
