Multiple Sclerosis Benefits in Virginia: 2025 Guide for Physical/Mobility Disability

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with Multiple Sclerosis, your condition must significantly limit your ability to work for at least 12 months and meet the Social Security Administration's (SSA) medical criteria[1]. SSDI requires recent work credits (usually 20 in the last 10 years), while SSI is needs-based with strict income and asset limits[5]. SSA uses a five-step evaluation process that includes reviewing your work history, medical severity, and ability to do past or other work[1]. For SSI in 2025, the federal benefit is $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples, but Virginia does not add state SSI supplements[1].

Virginia follows federal guidelines for SSDI and SSI, but it does not provide a state supplement to SSI—benefits are at the federal level only[1]. For Medicaid-based services, Virginia administers Developmental Disability (DD) Waivers through the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) and Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)[2]. These waivers—including Community Living, Family & Individual Support, and Building Independence—cover home and community-based supports. MS may qualify if it meets the definition of a developmental disability and results in substantial functional limitations. Waiver slots are limited; join a waiting list through your local Community Services Board (CSB)[2].

• Start online at SSA.gov for SSDI and SSI applications.
• Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) for Virginia Medicaid waivers and supports for physical/mobility disabilities.
• Gather all medical records documenting your MS diagnosis, treatment, and functional limitations.
• Apply early—programs like Medicaid waivers have waiting lists.

For SSDI/SSI (Federal Benefits):

1. Check work history/SSI eligibility. Ensure you have enough work credits for SSDI, or meet income/assets criteria for SSI[5].
2. Collect detailed medical records—neurologist notes, MRI reports, and proof of functional limitations due to MS.
3. Apply online at SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. You can also visit your local SSA office.
4. Monitor your application. SSA will review work activity, medical severity, and ability to do past or other work[1].
5. Appeal if denied. Most applicants are denied at first; appeal within 60 days if necessary.

For Virginia Medicaid Waivers (State Benefits):

1. Contact your local CSB—find yours through the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services[2].
2. Ask about DD waivers—explain your MS diagnosis and needs for in-home supports, personal care, or community living.
3. Complete an eligibility assessment—the state will review your medical and functional needs.
4. Join the waiting list—slots are limited and assigned by urgency[2].
5. Follow up regularly—check your status and update your contact information with the CSB.

• SSDI: For those with enough work credits, provides monthly income if MS prevents substantial work[1][5].
• SSI: Needs-based monthly benefit for low-income individuals with disabilities, including MS[1][5].
• Medicare: SSDI recipients become eligible for Medicare after 24 months of receiving benefits.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for qualifying disabilities.

2025 Changes: Expect a 2.5% benefit increase due to COLA, and higher SGA limits (non-blind individuals: about $1,620/month; blind: $2,700/month)[3][8].

• Virginia Medicaid Waivers: The Community Living, Family & Individual Support, and Building Independence waivers cover services for Virginians with significant disabilities, including MS if it meets developmental disability criteria[2]. Services may include personal care, respite, supported living, and home modifications.
• Community Services Boards (CSBs): Your local CSB is the gateway to most Virginia disability supports, including case management and service coordination[2].
• No State SSI Supplement: Virginia does not add to the federal SSI amount—use federal benefits and explore Medicaid waivers for extra supports.

How Services Are Assigned: Waiver placements are based on need and there are waiting lists. Always apply as soon as possible and stay in contact with your CSB for updates[2].

Virginians with MS may be eligible for ABLE accounts—tax-free savings accounts for disability-related expenses. Virginia does not currently offer its own ABLE program, but you can enroll in a national ABLE program that accepts out-of-state residents.

• SSI: Income must be below the federal benefit rate ($943/month in 2025 for individuals)[1]. Resource limits also apply.
• SSDI: No income limit, but benefits may be reduced or suspended if you return to work and earn above the SGA limit ($1,620/month for non-blind in 2025)[4][8].
• Medicaid Waivers: Separate income limits apply. Check with your local CSB for details.

Always report income changes, employment, or improvement in your condition to both SSA and your CSB to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits. SSDI/SSI recipients must also report earnings if they test the ability to work.

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 am–7 pm

  Website

  Call for SSDI/SSI questions, apply online, or visit your local office.
• Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
  Phone: (804) 786-3921

  TTY: (804) 371-8977

  Email: [email protected]

  Website

  Contact for Medicaid waiver help and general disability services.

• How much SSI can I get in Virginia with Multiple Sclerosis?

  In 2025, the federal SSI benefit is $943/month for individuals and $1,415 for couples in Virginia. The state does not add a supplement—benefits are at the federal level only[1].

• Can I work and still get SSDI benefits with MS?

  You can work part-time, but monthly earnings above Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)—$1,620 for non-blind in 2025—may reduce or end your SSDI benefits[4][8].

• What Virginia Medicaid programs help with MS care?

  Three Developmental Disability waivers (Community Living, Family & Individual Support, and Building Independence) may help if MS causes significant functional impairment. Contact your local Community Services Board to apply[2].

• How do Virginia Medicaid waivers work for physical disabilities?

  Waivers provide in-home, community-based, and supported living services. Slots are limited, with placements based on urgency of need. There is a waiting list for most waivers[2].

• Are there state SSI supplements in Virginia?

  No—Virginia does not supplement federal SSI payments. You receive only the federal benefit amount[1].

• What is the first step to apply for VA disability benefits with MS?

  Start by applying for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov and contact your local Community Services Board for Medicaid waivers and local supports[2][5].