Bipolar Disorder Benefits in Virginia: 2025 Guide

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with Bipolar Disorder, your condition must be severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to decide eligibility:

• Step 1: Are you working? If you earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit ($1,550/month in 2025), you usually won’t qualify unless you use work incentives.
• Step 2: Is your condition severe? Bipolar Disorder must seriously limit your ability to work.
• Step 3: Does it meet a medical listing? Bipolar Disorder is listed in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments (12.04). If your symptoms match the listing, you may be approved automatically.
• Step 4: Can you do past work? If not, the SSA checks if you can do other jobs.
• Step 5: Can you do any other work? If not, you may be approved for benefits.

You need medical records, treatment history, and proof of work history for SSDI. SSI also considers income and resources.

[Source: SSA.gov, DisabilityResources.org]

In Virginia, people with Bipolar Disorder may qualify for Medicaid if they meet income and disability rules. Virginia also offers Developmental Disability (DD) Waivers for those who need extra support, but these are for developmental disabilities, not mental health conditions like Bipolar Disorder. However, if you have both, you may qualify for some waiver services. Medicaid for Persons who are Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) is available for those with Bipolar Disorder who meet income and disability criteria. There is no state-funded SSI supplement in Virginia, so SSI recipients get only the federal amount.

Virginia’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) follows the same federal rules for SSDI and SSI. The process is the same for all disabilities, including Bipolar Disorder.

[Source: DisabilityResources.org, DMAS.Virginia.gov]

• Gather medical records, treatment history, and work history.
• Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
• If you need Medicaid, apply through CoverVA or your local Department of Social Services.
• For DD Waivers, contact your local Community Services Board (CSB).
• Keep copies of all documents and follow up on your application status.

1. Get Medical Records: Collect all records from doctors, therapists, and hospitals that show your Bipolar Disorder diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, and how it affects your daily life and ability to work.

2. Apply for SSDI/SSI:

   • Go to SSA.gov and create an account.
   • Fill out the online application for SSDI or SSI. You can also apply by phone (1-800-772-1213) or in person at a local Social Security office.
   • Submit all required documents, including medical records, proof of income, and work history.
   • The SSA will send your application to Virginia’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) for review.

3. Apply for Medicaid:

   • Go to CoverVA.dmas.virginia.gov and create an account.
   • Fill out the application for Medicaid for Persons who are Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD).
   • Submit all required documents, including proof of income, disability, and residency.

4. Apply for DD Waivers (if eligible):

   • Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) to apply for DD Waivers.
   • There is a waiting list, and slots are assigned based on urgency of need.

5. Follow Up:

   • Keep copies of all documents and applications.
   • Respond to any requests for more information.
   • Check your application status online or by phone.

6. Appeal if Denied:

   • If your application is denied, you can appeal within 60 days.
   • You may need to attend a hearing with an administrative law judge.

[Source: DisabilityResources.org, DMAS.Virginia.gov, SSA.gov]

• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For those who have worked and paid into Social Security. Payments are based on your work history.
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): For those with limited income and resources. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples in Virginia.
• Medicare: After 24 months of SSDI, you may qualify for Medicare.
• Medicaid: If you get SSI, you may also qualify for Medicaid in Virginia.
• Work Incentives: Programs like Ticket to Work and PASS plans help you keep benefits while working.

[Source: SSA.gov, DisabilityResources.org]

• Medicaid for Persons who are Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD): Provides health coverage for those with Bipolar Disorder who meet income and disability criteria.
• Developmental Disability (DD) Waivers: Virginia offers three DD Waivers (Building Independence, Family & Individual Support, Community Living) for those with developmental disabilities. These are not for Bipolar Disorder alone, but if you have both, you may qualify for some services.
• ABLE Accounts: Virginia offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities to save money without losing benefits.
• No State SSI Supplement: Virginia does not add to the federal SSI amount, so recipients get only the federal payment.

[Source: DMAS.Virginia.gov, DisabilityResources.org]

Virginia offers ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts for people with disabilities. These accounts let you save up to $17,000 per year (2025) without losing SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other disability-related expenses. To open an account, visit the Virginia ABLE website or call 1-800-531-2227.

[Source: DisabilityResources.org]

• SSI: In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples in Virginia. There is no state supplement.
• SSDI: Payments vary based on work history. The maximum SSDI payment in 2025 is about $3,917/month.
• Medicaid: Income limits vary based on household size and program. For ABD Medicaid, the limit is about $1,133/month for an individual in 2025.
• SGA Limit: The Substantial Gainful Activity limit for SSDI in 2025 is $1,550/month for non-blind individuals.

[Source: DisabilityResources.org, SSA.gov]

If your income or resources change, you must report it to the SSA or DMAS. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. For SSI, report changes in income, resources, living arrangements, or marital status. For SSDI, report changes in work or earnings. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person. If you get an overpayment notice, you can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan.

[Source: DisabilityResources.org, SSA.gov]

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

  Website

  Apply for SSDI/SSI and get help with benefits.
• Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS)
  Phone: (804) 786-1943

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid and get help with health coverage.
• Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)
  Phone: (804) 786-3921

  TTY: (804) 371-8977

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

  Website

  Apply for DD Waivers and get help with support services.

• Can I get disability benefits for Bipolar Disorder in Virginia?

  Yes, if your Bipolar Disorder is severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You need medical records and proof of work history for SSDI, or low income and resources for SSI.

• How much does SSI pay in Virginia for Bipolar Disorder?

  In 2025, SSI pays $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples in Virginia. There is no state supplement, so you get only the federal amount.

• Can I work while getting SSDI or SSI for Bipolar Disorder?

  Yes, but there are limits. In 2025, you can earn up to $1,550/month (SGA limit) and still get SSDI. SSI has lower income limits, but work incentives can help you keep benefits while working.

• Does Virginia have a state supplement for SSI?

  No, Virginia does not add to the federal SSI payment. SSI recipients get only the federal amount, which is $943/month for individuals in 2025.

• Can I get Medicaid if I have Bipolar Disorder in Virginia?

  Yes, if you meet income and disability criteria, you may qualify for Medicaid for Persons who are Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD). This covers health care, therapy, and some support services.

• What are DD Waivers in Virginia, and can I get one for Bipolar Disorder?

  DD Waivers in Virginia are for people with developmental disabilities, not mental health conditions like Bipolar Disorder. If you have both, you may qualify for some waiver services, but not for Bipolar Disorder alone.