If you or a family member have aphasia or a related speech/language disorder in Virginia, you may qualify for federal benefits (SSI/SSDI), Virginia Medicaid, state waivers, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, programs, managing money, and where to get help.
To qualify for SSI or SSDI with aphasia, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) strict definition of disability. Your condition must prevent you from working at the ‘substantial gainful activity’ (SGA) level—projected at $1,530/month for non-blind individuals in 2025[4]. For SSDI, you also need enough work credits, typically 40 credits with 20 earned in the last 10 years[6]. Aphasia may qualify under mental disorders or neurological listings if medical evidence shows severe, lasting impacts on communication and daily functions[1]. The SSA uses a five-step evaluation: no SGA, severity, meeting a medical listing, inability to do past work, and inability to adjust to other work[1]. If your aphasia is part of a more severe condition (like stroke), that may strengthen your case.
Virginia follows the same five-step federal process for SSI/SSDI[1]. There are no separate state disability payments, but SSI recipients receive the federal minimum—$943/month for individuals, $1,415 for couples in 2025[1]. For Medicaid, Virginia offers Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) coverage if you meet income and asset limits[5]. For people with developmental disabilities (including those with aphasia caused by brain injury or developmental disorder), Virginia’s DD Waivers (Community Living, Building Independence, Family & Individual Support) may provide home- and community-based supports, but these often have waiting lists and are prioritized by need[2]. Eligibility depends on functional, behavioral, or medical need assessments. Contact your local Community Services Board to apply[2].
If you have aphasia in Virginia and need disability benefits, start by applying online for SSI/SSDI at ssa.gov. For Medicaid, start at coverva.org. For waivers, contact your local Community Services Board[2]. Gather medical records, work history, and proof of income. Consider using the SSI Income Estimator to see if you might qualify.
Step 1: Gather Documentation
Step 2: Apply Online or In Person
Step 3: Complete Medical and Functional Reviews
Step 4: Track Your Application
Step 5: Appeal if Denied
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) gives monthly cash to people with low income/resources who are disabled, blind, or over 65. VA recipients get the federal minimum—$943/month for individuals, $1,415 for couples in 2025[1]. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) pays benefits if you have enough work credits and your disability prevents substantial work[1][6]. Both programs require a medical review, and aphasia may qualify if severe. Medicare starts after 24 months of SSDI. ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses without losing benefits.
Virginia Medicaid for Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) covers low-income adults with disabilities[5]. If your aphasia stems from a developmental disability or brain injury, you may qualify for Developmental Disability (DD) Waivers—especially the Community Living Waiver for intensive supports, or Building Independence Waiver if you need less help[2]. Waivers fund services like therapy, personal care, and supported living. Apply through your local Community Services Board; expect waiting lists[2]. Virginia also has programs for veterans and state employees, but these are not specific to speech/language disorders.
Virginia residents can open an ABLE account to save for disability expenses without affecting SSI, Medicaid, or waivers. ABLE accounts help pay for qualified expenses like therapy, assistive tech, and housing.
For SSI, strict income and resource limits apply. In 2025, Virginia SSI recipients get the federal minimum: $943/month (individuals), $1,415 (couples)[1]. For SSDI, there is no income limit after approval, but earning over the SGA amount ($1,530/month for non-blind individuals in 2025) may affect eligibility[4]. Medicaid (ABD and waivers) has its own income and asset limits.
If you work, you must report income changes to the SSA and Virginia Medicaid. Failing to report can lead to overpayments or loss of benefits. See our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for more.
If your aphasia makes it very hard to communicate at work, keep detailed records of how it affects your job tasks. This evidence can help with disability and waiver applications.
Virginia’s DD Waivers have waiting lists, and slots are prioritized by need. Apply early and follow up with your Community Services Board[2].
Aphasia may qualify if it (alone or with other conditions) severely limits your ability to work for at least 12 months. Approval depends on medical evidence and the SSA’s 5-step review[1][6].
SSI is need-based for low-income individuals, while SSDI is for those with enough work history. See [SSI vs SSDI](/guides/ssi-ssdi) for details[1].
Virginia recipients get the federal SSI minimum—$943/month for individuals, $1,415 for couples in 2025[1].
You may work up to the SGA limit (about $1,530/month in 2025 for non-blind), but earning more may affect benefits[1][4]. See [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives).
If your aphasia is part of a developmental disability or brain injury, you may qualify for DD Waivers, but there are waiting lists[2].
Contact your local Community Services Board to start the process and ask about waivers. Waiting lists are common[2].
ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses without losing SSI, Medicaid, or waiver eligibility. See our [ABLE Accounts](/guides/able-accounts) guide.
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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Processing time varies; some applications take months, especially if appeals are needed. Respond quickly to all requests to speed up your case.
SSI/SSDI are federal, but Medicaid and waiver rules change by state. Always update your address and check local rules.
Local legal aid, disability advocates, and the SSA can help. Start with your Community Services Board or the SSA.
