People with intellectual disability in Virginia can access federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. Eligibility depends on medical, financial, and functional criteria. This guide explains how to apply and what support is available.
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].
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].
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].
Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) for help with Medicaid waivers and other services. Find your CSB at Virginia Community Services Board Directory.
Medicaid and disability policies can change. Check official state and federal websites regularly for updates.
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].
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].
No, as of July 2025, work requirements for Medicaid do not apply to those receiving disability benefits, including people with intellectual disability[4].
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].
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].
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].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Join thousands of families who trust Purple to protect their benefits
Purple is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by OMB Bank, Member FDIC.
There is a waiting list for Medicaid waiver services in Virginia. Slots are assigned based on urgency of need, so wait times vary by region and individual circumstances[2].
Yes, you must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or benefit reductions[4].
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for SSDI in Virginia in 2025 is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals. Earnings above this limit may affect eligibility[1][3].
Yes, you can work and still receive SSI or SSDI, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit. Work incentives allow you to test your ability to work without immediately losing benefits[1][3].
