Epilepsy Benefits in Virginia: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits with epilepsy, your condition must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria. This means your epilepsy must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. You must also have a medical record showing your diagnosis, treatment, and how your seizures affect your daily life. For SSDI, you need enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 earned in the last 10 years). For SSI, your income and resources must be below certain limits. Both programs use a five-step process to decide if you qualify, including checking your ability to work and reviewing your medical records [1].

In Virginia, people with epilepsy may qualify for Medicaid if they are aged, blind, or disabled (ABD). There are no state-funded SSI supplements, so SSI recipients receive only the federal amount: $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples in 2025. Virginia also offers Medicaid waivers for developmental disabilities, which may be available if epilepsy causes significant functional limitations. These waivers help pay for home and community-based services. There is a waiting list, and slots are assigned based on urgency of need. Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) for more information about waivers and support services [1][2][6].

• Gather medical records showing your epilepsy diagnosis 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).

• Step 1: Collect medical records, including doctor’s notes, seizure logs, and treatment history.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. You will need to provide personal information, work history, and medical evidence.
• Step 3: If approved for SSI or SSDI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid. Apply for Medicaid through CoverVA or your local Department of Social Services.
• Step 4: For Medicaid waivers, contact your local Community Services Board (CSB). They will help you apply and determine your eligibility for home and community-based services.
• Step 5: Keep all records and report any changes in your condition or income to avoid overpayments.
• Step 6: If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. Seek help from a disability advocate or legal aid if needed [1][2][6][7].

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or aged. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. The maximum SSDI payment in 2025 is expected to be around $3,917/month, with a cost-of-living adjustment.
• Medicaid: Federal health insurance for people with low income and disabilities. In Virginia, Medicaid is available to those who are aged, blind, or disabled (ABD) [1][5][6].

• Medicaid Waivers for Developmental Disabilities: Virginia offers three waivers for people with developmental disabilities: Building Independence, Family & Individual Support, and Community Living. These waivers help pay for home and community-based services. There is a waiting list, and slots are assigned based on urgency of need. Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) for more information.
• Medicaid for Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD): Provides health coverage to people with disabilities who meet income and resource limits. There are no state-funded SSI supplements in Virginia, so SSI recipients receive only the federal amount.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. These accounts can help pay for disability-related expenses without affecting eligibility for means-tested benefits [2][6].

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. In Virginia, you can open an ABED account through the Virginia ABLE program. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like medical care, education, and housing. For more information, visit the Virginia ABLE website or contact your local Community Services Board [2][6].

In 2025, the federal SSI income limit is $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples. The SSDI substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit is $1,550/month for non-blind individuals. Medicaid income limits vary based on household size and other factors. For the most current limits, check the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) website [1][3][6].

It is important to report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. For more information on reporting changes and avoiding overpayments, see the SSA website or contact your local Social Security office [1][7].

• 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.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For questions about SSI and SSDI.

• Can epilepsy qualify for disability benefits in Virginia?

  Yes, epilepsy can qualify for SSI and SSDI if it is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. You must provide medical evidence showing how your seizures affect your daily life and ability to work [1][7].

• How much does SSI pay in Virginia in 2025?

  In 2025, SSI pays $943 per month for individuals and $1,415 per month for couples in Virginia. There are no state-funded supplements, so recipients receive only the federal amount [1].

• What Medicaid waivers are available for people with epilepsy in Virginia?

  Virginia offers Medicaid waivers for developmental disabilities, which may be available if epilepsy causes significant functional limitations. These waivers help pay for home and community-based services. Contact your local Community Services Board for more information [2].

• Do I need to meet work requirements for Medicaid in Virginia if I have epilepsy?

  No, work requirements do not apply to people receiving disability benefits in Virginia. Only adults aged 19-64 without a disability must meet work requirements to keep Medicaid coverage [4].

• How do I apply for disability benefits with epilepsy in Virginia?

  Gather medical records, apply for SSI or SSDI online or at a Social Security office, and apply for Medicaid through CoverVA or your local Department of Social Services. For Medicaid waivers, contact your local Community Services Board [1][2][6].

• What is the SSDI payment amount in Virginia in 2025?