If you have arthritis in Virginia, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state-specific Medicaid waivers and support programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available for Virginians with arthritis.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) with arthritis, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to decide eligibility:
You must also meet non-medical requirements, such as income and resource limits for SSI, or work credits for SSDI [1][3][4][5][7].
Virginia does not add a state supplement to federal SSI payments, so SSI recipients receive only the federal amount: $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples in 2025 [1]. For SSDI, payment amounts depend on your work history and earnings, not your state of residence.
Virginia offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including those with arthritis who need home and community-based services. The main waivers are the Community Living (CL) Waiver, Building Independence Waiver, and Family & Individual Support Waiver. These programs help with supports like personal care, home modifications, and respite care, but there is a waiting list and slots are assigned based on urgency of need [2].
To qualify for a Medicaid waiver, you must meet both federal disability criteria and Virginia’s eligibility requirements, which include functional limitations and financial need. Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) to start the application process [2].
Virginia residents with arthritis may qualify for an ABLE account if their disability began before age 26. ABLE accounts let you save money for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. Withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free. Learn more about Virginia ABLE accounts and how to open one [internal_link_ABLE_Accounts].
If your income, health, or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security and Medicaid. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. Use the SSA’s online portal or call your local office to report changes. For Medicaid, report changes to your local Community Services Board [internal_link_Avoiding_Overpayments_Reporting_Changes].
Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) for help with Medicaid waivers and support services. For SSI/SSDI, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
Yes, if your arthritis is severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must provide medical evidence showing how arthritis limits your daily activities and ability to work [1][5].
In Virginia, SSI pays $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples in 2025. Virginia does not add a state supplement to the federal SSI amount [1].
The SSDI Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals in 2025. If you earn more than this, you generally won’t qualify for SSDI unless you qualify for work incentives [3][4][7].
Yes, if you qualify for SSI or meet Medicaid’s income and disability requirements, you can get Medicaid in Virginia. Medicaid covers medical care and some home and community-based services for people with arthritis [2].
Virginia offers the Community Living, Building Independence, and Family & Individual Support waivers. These provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including arthritis, who need ongoing support [2].
Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) to apply for Medicaid waivers. They will help you start the process and determine your eligibility based on need and urgency [2].
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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Yes, you can work and still get disability benefits if your earnings are below the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025). Work incentives let you test returning to work without losing all benefits [3][4][7].
You need medical records showing your arthritis diagnosis, treatment history, and how it limits your ability to work and do daily activities. The more detailed your records, the stronger your application [1][5].
The process can take several months. The Disability Determination Services reviews your application, medical evidence, and work history before making a decision [1][5].
Yes, Medicaid waivers like the Community Living Waiver may cover home modifications and personal care services for people with arthritis who need ongoing support [2].
