Intellectual Disability Benefits in Virginia

To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must have a medically determinable impairment that prevents substantial gainful activity for at least 12 months. For SSDI, you need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. For SSI, eligibility is based on limited income and resources. The Social Security Administration uses a five-step process to evaluate claims, including reviewing your ability to work, severity of condition, and whether your impairment matches a listing in the Blue Book[1][7].

Virginia does not add extra eligibility requirements for SSI or SSDI, but does offer Medicaid waivers for people with intellectual disability. To qualify for a waiver, you must have a diagnosis of intellectual disability and meet functional and financial criteria. Waiver slots are limited and assigned by urgency of need. Virginia Medicaid also covers adults with intellectual disability through the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) program, which has income and asset limits[2][6].

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact your local Community Services Board (CSB).
• For Medicaid ABD, apply through CoverVA or your local Department of Social Services.
• Consider opening an ABLE account for savings[2][6].

• Step 1: Collect all medical documentation, including diagnosis, treatment history, and functional limitations.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov or in person at a Social Security office. The application will be reviewed by Virginia’s Disability Determination Services using the five-step process[1][7].
• Step 3: If you need Medicaid waiver services, contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) to start the assessment and waitlist process. Waiver eligibility is based on diagnosis, functional needs, and urgency[2].
• Step 4: For Medicaid ABD, apply through CoverVA or your local Department of Social Services. You’ll need to provide proof of income, assets, and disability[6].
• Step 5: If eligible, you may open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without affecting benefits[3].

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides monthly cash 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, $1,415/month for couples[1].
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. The maximum payment in 2025 is expected to be around $3,917/month[5].
• Medicare: Available after 24 months of SSDI eligibility.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for disability-related expenses[3].

• Medicaid Waivers for Intellectual Disability: Virginia offers three waivers: Community Living (CL), Building Independence, and Family & Individual Support. These provide home and community-based services for people with intellectual disability. There is a waiting list, and slots are assigned by urgency of need[2].
• Medicaid ABD (Aged, Blind, or Disabled): Provides health coverage for adults with intellectual disability who meet income and asset limits[6].
• Work Requirements: As of July 2025, work requirements for Medicaid do not apply to those receiving disability benefits[4].

ABLE accounts allow people with intellectual disability to save up to $17,000 per year (2025) without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like education, housing, and transportation. Virginia residents can open an ABLE account through the Virginia ABLE program[3].

• SSI: $943/month for individuals, $1,415/month for couples (2025 federal rate; Virginia does not add a state supplement)[1].
• SSDI: No income limit, but earnings above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit ($1,550/month in 2025) may affect eligibility[1][3].
• Medicaid ABD: Income and asset limits apply; check with CoverVA for current thresholds[6].

You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or benefit reductions. Report changes promptly to Social Security and Medicaid agencies[4].

• Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
  Phone: (804) 786-3921

  TTY: (804) 371-8977

  Email: [email protected]

  Website

  For Medicaid waiver questions
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI questions

• What is the SSI payment for intellectual disability in Virginia?

  In 2025, the federal SSI payment for an individual with intellectual disability in Virginia is $943 per month. Couples receive $1,415 per month. Virginia does not add a state supplement to SSI[1].

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers for intellectual disability in Virginia?

  Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) to start the assessment and waitlist process for Medicaid waivers. Waiver eligibility is based on diagnosis, functional needs, and urgency of need[2].

• Are there work requirements for Medicaid in Virginia for people with intellectual disability?

  No, as of July 2025, work requirements for Medicaid do not apply to those receiving disability benefits, including people with intellectual disability[4].

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI for intellectual disability?

  SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs use the same medical eligibility criteria[1][7].

• Can I save money in an ABLE account if I have intellectual disability in Virginia?

  Yes, Virginia residents with intellectual disability can open an ABLE account to save up to $17,000 per year for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits[3].

• What services do Medicaid waivers provide for intellectual disability in Virginia?

  Medicaid waivers provide home and community-based services such as personal care, respite, supported employment, and behavioral supports. Services vary by waiver type and individual need[2].