Panic Disorder Benefits in Virginia: 2025 Guide

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with Panic Disorder, your condition must be severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to decide eligibility:

• Step 1: You cannot earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, this is $1,550 per month for most people.
• Step 2: Your Panic Disorder must be severe and limit your ability to work.
• Step 3: If your symptoms match a listing in the SSA’s Blue Book (like anxiety disorders), you may be approved automatically.
• Step 4: If not, SSA checks if you can do your past work.
• Step 5: If not, they see if you can do any other work in the national economy.

For SSDI, you also need enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years). SSI is for those with low income and resources, regardless of work history[1][5].

Virginia does not add extra money to SSI payments, so recipients get the federal amount: $943/month for individuals and $1,415 for couples in 2025[1]. Virginia Medicaid offers waivers for people with disabilities, but these are mainly for developmental disabilities. For Panic Disorder, you may qualify for Medicaid under the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) program if you meet income and disability rules[6]. Virginia also has mental health services through local Community Services Boards (CSBs), which can help with support and referrals[2].

• Gather medical records showing your Panic Disorder diagnosis and how it affects your daily life.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• For Medicaid, apply through CoverVA or your local CSB.
• For waivers, contact your local CSB or the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.
• Report all income and changes to avoid overpayments[1][2][6].

1. Get Medical Documentation: Ask your doctor for records that show your Panic Disorder diagnosis, treatment, and how it limits your ability to work or do daily activities.

2. Apply for SSI/SSDI:

   • Go to SSA.gov and create an account.
   • Fill out the online application for SSI or SSDI, or call 1-800-772-1213 to apply by phone.
   • You’ll need to provide your medical records, work history, and personal information.
   • If you’re denied, you can appeal within 60 days.

3. Apply for Medicaid:

   • Go to CoverVA.dmas.virginia.gov and create an account.
   • Fill out the application for Medicaid for Persons who are Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD).
   • You may need to provide proof of income and disability.

4. Apply for Waivers (if needed):

   • Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) to see if you qualify for a Medicaid waiver.
   • Waivers are for people who need extra support at home or in the community.
   • There may be a waiting list, so apply as soon as possible.

5. Report Changes:

   • If your income, living situation, or health changes, report it to Social Security and Medicaid right away to avoid overpayments[1][2][6].

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): For people with low income and resources who can’t work due to disability. In 2025, the federal payment is $943/month for individuals.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For people who have worked and paid into Social Security. Payment amounts vary based on your work history.
• Medicare: After 24 months of SSDI, you get Medicare for health coverage.
• Work Incentives: Programs that let you test work without losing benefits, like the Ticket to Work program[1][5].

• Medicaid for Persons who are Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD): Virginia Medicaid program for people with disabilities who meet income rules. Covers health care, therapy, and some home and community services[6].
• Medicaid Waivers: Virginia has waivers for people with developmental disabilities, but some may be available for mental health conditions. Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) for details[2].
• Community Services Boards (CSBs): Local agencies that provide mental health services, support, and referrals for people with disabilities[2].
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. You can save up to $100,000 without losing SSI benefits[internal_link_ABLE].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Virginia, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. You can save up to $100,000 and use the funds for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and health care[internal_link_ABLE].

For SSI in Virginia, the federal income limit is $943/month for individuals and $1,415 for couples in 2025. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than the SGA limit ($1,550/month in 2025) and still qualify. Medicaid income limits vary based on your situation, but generally, you must have low income and resources[1][6].

If your income, living situation, or health changes, you must report it to Social Security and Medicaid right away. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. Use the SSA’s online portal or call your local office to report changes[internal_link_overpayments].

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

  TTY: (804) 371-8977

  Email: DDWAIVER@DMAS.VIRGINIA.GOV

  Website

  For Medicaid waiver questions and applications.

• Can I get SSI for Panic Disorder in Virginia?

  Yes, if your Panic Disorder is severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months and you meet income and resource rules. You must apply through Social Security and provide medical proof[1][5].

• How much SSI will I get in Virginia in 2025?

  In 2025, SSI payments in Virginia are $943 per month for individuals and $1,415 for couples. Virginia does not add extra money to SSI[1].

• Can I work while getting SSI or SSDI for Panic Disorder?

  You can work, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit ($1,550/month in 2025). If you earn more, your benefits may be reduced or stopped. Work incentives can help you test work without losing benefits[1][3][4].

• Does Virginia have extra disability benefits for Panic Disorder?

  Virginia does not add extra money to SSI, but you may qualify for Medicaid and local support services through Community Services Boards. Medicaid waivers are mainly for developmental disabilities, but some may be available for mental health[2][6].

• How do I apply for Medicaid with Panic Disorder in Virginia?

  Apply online at CoverVA.dmas.virginia.gov or through your local Community Services Board. You’ll need to show proof of income and disability[6].

• What is the SGA limit for Panic Disorder in 2025?

  The SGA limit for most people in 2025 is $1,550 per month. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI or SSI[1][3][4].