If you have cancer in Virginia, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, plus state Medicaid waivers and support programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what help is available.
To get federal disability benefits for cancer in Virginia, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) rules. You need a diagnosis that stops you from working for at least 12 months or is terminal. The SSA uses a five-step process to decide if your cancer is severe enough. If your cancer is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book (Listing of Impairments), you may qualify automatically. If not, the SSA looks at your ability to do past work or any other work. You must also meet income and asset rules for SSI, or work credit rules for SSDI [1][3][5][8].
In Virginia, cancer patients may qualify for Medicaid waivers if they need long-term care or support services. The Developmental Disability (DD) Waivers are for people with certain conditions, but cancer patients may qualify for other Medicaid programs or waivers based on their needs. Virginia also offers services through local Community Services Boards (CSBs) for people with disabilities, including cancer. There is often a waiting list for waiver slots, and assignments are based on urgency of need [2].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Virginia residents can open an ABLE account to pay for qualified disability expenses. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how they work [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Learn how to avoid overpayments and what to report [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) for help with Medicaid waivers and support services. They can guide you through the process and answer your questions.
Yes, if your cancer stops you from working for at least 12 months or is terminal. You must meet SSA rules and provide medical evidence. Virginia also offers Medicaid waivers and support services for people with disabilities.
In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples. Virginia does not add a state supplement to SSI.
In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals and $2,700/month for blind individuals. Earning more than this may affect your SSDI benefits.
Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) to apply for Medicaid waivers. They will help you determine eligibility and guide you through the process.
The SSA uses a five-step process: current work activity, severity of condition, medical listings match, past relevant work, and other work capacity. Each step determines if you qualify for benefits.
Yes, children with cancer may qualify for SSI if they meet SSA rules. Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may also qualify for benefits on a parent’s Social Security record.
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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If your cancer goes into remission and you can work, your benefits may stop. You must report changes in your condition to Social Security.
Yes, there are work incentives that let you test your ability to work without losing benefits. Learn more about SSI/SSDI work incentives [internal_link: SSI & SSDI Work Incentives].
It can take 3 to 6 months to get a decision on your disability application. If you appeal, it may take longer.
Yes, if you meet the rules for both programs. SSI is for low-income individuals, and SSDI is for people with a work history.
