Where to start your process in West Virginia

You can file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from anywhere in West Virginia through three routes: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. The online route is fastest if you have a my Social Security account already set up. If you call or visit an office, a representative will walk you through what documents you need before your appointment.

West Virginia has 14 Social Security field offices spread across the state. The largest are in Charleston, Huntington, and Beckley. You do not have to visit the office nearest you—you can go to any office in the state. If you prefer to file by phone, have your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency ready when you call.

Filing online through my Social Security takes about 15 to 20 minutes if you already have an account. If you do not have one, creating it takes an extra 5 to 10 minutes. You can save your progress and come back to finish later, which many people do when gathering documents takes time.

Key Takeaways

  • You can file online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at one of 14 Social Security offices across West Virginia.
  • Online filing through my Social Security is usually the fastest route and lets you save your progress and return later.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and medical records showing your condition and treatment.
  • The Social Security Administration will contact your doctors directly to request your medical records, so you do not have to collect them yourself.
  • West Virginia has a Work Incentives Planning and information (WIPA) project that offers free help understanding how work affects your benefits if you are approved.

Documents you need before you file

Gather these documents before you start your process: your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or naturalization papers), and a list of all doctors and hospitals that have treated you for your condition. You do not need to collect medical records yourself—the Social Security Administration will request them from your providers once you file.

If you are filing for SSI (the needs-based program for people with low income and few resources), you will also need proof of your income and assets. Bring recent pay stubs, bank statements, and proof of any other income you receive. If you own a home or vehicle, bring the deed or title. The income and resource limits change yearly, so ask the Social Security office what the current limits are when you file.

If you have worked in other states or countries, bring records of that work. Social Security uses your work history to decide whether you have paid enough into the system to be insured for SSDI. If you are explore for SSI, your work history does not affect your case, but it helps Social Security understand your background.

What happens after you file

After you submit your process, Social Security sends it to the West Virginia Disability information Service (DDS), a state agency that makes the medical decision on your case. The DDS will request your medical records from all the doctors and hospitals you listed. This usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. While they wait for records, they may contact you to ask follow-up questions about your condition or work history.

The DDS reviews your medical evidence and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability—meaning you cannot work for at least 12 months or have a condition expected to result in death. This review takes 30 to 90 days from the time they receive your complete medical file. You will receive a written decision in the mail.

If you are denied, you have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file an appeal. Most people file a Request for Reconsideration, which sends your case to a different examiner at the DDS. If you are denied again, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. About 60 percent of people who appeal at the hearing level are approved.

West Virginia resources specific to your state

West Virginia has a Work Incentives Planning and information (WIPA) project run by the Mountain State Centers for Independent Living. If you are approved for SSDI or SSI, WIPA offers free counseling on how returning to work affects your benefits. They explain the work incentives available to you—like the Student Earned Income Exclusion, Impairment Related Work Expenses, and Plan to Achieve Self-Support—so you understand what you can earn without losing your benefits.

You can reach West Virginia WIPA at 1-866-903-3787 or visit their office in Charleston. They also have satellite locations in Huntington and Beckley. You do not have to wait until you are approved to contact them; many people call while their case is pending to understand what work looks like under SSDI or SSI rules.

West Virginia also has a Ticket to Work program, which is a national program that lets you test your ability to work without losing your benefits when ready. If you are approved for SSDI or SSI and want to work, you can assign your ticket to an approved employment network or vocational rehabilitation provider. The provider helps you find work and keeps your benefits protected while you earn.

The difference between SSDI and SSI in West Virginia

SSDI is based on your work history. You must have worked long enough and recently enough to be insured. The amount you receive is based on your earnings record, not on your current income or resources. If you are approved, your family members may also be able to receive benefits on your record.

SSI is based on financial need. You must have low income and few resources (the resource limit is currently $2,000 for an individual, though this changes yearly). SSI pays a federal amount each month, and West Virginia adds a small state supplement. You do not need a work history to receive SSI, but you must be a U.S. citizen or certain categories of legal resident.

You can receive both SSDI and SSI at the same time if your SSDI payment is very low. When you file, Social Security will determine which program you are insured for and explain the difference in your approval letter.

Social Security offices in West Virginia

The 14 Social Security field offices in West Virginia are located in Beckley, Bluefield, Charleston, Clarksburg, Fairmont, Grafton, Huntington, Keyser, Lewisburg, Martinsburg, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Princeton, and Welch. You can find the address, phone number, and hours for each office on ssa.gov by searching "Social Security office near me" or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though some have limited hours on certain days. Many offices now require you to make an appointment before you visit. You can schedule an appointment online through my Social Security, by phone, or by visiting the office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for disability while I am still working?

Yes. Social Security does not require you to stop working before you file. However, if you are earning more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit—currently $1,550 per month—Social Security may assume you are not disabled. If you are earning less than the SGA limit, you can file and explain your work situation to the examiner.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Most initial decisions take 3 to 6 months from the date you file. The time depends on how quickly your doctors send your medical records and how complex your case is. If you appeal a denial, a reconsideration decision usually takes another 3 to 6 months, and a hearing before a judge can take 1 to 2 years.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can file without one, but you will need to provide another form of proof of age and citizenship. A passport, naturalization papers, or military discharge papers all work. Social Security can also help you get a birth certificate from the West Virginia Vital Registration office if you need one.

Do I need a lawyer to file?

No. You can file on your own without paying anyone. If you are denied and decide to appeal, you may want representation at the hearing level. If you hire a lawyer, they can charge up to 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from the date you filed to the date you were approved), with a maximum of $7,200.

What if I move out of West Virginia after I file?

Your case stays with the West Virginia DDS until a decision is made. After you are approved or denied, you can move anywhere in the United States and your benefits will continue. If you move outside the United States, contact Social Security to understand how your benefits are affected, as rules vary by country.