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Virginia • Neurological/Developmental
Virginia residents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may be eligible for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Medicaid waivers. This guide explains eligibility, application steps, key programs, income limits, ABLE accounts, and local contacts in Virginia—helping you find and apply for the support you need.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), your condition must significantly limit your ability to work for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step evaluation: current work activity, severity of your condition, whether your condition meets a medical listing, ability to do past work, and ability to adjust to other work[1]. For SSI, there are strict income and asset limits, and for SSDI, you generally need enough work credits[6]. ADHD alone rarely meets a listing, but you may still qualify if your symptoms, combined with other impairments, prevent you from working[1].
Virginia uses the same five-step federal process for SSDI, but state Medicaid programs and waivers have additional rules. For Medicaid, you must meet income and asset limits, and for waivers like the Family & Individual Support Waiver, you must have a developmental disability. ADHD is not always classified as a developmental disability, but children and adults may qualify if ADHD causes significant functional impairment and co-occurs with other conditions. Virginia Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) also considers functional limitations, not just diagnosis[3][7]. To explore waiver eligibility, contact your local Community Services Board (CSB)[3].
To apply for ADHD-related disability benefits in Virginia:
SSI/SSDI Application
Virginia Medicaid & Waivers
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly cash assistance to low-income individuals with disabilities, including children and adults with severe ADHD who meet income and asset limits. Benefits in Virginia for 2025 are $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples[1].
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Offers monthly benefits to workers who have paid into Social Security and can no longer work due to a disability, including ADHD if it prevents substantial gainful activity. The 2025 SGA limit is $1,550/month for non-blind individuals[1].
ABLE Accounts: Allow people with disabilities to save up to $18,000/year in a tax-advantaged account without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses.
Virginia Medicaid (ABD): Provides health coverage to low-income adults and children with disabilities, including those with ADHD if they have significant functional limitations. Apply through Cover Virginia[7].
Developmental Disability (DD) Waivers: Three waivers are available, but ADHD is not always classified as a developmental disability. The ‘Family & Individual Support Waiver’ is the most relevant, offering services like case management, respite, and behavioral supports for both children and adults with substantial needs[3]. Eligibility depends on functional impairment, not diagnosis alone. Contact your local CSB to start the assessment process[3].
State ABLE Program: Virginia’s ABLE program (va.savewithable.com) lets residents save for disability expenses. Contributions up to $18,000/year do not count against SSI or Medicaid asset limits.
Note: ADHD support services in schools (through IEP/504 plans) are handled by local school districts, not state disability programs.
Virginia ABLE accounts let individuals with disabilities save up to $18,000 per year without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Funds can pay for education, housing, transportation, health, wellness, and other approved expenses. Open an account online at va.savewithable.com. See our ABLE Accounts guide for details.
SSI: Strict income and asset limits apply—2025 federal benefit is $943/month for individuals, $1,415/month for couples[1]. Countable income includes wages, Social Security, and in-kind support. SSDI: No asset limit, but you must have enough work credits. The 2025 SGA limit is $1,550/month for non-blind individuals—earn more and your benefits may stop[1]. Medicaid: Income limits vary by program and household size; check Cover Virginia for current figures[7].
Always report changes in income, living situation, or work activity to SSA and Medicaid promptly to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. See our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for best practices.
If your child has ADHD, school-based supports (IEP/504 plans) are separate from state disability benefits. Contact your child’s school to explore these options, as they can provide accommodations and services to help with learning and behavior.
Virginia’s developmental disability waivers have waiting lists and are not guaranteed for ADHD alone. However, if ADHD causes significant functional impairment—especially with other conditions—ask your local CSB about a waiver assessment[3].
ADHD may qualify if symptoms severely limit your ability to work or function for at least 12 months. Most claims are approved when ADHD is combined with other impairments. Approval depends on medical evidence, not diagnosis alone[1].
ADHD is not always classified as a developmental disability for waivers. The Family & Individual Support Waiver is most relevant if ADHD causes significant functional impairment, especially with co-occurring conditions. Contact your local CSB for an assessment[3].
In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,550/month for non-blind individuals. Earning above this may affect your SSDI benefits[1].
Yes, waiver slots are limited and assigned based on urgency of need. Waiting times vary. Stay in contact with your local CSB for updates[3].
Yes, with a Virginia ABLE account. Save up to $18,000/year for disability expenses without affecting eligibility[7].
Apply online at Cover Virginia, by phone, or through your local Department of Social Services. If you believe you need waiver services, also contact your local CSB[3][7].
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and not legal advice. Program rules and benefits may change. Contact official agencies for current details and personalized assistance. Always report changes in income, living situation, or work activity to avoid overpayments.
ABLE Accounts
You can appeal the decision. Consider seeking help from a disability advocate or legal aid. Appeals must be filed within 60 days of denial.
Yes, the SSA offers work incentives like the Ticket to Work program, allowing you to test your ability to work without immediately losing benefits. See our [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives) guide for details.
Find your local CSB at the Virginia DBHDS website or call (804) 786-3921 for statewide assistance[3].
Collect medical records, treatment history, school records (if under 18), work history, and statements from doctors, teachers, or employers about your limitations.
