Rett Syndrome Benefits in Virginia: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For SSDI, you need enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years). SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Rett Syndrome is considered a severe disability and often meets the criteria for both programs [^1].

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to decide eligibility:

• Are you working above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit? ($1,550/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals)
• Is your condition severe?
• Does your condition match or equal a listing in the SSA’s Blue Book?
• Can you do any of your past work?
• Can you do any other work?

If your Rett Syndrome meets or equals a listing, you may be approved automatically [^1].

In Virginia, SSI recipients receive only the federal benefit amount: $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples in 2025. There is no state supplement for SSI in Virginia [^1].

Virginia Medicaid offers Developmental Disability (DD) Waivers for people with Rett Syndrome, which can provide home and community-based services. There is a waiting list for these waivers, and slots are assigned based on urgency of need. To apply, contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) or visit the Virginia Community Services Board website [^2].

Virginia also has Medicaid for Persons who are Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD), which may be an option for those who meet income and disability criteria [^5].

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• Contact your local Community Services Board for DD Waiver services.
• If you are a veteran, apply for VA benefits through the VA website.
• Use the SSI Income Estimator to check your eligibility [^6].

• Step 1: Collect all medical records, including diagnosis, treatment history, and functional limitations related to Rett Syndrome.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need to provide personal information, work history, and medical evidence [^6].
• Step 3: If you need home and community-based supports, contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) to apply for a Developmental Disability (DD) Waiver. There is a waiting list, and priority is based on need [^2].
• Step 4: If you are a veteran, apply for VA disability benefits through the VA website or at a VA regional office. You may qualify for additional benefits if your Rett Syndrome is service-connected [^4].
• Step 5: If you are approved for SSI or SSDI, you may also qualify for Medicaid. Apply through the Virginia Medicaid website or your local Department of Social Services [^5].
• Step 6: Report any changes in income, living situation, or medical status to avoid overpayments [^6].

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides monthly 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 and $1,415/month for couples [^1].
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and are now disabled. The amount depends on your work history [^1].
• Medicaid: Federal health insurance for people with low income and disabilities. In Virginia, Medicaid for Persons who are Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) is available [^5].
• VA Benefits: Veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for additional benefits, including health care, education, and housing assistance [^4].

• Developmental Disability (DD) Waivers: Virginia offers three DD Waivers for people with Rett Syndrome: Building Independence, Family & Individual Support, and Community Living. These waivers provide home and community-based services, such as personal care, respite, and supported employment. There is a waiting list, and slots are assigned based on urgency of need. Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) to apply [^2].
• Medicaid for Persons who are Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD): Provides health coverage for people with disabilities who meet income and resource limits. Apply through the Virginia Medicaid website or your local Department of Social Services [^5].
• Virginia ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility [^3].

Virginia offers ABLE Accounts, which are tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. You can save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and personal support services [^3].

• SSI: In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples. There is no state supplement in Virginia. Income and resource limits apply; use the SSI Income Estimator to check your eligibility [^1].
• SSDI: There is no income limit for SSDI, but you cannot earn more than the SGA limit ($1,550/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals) and still receive benefits [^1].
• Medicaid: Income and resource limits vary by program. For Medicaid for Persons who are Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD), the income limit is 100% of the Federal Poverty Level [^5].

It is important to report any changes in income, living situation, or medical status to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes to the Social Security Administration and Virginia Medicaid as soon as possible [^6].

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

  TTY: (804) 371-8977

  Email: [email protected]

  Website

  For DD Waiver questions and applications.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI questions and applications.
• Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS)
  Phone: 1-800-552-8629

  Website

  For Medicaid questions and applications.

• What federal benefits are available for Rett Syndrome in Virginia?

  People with Rett Syndrome in Virginia may qualify for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. SSI provides monthly payments for those with limited income, SSDI for those with a work history, and Medicaid for health coverage. Veterans may also qualify for VA benefits [^1][^5][^4].

• How do I apply for SSI or SSDI in Virginia?

  You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need to provide medical records, proof of income, and personal information. The process can take several months [^6].

• What are Virginia Medicaid waivers for Rett Syndrome?

  Virginia offers Developmental Disability (DD) Waivers for people with Rett Syndrome. These waivers provide home and community-based services, such as personal care and respite. There is a waiting list, and slots are assigned based on need [^2].

• How much does SSI pay in Virginia in 2025?

  In 2025, the federal SSI payment in Virginia is $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples. There is no state supplement for SSI in Virginia [^1].

• Can I work while receiving SSI or SSDI in Virginia?

  You can work while receiving SSI or SSDI, but there are income limits. For SSDI, you cannot earn more than the SGA limit ($1,550/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals). SSI has strict income and resource limits [^1].

• What is the waiting list for DD Waivers in Virginia?

  There is a waiting list for Developmental Disability (DD) Waivers in Virginia. Slots are assigned based on urgency of need. Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) for more information [^2].