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Virginia • Sensory
Virginia residents who are hard of hearing may qualify for federal and state benefits such as SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid waivers. This guide explains eligibility, application steps, and unique Virginia programs for sensory disabilities, including income limits, work incentives, and ABLE accounts.
To qualify for SSI or SSDI with sensory disabilities like being hard of hearing, you must show that your condition severely limits your ability to work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death[1][6]. For SSDI, you also need enough work credits earned through past jobs[6]. SSI is based on financial need. Both programs use a five-step process to decide if you are disabled, including reviewing your work activity, medical evidence, and ability to do past or new work[1].
Virginia’s Disability Determination Services use the same five-step federal process for SSI/SSDI, but there is no state SSI supplement—you receive only the federal benefit ($943/month for individuals in 2025)[1]. For Medicaid, you may qualify under the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) program if you meet income and resource limits[5]. Virginia’s Developmental Disability (DD) waivers are not usually for sensory disabilities alone, but if you have both developmental and hearing disabilities, ask your local Community Services Board about waiver eligibility[2]. There are no state-specific hearing aid or assistive technology programs highlighted in official sources.
Start by applying for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. For Virginia Medicaid, apply online at Cover Virginia or contact your local Department of Social Services. If you think you might qualify for a Medicaid waiver, contact your local Community Services Board as early as possible—waivers have waitlists[2].
To apply for SSI or SSDI in Virginia:
To apply for Virginia Medicaid:
For Medicaid waivers (if you have a developmental disability as well):
Remember: There are no separate state benefits for being hard of hearing, but you may still qualify for federal programs and state Medicaid.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who are aged, blind, or disabled, including those who are hard of hearing. The 2025 federal benefit is $943/month for individuals[1]. You must meet strict income and asset limits.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For people who have worked and paid into Social Security. You must have earned enough work credits and have a disability (including severe hearing loss) that prevents work[1][6]. Benefits depend on your earnings record.
Medicare & Medicaid: After 24 months on SSDI, you qualify for Medicare. Medicaid is available based on income and disability status, with some states (like Virginia) offering Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) programs[5].
ABLE Accounts: Savings accounts for people with disabilities, allowing tax-free savings up to $18,000/year without affecting SSI or Medicaid (federally authorized, available in Virginia).
Virginia Medicaid ABD: Offers coverage for individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled, with income and resource limits[5]. Apply through Cover Virginia. Unlike some states, Virginia does not add a state supplement to federal SSI payments[1].
Developmental Disability (DD) Waivers: While mainly for developmental disabilities, if you have both hearing and developmental disabilities, you can apply for one of three waivers (Building Independence, Family & Individual Support, Community Living) through your local Community Services Board. There are waitlists, and priority is based on need[2].
Work Requirements: Virginia does not currently require Medicaid recipients with disabilities to meet work requirements—this will not change until at least 2028 for those receiving disability benefits[4].
Hearing Loss Services: State-specific programs for hearing aids or assistive technology are not highlighted in official Virginia Medicaid or disability resources. Check with local nonprofits or the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for community resources.
Virginia residents with disabilities can open an ABLE account to save money without losing federal benefits. Earnings grow tax-free, and you can spend on disability-related expenses. Up to $18,000 can be contributed per year (2025 cap). These accounts are an important tool for financial stability and independence.
SSI: Your income and assets must be very low to qualify. The 2025 federal limit is $943/month for individuals[1]. SSDI: There is no income limit for eligibility, but you cannot earn more than $1,550/month (substantial gainful activity, SGA) in 2025 unless you qualify for work incentives[1][3]. Medicaid: Virginia’s ABD program has its own income and resource limits—check Cover Virginia for details[5].
If you receive overpayments from SSI or SSDI, you must repay them. Always report changes in your income, living situation, or medical condition to Social Security and Virginia Medicaid as soon as possible to avoid overpayments and penalties.
Virginia does not add any state money to the federal SSI payment—you only receive the federal amount ($943/month in 2025)[1].
If you need extra support and have both a developmental and sensory disability, apply to your local Community Services Board as soon as possible—waiver slots are limited and subject to waitlists[2].
Virginia does not have a state-funded program specifically for sensory disabilities like hearing loss. Always check federal and Medicaid options first.
No, Virginia does not offer a state disability payment. You only receive the federal SSI benefit, with no state supplement[1].
No. Your hearing loss must be severe enough to prevent you from working, and you must have medical proof. Sensory disabilities alone do not guarantee approval—your ability to work is the main factor[1][6].
Virginia’s Developmental Disability waivers have waitlists, but they are mainly for those with developmental disabilities. If you have both a developmental disability and hearing loss, ask your local Community Services Board about eligibility[2].
Yes, but your earnings must stay below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit ($1,550/month in 2025 for SSDI). SSI has stricter income limits[1][3]. See our guide to <a href="/guides/work-incentives">SSI & SSDI Work Incentives</a> for more.
State Medicaid may cover some assistive technology, but there is no official program specifically for hearing aids in Virginia. Contact Cover Virginia or your local Department of Social Services for details on your specific plan[5].
No, if you receive disability benefits, you are exempt from Medicaid work requirements. These only apply to adults aged 19-64 without a disability, starting in 2028[4].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Program rules and benefits may change. Always confirm details with official agencies.
An ABLE account lets you save money for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. Earnings are tax-free, and you can contribute up to $18,000 per year.
Yes, you have the right to appeal any denial of SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid benefits. Act quickly—there are strict deadlines.
Contact your local Social Security office for SSI/SSDI, your local Department of Social Services for Medicaid, or your local Community Services Board for waiver programs[2][5].
Yes, the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing provides resources and advocacy. However, they do not administer SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid.
