Virginia residents with deaf-blindness may be eligible for federal disability payments (SSI, SSDI), Virginia Medicaid waivers, assistive technology, and Home and Community-Based Services. Apply through state and federal agencies to access financial support, healthcare, and independent living programs.
To qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability—expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. There is no work history required for SSI. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked long enough and recently enough under Social Security, and meet the same disability criteria. SSDI payments depend on your work history[2][6].
Both programs require medical documentation of your disability. In 2025, the maximum federal SSI payment is $967/month for an individual and $1,450/month for a couple[2]. SSDI amounts vary based on your earnings record. Deaf-blindness may qualify under sensory impairments, but medical and functional evidence is key.
If you receive SSI in Virginia, you automatically qualify for Medicaid, which covers health services, therapy, and sometimes assistive technology[2].
Virginia’s Medicaid for Persons who are Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) covers individuals with disabilities, including deaf-blindness, who meet income and asset limits[7]. The state also offers Developmental Disability (DD) Waivers—Building Independence, Family & Individual Support, and Community Living—for children and adults who need help with daily living, communication, or independent living. These waivers provide services like personal care, assistive technology, and respite care, but there is a waiting list[1].
To access waivers, you must apply through your local Community Services Board (CSB). Eligibility is based on functional needs and medical criteria, not just diagnosis. State employees with disabilities may also access the Virginia Sickness and Disability Program (VSDP), which includes income replacement, rehabilitation, and long-term care coverage[3].
Start by contacting your local Community Services Board (CSB) for Virginia Medicaid waivers and state disability programs—they can help determine your eligibility and place you on the right waiting list[1]. For SSI and SSDI, apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office[2]. Gather medical records, proof of income, and identification. If you need help, ask for a representative payee or contact advocacy groups like The Arc of Virginia.
SSI and SSDI are the main federal programs for people with deaf-blindness. SSI is for people with limited income and no work history, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid into Social Security. Both provide monthly payments and, in Virginia, SSI recipients are also eligible for Medicaid[2].
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) through Medicaid can cover personal care, therapy, and assistive devices for people with sensory disabilities. Veterans with service-connected disabilities may also qualify for VA benefits, including education, employment, and housing support[5].
Virginia offers three DD waivers for people with developmental disabilities, which can include deaf-blindness when it limits major life activities[1]. The Building Independence Waiver supports adults who live independently but need some help. The Family & Individual Support Waiver helps those living with family, and the Community Living Waiver is for people who need 24/7 support.
These waivers can fund assistive technology, communication devices, personal care, and respite. There is a waiting list, and enrollment depends on urgency of need. Virginia’s ABD Medicaid program covers health services for people who are blind or disabled, regardless of age[7]. State employees have access to VSDP, which provides disability income and rehabilitation support[3].
ABLE accounts let you save for disability-related expenses without losing Virginia Medicaid or SSI benefits.
ABLE accounts (Achieving a Better Life Experience) let Virginians with disabilities save up to $100,000 without affecting eligibility for SSI and Medicaid. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, including assistive technology and communication devices. Learn more about setting up an ABLE account in Virginia.
For SSI, the 2025 federal income limit is $967/month for an individual and $1,450/month for a couple[2]. Countable resources are capped at $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple). Virginia Medicaid for the aged, blind, or disabled (ABD) has similar income and asset limits; eligibility is often automatic for SSI recipients[7]. SSDI payments depend on your work history, not current income[2][6].
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for SSDI in 2025 is expected to be $1,530/month for non-blind individuals; for blind individuals, it’s higher, but deaf-blindness cases are usually evaluated under non-blind rules unless your primary disability is blindness[4].
Always report changes in income, living situation, or health to Social Security and your local CSB. Failing to report can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. Learn how to report changes and what to do if you think you received too much in benefits by visiting our guide on avoiding overpayments.
You can apply for SSI and SSDI at the same time. If you qualify for both, you will get the higher benefit. In Virginia, most people on SSI also get Medicaid[2]. Always report changes in your situation to Social Security and your CSB to keep your benefits safe.
If you’re a Virginia state employee with a disability, you have access to the Virginia Sickness and Disability Program (VSDP), which provides income replacement, rehab, and long-term care coverage. Contact your HR department for details[3].
Veterans with service-connected disabilities (including deaf-blindness) may qualify for special VA benefits, including education, employment, housing, and student loan discharge. Contact your local VA office or visit the VA website[5].
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, with no work history required. SSDI is for those who have worked and paid into Social Security. In Virginia, SSI recipients usually qualify for Medicaid automatically. SSDI payments depend on your work record[2].
Yes, both SSI and SSDI have work incentive programs. You can earn some income without losing all benefits. The 2025 SSDI limit for non-blind individuals is $1,530/month; for SSI, earned income reduces your payment—always report earnings[2][4].
Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) for an assessment and application. There is often a waiting list for waivers. Bring medical records and proof of disability to your appointment[1].
Waivers may cover personal care, respite, assistive technology, communication devices, and therapy. Services depend on the waiver type and your assessed needs[1].
Medicaid and SSI require yearly reviews. SSDI may have a continuing disability review every 3–7 years, depending on your case. Always respond to any requests for information[2].
ABLE accounts let you save money for disability expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid. In Virginia, you can save up to $100,000 without losing benefits. Funds can pay for assistive tech, education, and more.
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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Yes, the Virginia Sickness and Disability Program (VSDP) provides income replacement, rehab, and long-term care coverage for state workers with disabilities[3].
You have the right to appeal. Contact your local Social Security office or CSB for help with the appeals process. Consider getting an advocate or attorney.
Yes, veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for VA education, employment, and housing benefits. Check with your local VA office for details[5].
Processing times vary. Initial decisions can take 3–5 months. Appeals may take longer. Apply as soon as you think you qualify, and keep copies of all documents.
