If you have dyslexia in Virginia, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, Medicaid, and community supports. This guide explains how to check your eligibility, apply step by step, and manage your benefits with ABLE accounts and proper reporting.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with dyslexia, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) strict definition of disability, which requires your condition to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or result in death[7]. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must also have very low income and assets[3]. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) requires a work history with enough credits[7]. Most people with dyslexia—unless it is accompanied by other significant disabilities—do not qualify for SSI or SSDI. SSI has no work requirement but has strict income and asset limits, while SSDI is based on your work history and payroll tax contributions[3][7]. There are work incentives if you want to try employment while keeping some benefits[3].
State-specific information is limited; start here:
Step 1: Review Federal Disability Benefits
The SSA administers two programs: SSI (based on need) and SSDI (based on work history)[3][7]. Most people with dyslexia do not qualify unless they have additional, severe disabilities. If you think you might, visit ssa.gov for details and to start an application[7]. You will need medical records and work history.
Step 2: Check for State Medicaid and Waivers
Medicaid in Virginia is available if you meet income and asset limits for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) program[5]. You may apply online at coverva.org, by phone, or in person at a local Department of Social Services. If denied, ask about ‘spenddown’ options if you have high medical bills[5]. For DD waivers, contact your local CSB, but be aware that dyslexia alone does not typically qualify for these services[2].
Step 3: Gather Documentation
Collect medical records, proof of income, and any diagnoses (including documentation of co-occurring disabilities). For benefits applications, detailed paperwork is required to show how dyslexia affects daily life and work.
Step 4: Complete and Submit Applications
Submit federal benefits applications online at ssa.gov or in person at a Social Security office. For Medicaid, apply at coverva.org or your local DSS. Keep copies of all forms and records.
Step 5: Appeal if Denied
If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal. The process differs for federal and state programs—follow instructions provided in your denial letter.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): This federal program provides cash assistance to adults and children with limited income and resources. Eligibility depends on both financial need and disability. SSI recipients in Virginia are automatically eligible for Medicaid[3].
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): This program pays benefits to individuals and certain family members if you have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. The amount depends on your work history[3][7]. SSDI does not automatically qualify you for Medicaid. There are special rules for disabled adult children under SSDI.
Medicare: After receiving SSDI for 24 months, you qualify for Medicare, regardless of age. Medicare helps with hospital and medical insurance.
Work Incentives: Both SSI and SSDI have programs to help you try work without immediately losing benefits. See our SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide.
ABLE Accounts: These tax-advantaged accounts allow people with disabilities to save without affecting SSI and Medicaid eligibility.
Virginia Medicaid (Aged, Blind, or Disabled): This program helps cover healthcare costs for eligible Virginians. To qualify, you must meet income and asset limits and have a qualifying disability. Dyslexia alone is rarely enough—additional functional or developmental disabilities may be required[5]. Some applicants may qualify through a ‘spenddown’ if their medical bills are high enough[5].
Developmental Disability (DD) Waivers: Virginia offers three Medicaid HCBS waivers for people with developmental disabilities: Building Independence, Family & Individual Support, and Community Living. These are not designed for dyslexia alone, but may help if you have co-occurring developmental disabilities[2]. There are waiting lists for these services, and eligibility is based on the urgency of need[2].
Public Employee Disability Coverage: The Virginia Retirement System provides short-term and long-term disability coverage for eligible public employees, but this does not apply to private citizens or to dyslexia specifically[1][6].
School-Based Services: Virginia public schools provide special education services for students with dyslexia under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These services are separate from adult disability benefits and focus on educational support.
An ABLE account lets individuals with disabilities (who became disabled before age 26) save up to a certain amount without losing SSI, Medicaid, and other means-tested benefits. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses. Learn more in our ABLE Accounts guide.
SSI Income Limits (2025): $967/month for an individual, $1,450/month for an eligible individual with an eligible spouse, and $484 for an essential person[3].
Virginia Medicaid ABD Income Limits (2025): $1,064/month for an individual, $1,430/month for a household of two[5]. Resource limits also apply.
If your income, assets, living situation, or disability status changes, you must report it promptly to Social Security and DSS to avoid overpayments, which you may have to pay back. See our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.
Most federal and state disability programs require your condition to severely limit major life activities—especially work—for at least 12 months. Dyslexia, unless accompanied by other significant disabilities, typically does not meet these criteria. Always apply if you think you might qualify, but be aware of the strict requirements.
Special education services for students with dyslexia are provided by Virginia public schools under federal law (IDEA). These services focus on education and do not provide cash benefits or adult disability support. If you need help for your child, contact your school’s special education coordinator.
Most people with dyslexia alone do not qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must show that your condition severely limits your ability to work and last at least 12 months. If you have additional disabilities, you may qualify. Always check with SSA for the latest rules[3][7].
Dyslexia alone rarely qualifies for Virginia Medicaid under the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) program. You must have significant functional impairments and meet income and asset limits. If you have high medical bills, you may qualify through a ‘spenddown’[5].
Virginia’s Developmental Disability (DD) waivers are not for dyslexia alone. They are for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. If your child has additional diagnoses, ask your local Community Services Board about eligibility[2].
Yes, Virginia public schools must provide special education services for students with dyslexia under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These services focus on educational support, not cash benefits.
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses. This is helpful if you receive means-tested benefits and want to build savings.
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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Step 6: Consider ABLE Accounts
If you receive SSI or other means-tested benefits, an ABLE account lets you save money without losing eligibility. Learn more in our ABLE Accounts guide.
Step 7: Report Changes Promptly
If your income, living situation, or health changes, notify SSA and DSS immediately. See our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for details.
Yes, both SSI and SSDI have work incentives. You can earn some income without losing all benefits. The amount you can earn changes each year[3]. See our [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives) guide for details.
If your SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid application is denied, you have the right to appeal. Follow the instructions in your denial letter. You may need to provide more medical evidence.
For SSI/SSDI, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. For Virginia Medicaid, call your local Department of Social Services or visit coverva.org. For DD waivers, contact your local Community Services Board[2].
Yes, for 2025 the monthly income limit is $1,064 for an individual and $1,430 for a household of two under the ABD program. Resource limits also apply[5].
No, dyslexia is considered a learning disability, not a developmental disability. Virginia’s DD waivers do not cover learning disabilities alone[2].
