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Virginia • Chronic Illness
If you have heart disease in Virginia, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and VA programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security, have a disability that stops you from working for at least 12 months, and meet the work credit rule (usually 20 credits in the last 10 years) [6]. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must meet Social Security’s definition [1]. Heart disease is listed in the Social Security Blue Book under Section 4.00 (Cardiovascular System). If your condition matches or equals the listing, you may qualify for benefits [6].
In Virginia, SSI recipients receive only the federal benefit amount: $943 per month for individuals and $1,415 for couples in 2025 [1]. Virginia Medicaid covers people who are aged, blind, or disabled, including those with heart disease [5]. To qualify for Medicaid, you must meet income and asset limits and have a qualifying disability. Virginia also has Medicaid waivers for developmental disabilities, but heart disease may qualify under other waiver programs or through the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) program [5].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Virginia residents can open an ABLE account through the Virginia ABLE program. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses [internal_links].
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security or Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Use the SSI/SSDI Work Incentives guide to learn how to report changes and avoid overpayments [internal_links].
Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) or the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services for help with Medicaid waivers and other disability services [2].
Yes, if your heart disease is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months and you meet the income and work requirements. Heart disease is listed in the Social Security Blue Book, so you may qualify if your condition matches or equals the listing [6].
In 2025, SSI pays $943 per month for individuals and $1,415 for couples in Virginia. This is the federal benefit amount, as Virginia does not add a state supplement [1].
Yes, Virginia Medicaid covers people with disabilities, including heart disease, through the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) program. You must meet income and asset limits and have a qualifying disability [5].
In 2025, you cannot earn more than $1,550 per month from work (the SGA limit) and still qualify for SSDI, unless you qualify for work incentives. If you earn more, your benefits may be reduced or stopped [1].
Yes, veterans with service-connected heart disease may get VA disability compensation, health care, and other benefits. If you have a 100% rating, you may also qualify for student loan forgiveness and other programs [4].
You can apply for Medicaid in Virginia through CoverVA or your local Department of Social Services. You will need to provide proof of income, assets, and disability status [5].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
The five-step process is: (1) current work activity, (2) severity of condition, (3) medical listings match, (4) past relevant work, and (5) other work capacity. Social Security uses this process to decide if you qualify for SSDI [1].
Yes, if your heart disease meets the Social Security definition of disability, you can open an ABLE account in Virginia. This lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits [internal_links].
Yes, you must report changes in your income, living situation, or health to Social Security or Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties [internal_links].
Children with heart disease may qualify for SSI, Medicaid, and other programs. Families can also apply for Medicaid waivers if the child has a developmental disability, but heart disease may qualify under other programs [2].
