People with dyscalculia in Virginia may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state Medicaid waivers and support programs. Eligibility depends on how the condition affects daily life and work. This guide explains steps to apply and what help is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your dyscalculia must be severe enough to stop you from working or doing basic daily tasks for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to decide eligibility:
You need work credits for SSDI, but not for SSI. SSI is for low-income people with limited resources[6].
Virginia does not add extra money to federal SSI payments. In 2025, SSI pays $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples[1].
If dyscalculia is part of a broader developmental disability, you may qualify for Virginia Medicaid waivers like the Community Living (CL) Waiver, Building Independence, or Family & Individual Support. These waivers help with home and community supports, but there is a waiting list. Slots are given based on need[2].
Virginia Medicaid also offers programs for people who are aged, blind, or disabled (ABD), which may help if dyscalculia affects your ability to work or live independently[5].
Virginia does not have a separate state disability program for learning disabilities like dyscalculia, so most help comes from federal programs and Medicaid waivers.
Step 1: Collect Documentation Get medical records, school reports, and any evaluations that show how dyscalculia limits your work or daily life. Include details about treatments and how the condition affects your ability to function.
Step 2: Apply for SSI/SSDI Go to ssa.gov and start your application online. You can also call Social Security or visit a local office. Be ready to provide your records and answer questions about your work history and daily activities.
Step 3: Apply for Medicaid Waivers If dyscalculia is part of a broader developmental disability, contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) to apply for a Medicaid waiver. The CSB will help you fill out forms and check your eligibility.
Step 4: Check for Other Programs Look into Virginia Medicaid for Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) if you are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability that limits your ability to work.
Step 5: Report Changes If your income, health, or living situation changes, report it to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments or losing benefits.
Step 6: Use Work Incentives If you want to try working, ask about work incentives that let you keep benefits while testing your ability to work.
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 through the state’s ABLE program. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other costs related to your disability[3].
If your income, health, or living situation changes, report it to Social Security and Medicaid right away. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. Use the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide to learn how to report changes and avoid problems[4].
Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) for help with Medicaid waivers and other supports. They can guide you through the process and answer questions.
Yes, if dyscalculia is severe enough to stop you from working or doing basic daily tasks for at least 12 months. You must show medical proof and how it affects your life. Dyscalculia alone may not qualify, but if it’s part of a broader learning or developmental disorder, you may be eligible[6].
In 2025, SSI pays $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples. Virginia does not add extra money to the federal SSI amount[1].
Virginia does not have waivers just for dyscalculia. But if dyscalculia is part of a broader developmental disability, you may qualify for Medicaid waivers like Community Living, Building Independence, or Family & Individual Support. These help with home and community supports[2].
Gather medical records, apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov, and contact your local Community Services Board for Medicaid waivers. Use the SSI Income Estimator to check if you meet income limits[1][2][6].
The SGA limit for SSDI in 2025 is $1,550/month for non-blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify unless you use work incentives[1].
Yes, but there are limits. If you earn more than the SGA limit ($1,550/month in 2025), you may lose benefits unless you use work incentives. Work incentives let you test your ability to work without losing benefits right away[1][4].
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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An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid benefits. Virginia offers ABLE accounts through the state program[3].
Yes, you must report changes in income, health, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back[4].
Yes, there is a waiting list for Medicaid waivers in Virginia. Slots are given based on urgency of need. Contact your local Community Services Board to apply and check your place on the list[2].
Dyscalculia alone may not qualify you for Medicaid, but if it’s part of a broader disability or developmental disorder, you may qualify for Medicaid for Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) or Medicaid waivers[5].
