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Virginia • Chronic Illness
If you have Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) in Virginia, you may be eligible for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), Virginia Medicaid, and state programs. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, available programs, Virginia’s unique waivers, and tips for managing benefits.
To qualify for federal disability benefits—SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) or SSI (Supplemental Security Income)—you must prove your Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) prevents you from working for at least 12 months. SSDI requires recent work credits and a clear medical history. SSI has strict income limits but does not require work history for eligibility[7]. The process is five steps: (1) You cannot do substantial gainful activity (SGA); (2) You have a severe medical condition; (3) Your condition meets or equals a medical listing; (4) You cannot do your past work; (5) You cannot adjust to other work, considering your age, education, and experience[1]. SGA limits are adjusted annually due to inflation; in 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is expected to be around $1,530 per month[4]. SSI benefit amounts for 2025 are $943 per month for individuals and $1,415 for couples[1]. Waiting times for SSDI can be months or years, so apply as soon as you are unable to work.
Virginia does not have a separate state disability benefit for chronic illnesses like Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Virginia Disability Determination Services (DDS) uses the same five-step process as the federal government to evaluate SSDI and SSI claims[1]. For health coverage, you may qualify for Virginia Medicaid through the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) program, which covers low-income adults with disabilities[6]. Virginia Medicaid also offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, but these generally focus on developmental or physical disabilities; ME/CFS is not specifically excluded, but eligibility often depends on meeting strict functional criteria[2]. Virginia state employees can access the Virginia Sickness and Disability Program (VSDP) for short- and long-term disability coverage, including paid leave and rehabilitation services[3].
If you have ME/CFS and are unable to work, start by applying online for SSDI and/or SSI at ssa.gov. For Medicaid, apply online via Cover Virginia or at your local Department of Social Services. Contact your local Community Services Board for questions about waiver programs. If you’re a state employee, call Alight at 1-877-928-7021 to start a VSDP claim[3]. Prepare medical records, work history, and financial information before you apply.
Apply for Federal Benefits (SSDI/SSI):
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly cash benefits and, after two years, Medicare health coverage, if you have enough work credits and your ME/CFS meets the definition of disability[7]. Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash assistance for low-income individuals with disabilities, regardless of work history. In 2025, the federal benefit amount is $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples in Virginia[1]. Medicare: After a 24-month waiting period following SSDI approval, you’ll be enrolled in Medicare, which covers hospital care, medical services, and prescription drugs. ABLE Accounts: Federally authorized savings accounts for people with disabilities, letting you save for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI eligibility (see [ABLE Accounts][/guides/able-accounts]).
Virginia Medicaid (ABD): Covers healthcare for low-income adults with disabilities, including doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospital care[6]. You can apply through Cover Virginia. Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Virginia offers waivers for individuals with disabilities, but these focus on developmental or physical disabilities. ME/CFS is not specifically excluded, but eligibility depends on functional need and meeting waiver criteria[2]. Contact your local Community Services Board for more information and to check eligibility. Virginia Sickness & Disability Program (VSDP): For state employees, VSDP provides paid leave, income replacement, and rehabilitation services for both work- and non-work-related disabilities, including chronic illnesses[3]. State Disability Parking: Virginia offers disabled parking permits for people with mobility limitations due to chronic illness. Apply through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS): Provides vocational rehabilitation and independent living services for people with disabilities. While not specific to ME/CFS, DARS may help with employment and daily living supports.
If you receive SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid due to ME/CFS, you can open a Virginia ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without affecting your benefit eligibility (see [ABLE Accounts][/guides/able-accounts]).
SSI has strict income and asset limits ($2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples in 2025). SSDI also has income limits (SGA), expected to be $1,530/month for non-blind individuals in 2025[1][4]. Always check current year rules, as these limits change annually.
Report any changes in income, living situation, or health status to Social Security and Virginia Medicaid. Failing to do so can cause overpayments, which you will have to repay[1]. Review [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes][/guides/overpayments-and-reporting] for details.
If you are unsure whether your Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) qualifies for disability benefits, start by applying for SSDI/SSI—Social Security will make the official determination based on your medical evidence[1][7]. Early application is key, as the process can take months.
If your SSDI/SSI or Medicaid application is delayed, contact your local Social Security office or Virginia Department of Social Services for status updates. Keep all your medical records organized for faster processing.
Yes, if your ME/CFS prevents you from working for at least 12 months and meets the severity requirements set by Social Security. Virginia uses the same federal disability criteria as other states[1][7].
The federal SSI benefit in Virginia is $943 per month for individuals and $1,415 for couples in 2025[1].
No, Virginia does not have a state-specific disability benefit for ME/CFS. Federal SSDI/SSI and Medicaid are the main options for cash assistance and healthcare[1][6].
You may work part-time if your earnings are under the SGA limit ($1,530/month in 2025), but earning more could disqualify you[1][4]. Always report income changes promptly.
Apply online through Cover Virginia, by phone, by mail, or at your local Department of Social Services. You’ll need proof of disability, income, and Virginia residency[6].
Virginia Medicaid may cover home care if you qualify for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) program. Waivers for home care are limited and mainly focus on developmental or physical disabilities, but ME/CFS is not automatically excluded—apply and document your needs[2][6].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. Benefit rules and amounts change frequently; verify information with official agencies.
You may be eligible for the Virginia Sickness & Disability Program (VSDP), which provides paid leave and income replacement. Call Alight at 1-877-928-7021 to start your claim[3].
Initial decisions usually take 3–6 months, but appeals can take much longer. Apply as soon as you can no longer work due to ME/CFS[1].
You may qualify for both (called “concurrent benefits”) if your SSDI payment is low and your income/assets are under SSI limits. The SSA evaluates both programs when you apply[1].
Contact your local Social Security office or Virginia Department of Social Services for free application assistance. Nonprofits may also offer help.
