If you have an Anxiety Disorder in Virginia, you may be eligible for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI), state Medicaid programs, and ABLE accounts to help with medical, housing, and daily living costs, but you must meet specific medical and income criteria. This guide explains who qualifies, how to apply, key resources, and what’s unique for Virginians with Anxiety Disorders.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with an Anxiety Disorder, you must meet Social Security’s strict definition of disability. Your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing any substantial gainful activity (SGA), expected to last at least 12 months, and must significantly limit your ability to work. There’s no separate category for Anxiety Disorders—your claim will be evaluated under mental health listings. Work credits are required for SSDI (generally 40 credits, 20 in the last 10 years), and SSI has strict income and resource limits[6].
In Virginia, the five-step evaluation for SSDI and SSI is the same as the national process, but adjudication is handled by Virginia Disability Determination Services[1]. For Medicaid, Virginia offers programs such as Medicaid for Persons who are Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD)—check if you meet income and asset limits[5]. The state does not offer a specialized waiver just for Anxiety Disorders, but waivers like Family & Individual Support may help those with co-occurring developmental disabilities[2]. Currently, there are no state-specific cash benefits for Anxiety Disorders beyond federal SSI/SSDI. Always confirm your eligibility with a benefits counselor or local Social Security office.
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Step-by-Step Application Guide for Virginia Residents with Anxiety Disorders:
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility Check if your Anxiety Disorder is severe enough to meet Social Security’s criteria for disability. Your symptoms must prevent you from working and last at least one year. For SSDI, you need enough work credits. For SSI, your income and assets must be very low[1][6].
Step 2: Collect Evidence Gather all medical records, treatment notes, prescriptions, hospitalizations, and letters from your doctors about your Anxiety Disorder. Include any records showing how your condition affects your daily life and ability to work.
Step 3: Begin the Application Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The application will ask for personal, work, and medical info. If you use SSA’s online portal, you can save your progress[1].
Step 4: Follow Up After you apply, Virginia’s Disability Determination Services will review your claim. They may request more information or schedule a consultative exam. Respond quickly to all requests to avoid delays.
Step 5: Appeal if Denied If you’re denied, don’t give up. You have 60 days to request a reconsideration and, if needed, a hearing. Many people win on appeal, especially with strong evidence and support.
Step 6: Apply for Medicaid If you’re approved for SSI, you’ll usually qualify for Virginia Medicaid automatically. Otherwise, apply separately through Cover Virginia[5]. For waivers, contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) to see if you’re eligible for supports beyond health coverage[2].
Federal Programs for Anxiety Disorders in Virginia:
Virginia-Specific Disability Benefits for Anxiety Disorders:
ABLE Accounts in Virginia: You can open an ABLE account to save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. ABLE funds can pay for housing, education, transportation, health, and more. Learn how ABLE accounts work and how to sign up at our <a href="/guides/able-accounts">ABLE Accounts guide</a>.
Income Limits for SSI/SSDI in Virginia (2025):
Avoid Overpayments and Report Changes: If you get SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid, you must report income, living situation, and asset changes to avoid penalties or overpayments. If you don’t, you may have to pay back benefits. Learn how to report changes and what to do if you get an overpayment notice in our <a href="/guides/overpayments-and-reporting">Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide</a>.
Virginia does not offer a state supplement to SSI payments—you receive the federal SSI amount only[1]. No state-only disability benefit exists for Anxiety Disorders. Medicaid waivers are mainly for developmental disabilities; check with your local Community Services Board if you have co-occurring conditions.
Even if you don’t qualify for disability payments, the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and local CSBs offer counseling, crisis services, and referrals. These do not provide direct financial aid but can help you access treatment and support.
Medicaid waiver slots are limited and have waitlists. For SSI/SSDI, appeals are common—don’t give up if denied. Legal aid or a benefits advocate can help with applications and appeals.
Yes, but only if your Anxiety Disorder is severe enough to meet federal disability criteria. Your condition must prevent you from working and last at least one year. There are no state cash benefits just for Anxiety Disorders beyond federal SSI/SSDI[1][6].
SSI payments in Virginia are the same as the federal rate: $943/month for individuals, $1,415/month for couples in 2025. Virginia does not add a state supplement[1].
Virginia’s Medicaid waivers are generally for developmental disabilities, not Anxiety Disorders alone. If you have both, contact your local CSB to check waiver eligibility[2].
Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. Gather medical evidence showing how your Anxiety Disorder limits your ability to work. Virginia’s Disability Determination Services will review your claim[1][6].
You can work part-time if you earn less than the SGA limit ($1,550/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals). Higher earnings may affect your eligibility. SSI also has strict income limits[1][3].
An ABLE account lets you save for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. Funds can pay for housing, education, health, and more. Virginia offers the Virginia ABLE Now program[internal_links.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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Step 7: Set Up an ABLE Account If you’re approved for SSI or SSDI, consider setting up a Virginia ABLE Now account to save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits.
You can appeal. Many people win on appeal, especially with strong medical evidence. Contact a benefits counselor or legal aid for help.
Report changes in income, living situation, or assets right away to your local Social Security office or through your Medicaid caseworker. Failing to report can lead to overpayments or loss of benefits[internal_links.4].
Yes, local CSBs and the Department of Behavioral Health provide counseling, case management, and referrals, but not direct financial aid.
Processing times vary—often several months. Appeals can take longer. Apply as soon as you’re eligible, and respond quickly to all requests for information.
