If you have Bipolar Disorder in Virginia, you may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), Medicaid, and state-specific waivers. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available in 2025.
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:
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]
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.
Apply for SSDI/SSI:
Apply for Medicaid:
Apply for DD Waivers (if eligible):
Follow Up:
Appeal if Denied:
[Source: DisabilityResources.org, DMAS.Virginia.gov, SSA.gov]
[Source: SSA.gov, DisabilityResources.org]
[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]
[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]
Contact your local Social Security office or Community Services Board for help with applications and questions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. You need medical records, proof of income, and work history. The application will be reviewed by Virginia’s Disability Determination Services.
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for SSDI in 2025 is $1,550/month for non-blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you usually won’t qualify unless you use work incentives.
Yes, Virginia offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities. You can save up to $17,000 per year without losing SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid benefits.
If your application is denied, you can appeal within 60 days. You may need to attend a hearing with an administrative law judge. Get help from a disability advocate or attorney if needed.
