Deafness Benefits in Virginia: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. For SSDI, you need a work history and enough Social Security credits. For SSI, your income and assets must be low. Deafness can qualify if it severely limits your ability to work or live independently. The Social Security Administration uses a five-step process to decide if your condition meets the definition of disability, including reviewing medical evidence and functional limitations[1][6].

In Virginia, SSI recipients receive only the federal benefit amount: $943 per month for individuals and $1,415 for couples in 2025. Virginia does not add a state supplement to SSI. Medicaid for people who are aged, blind, or disabled (ABD) is available to those who meet federal and state criteria. Virginia also offers Medicaid waivers for people with developmental disabilities, which may include some individuals who are deaf. These waivers provide home and community-based services, but there is a waiting list and slots are assigned based on urgency of need[1][2][5].

• Gather medical records showing your deafness and how it affects your daily life.
• Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• For Medicaid, apply through CoverVA or your local Department of Social Services.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact your local Community Services Board (CSB)[1][2][5].

• Step 1: Collect all medical documentation, including audiograms, doctor’s notes, and records of treatments or assistive devices.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. The SSA will review your medical evidence and work history.
• Step 3: If you need Medicaid, apply through CoverVA or your local Department of Social Services. You may need to provide proof of income, assets, and disability.
• Step 4: For Medicaid waivers, contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) to start the application process. There is a waiting list, and slots are assigned based on urgency of need.
• Step 5: Report any changes in your income, living situation, or health to avoid overpayments and keep your benefits[1][2][5][4].

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with low income and resources who are aged, blind, or disabled.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people who have worked and paid into Social Security but can no longer work due to disability.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people who receive SSDI after a 24-month waiting period.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and disability, available in Virginia through the ABD program[6][5].

• Medicaid for Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD): Provides health coverage to people who meet federal and state criteria for disability, including deafness.
• Developmental Disability (DD) Waivers: Three types of waivers (Building Independence, Family & Individual Support, Community Living) for people with developmental disabilities, which may include some individuals who are deaf. These waivers provide home and community-based services, but there is a waiting list and slots are assigned based on urgency of need.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities, including those who are deaf, to save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits[2][5].

Virginia offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities, including those who are deaf. These accounts allow you to save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use ABLE funds for things like assistive technology, education, housing, and transportation[5].

For SSI in Virginia, the federal income limit is $943 per month for individuals and $1,415 for couples in 2025. SSDI does not have strict income limits, but you cannot earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit ($1,550/month in 2025) and still qualify for benefits. Medicaid income limits vary based on program and household size[1][3].

You must report any changes in your income, living situation, or health to avoid overpayments and keep your benefits. If you receive too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes to Social Security or your local Department of Social Services as soon as possible[4].

• Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
  Phone: (804) 786-3921

  TTY: (804) 371-8977

  Email: [email protected]

  Website

  For questions about Medicaid waivers for developmental disabilities.

• Can deafness qualify for SSI or SSDI in Virginia?

  Yes, if your deafness is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. The Social Security Administration will review your medical evidence and how your condition affects your daily life[6].

• How much does SSI pay in Virginia for someone who is deaf?

  SSI pays $943 per month for individuals and $1,415 for couples in Virginia in 2025. Virginia does not add a state supplement to SSI[1].

• What Medicaid programs are available for people who are deaf in Virginia?

  Virginia offers Medicaid for people who are aged, blind, or disabled (ABD). There are also Medicaid waivers for people with developmental disabilities, which may include some individuals who are deaf[5][2].

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers in Virginia?

  Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) to apply for Medicaid waivers. There is a waiting list, and slots are assigned based on urgency of need[2].

• Do I need to meet work requirements for Medicaid in Virginia if I am deaf?

  No, work requirements do not apply to people who are receiving disability benefits in Virginia. You can keep your Medicaid coverage as long as you meet the disability criteria[4].

• Can I work while receiving SSI or SSDI in Virginia?

  Yes, but there are limits. For SSI, your income must be below the federal limit. For SSDI, you cannot earn more than the SGA limit ($1,550/month in 2025) and still qualify for benefits[1][3].