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Virginia • Chronic Illness
People with diabetes in Virginia may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including Medicaid, SSI/SSDI, and Medicaid waivers. These programs help cover medical costs, daily living supports, and income protection. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and functional limitations.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with diabetes, you must show that your condition severely limits your ability to work for at least 12 months. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a work history and enough work credits. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must meet strict income and asset limits, and your diabetes must meet Social Security’s definition of disability. In Virginia, if you get SSI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid. Both programs help cover medical costs and daily living expenses for people with diabetes who cannot work full time [2].
In Virginia, adults and children with diabetes may qualify for Medicaid if they meet income and disability criteria. Medicaid covers diabetes-related care, including doctor visits, medications, and supplies. Virginia also offers Medicaid waivers for people with developmental disabilities, which may include some with diabetes if they have additional qualifying conditions. These waivers provide extra supports like home care, respite, and behavioral health services. There is a waiting list for waivers, and slots are assigned based on urgency of need. You do not need to meet a work requirement to keep Medicaid if you receive disability benefits, but changes may come by 2028 [5][7].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Virginia, you can open an ABLE account if you became disabled before age 26. Funds can be used for medical costs, housing, education, and more. Learn more about Virginia ABLE accounts and eligibility [9].
For SSI in 2025, the federal monthly maximum is $967 for an individual and $1,450 for a couple. Income and asset limits change each year. SSDI payments depend on your work history. Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size. Check the latest limits at the Virginia Medicaid website [2][7].
If your income, work, or health changes, you must report it to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to debt or loss of benefits. Report changes promptly and keep records of all communications [2][5].
Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) for help with Medicaid waivers and disability services. For SSI/SSDI, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
Yes, if diabetes causes severe complications that prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. Medicaid also covers diabetes care for eligible adults and children in Virginia.
If you get SSI, you’ll be enrolled in Medicaid automatically. Otherwise, apply through the Virginia Medicaid website or your local Department of Social Services. You’ll need to show income, assets, and medical proof of disability.
Virginia offers Medicaid waivers for people with developmental disabilities, which may include some with diabetes if they have additional qualifying conditions. These waivers provide extra supports like home care and respite. Contact your local Community Services Board for details.
No, if you receive disability benefits, you do not need to meet a work requirement to keep Medicaid. Work requirements may apply to other adults by 2028, but not to those with disabilities.
In 2025, the federal SSI monthly maximum is $967 for an individual. Income and asset limits change each year. Earning above the limit may reduce or end your benefits.
SSI is for people with low income and assets, regardless of work history. SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs help cover living expenses if diabetes prevents you from working.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Yes, both SSI and SSDI have work incentive programs that let you test your ability to work without immediately losing benefits. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for 2025 is expected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals.
Medicaid covers doctor visits, medications, diabetes supplies, and related services for eligible adults and children with diabetes in Virginia. Coverage may vary by program and household size.
Report changes in income, work, or health to Social Security and Medicaid promptly. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person. Keep records of all communications to avoid overpayments.
Yes, ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can open an ABLE account if you became disabled before age 26.
