People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Virginia may qualify for federal Social Security (SSI, SSDI), Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts, plus state services. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key contacts for Virginia-specific programs.
To qualify for federal disability benefits for Autism Spectrum Disorder, you must meet Social Security’s medical criteria for a neurodevelopmental disorder. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you need limited income and assets; there is no work requirement. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have sufficient work credits based on your own or a parent’s work history[2][7].
Federal rules require that your condition severely limits daily activities for at least 12 months, and the symptoms must meet or match the criteria in Social Security’s Blue Book. Children and adults can both qualify, but the process and criteria differ slightly[7]. In Virginia, SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid[2].
SSI income & asset limits (2025):
SSDI benefit amounts vary based on your earnings record. In 2025, benefits are increasing about 2.5% due to the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)[3][5].
Annual Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limits for 2025 will also increase slightly. For non-blind individuals, this is expected to be just above $1,470/month; for blind individuals, above $2,460/month[3].
Virginia’s Medicaid waivers for Developmental Disabilities (including Autism Spectrum Disorder) are for people of all ages who need significant daily support. The three main waivers are:
Eligibility is based on level of need, not income or assets for the waivers themselves, but Medicaid eligibility rules still apply. Waiver services are limited and assigned based on urgency—waiting lists are common, so apply early[1].
Act early—waiver and benefit waitlists are common.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Autism Spectrum Disorder Benefits in Virginia
1. Medicaid Waivers
2. Social Security (SSI/SSDI)
3. Medicaid for Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD)
4. Employment and Training
Federal disability programs available in Virginia include:
Work incentives allow SSI/SSDI recipients to work while keeping some benefits—see the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide for details.
Virginia state programs for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related developmental disabilities:
State-specific Medicaid is also available under the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) program for those not on SSI but meeting state disability and financial rules[6].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities (including Autism Spectrum Disorder) save money for qualified expenses without losing federal benefits like SSI or Medicaid. In Virginia, you can open an ABLE account through a national provider. Funds can be used for education, housing, health care, transportation, and more. Contributions and growth are tax-free at the federal level. For details, see the ABLE Accounts guide.
SSI income and resource limits (2025):
SSDI has no income or resource limit, but you cannot earn above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amount: approximately $1,470/month for non-blind, $2,460/month for blind (2025 estimate)[3].
Medicaid Waivers do not have income limits for eligibility, but you must qualify for Medicaid first—Medicaid income and resource rules apply[1].
You must report changes in income, living situation, or resources to Social Security and Virginia Medicaid promptly to avoid overpayments and penalties[2]. If you receive too much SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid, you may have to repay the extra amount. See the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for detailed rules and how to correct mistakes.
Virginia’s three Medicaid Developmental Disability (DD) waivers all have waiting lists, and slots are assigned based on urgency of need, not first-come, first-served. Apply as early as possible through your local Community Services Board[1].
Waiting times vary by waiver and region, but all waivers are in high demand. It’s best to apply as early as possible and contact your local Community Services Board for the latest information[1].
Yes, Autism Spectrum Disorder can qualify for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid if it severely limits daily activities for at least 12 months and meets or matches the criteria in Social Security’s Blue Book[2][7].
SSI for children considers both the child’s income and the parents’ income and resources until age 18. Medicaid and waivers may have different rules; ask your local CSB and DSS for details[2][1].
Services can include in-home supports, respite care, behavioral therapy, assistive technology, day services, and residential care, depending on the waiver[1].
Yes, with limits. SSI and SSDI have work incentives—you can earn up to the SGA limit without losing benefits. SSI adjusts payments as your income changes. See the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide for details[3].
Virginia does not have its own ABLE program, but you can use any national ABLE account provider. These accounts help save for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid[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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Virginia also offers support through the Virginia Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), which provides employment, training, and assistive technology services[4].
5. ABLE Accounts
6. Report Changes
Contact Virginia Career Works or the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) for job placement, training, and assistive technology support[4].
You can appeal within 60 days. Consider contacting a legal aid organization or disability advocate for help with your appeal[2].
Medicaid and some DD waivers may cover Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy and other autism-specific supports. Ask your CSB about available services[1].
Start with your local Community Services Board for waivers, DSS for Medicaid, and SSA for SSI/SSDI. See the All benefits in your state guide for a full list of Virginia resources.
