If you have schizophrenia in Virginia, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, plus state programs such as Medicaid waivers and employment support. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your schizophrenia must be severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months. You must also meet work credit requirements for SSDI or income/asset limits for SSI. The Social Security Administration uses a five-step process to decide eligibility, including checking if your condition matches their medical listings for mental disorders[1].
If your schizophrenia is listed in the Social Security Blue Book under Section 12.03 (Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders), you may qualify for automatic approval. If not, the agency will review your medical records, treatment history, and how your symptoms affect your daily life and ability to work[1].
In Virginia, people with schizophrenia may qualify for Medicaid waivers if they also have a developmental disability. The state offers three main waivers: Building Independence, Family & Individual Support, and Community Living. These waivers help pay for supports like housing, personal care, and behavioral health services. There is a waiting list, and slots are assigned based on need[2].
Virginia also provides employment and training services through the Virginia Career Works centers. These services include job coaching, assistive technology, and vocational rehabilitation to help people with schizophrenia find and keep jobs[5].
State employees with schizophrenia may be eligible for the Virginia Sickness and Disability Program (VSDP), which offers income protection and return-to-work support[3].
Step 1: Collect Documents
Step 2: Apply for SSI/SSDI
Step 3: Apply for Medicaid Waivers
Step 4: Apply for Employment Services
Step 5: Apply for State Employee Benefits
Federal programs for schizophrenia in Virginia include:
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides monthly payments to people with low income and assets who can’t work due to disability. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 for individuals and $1,415 for couples[1].
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. The amount depends on your work history[1].
Medicaid: Federal-state health insurance for people with disabilities. In Virginia, Medicaid covers mental health services, including therapy and medication for schizophrenia[6].
Virginia offers several programs for people with schizophrenia:
Medicaid Waivers: These waivers help pay for supports like housing, personal care, and behavioral health services. The three main waivers are Building Independence, Family & Individual Support, and Community Living. There is a waiting list, and slots are assigned based on need[2].
Virginia Career Works Centers: These centers provide job training, assistive technology, and vocational rehabilitation services. They also offer the Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities grant for skills training[5].
Virginia Sickness and Disability Program (VSDP): This program offers income protection and return-to-work support for state employees with schizophrenia[3].
Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center: Provides comprehensive medical, assistive technology, and vocational rehabilitation services to help people with disabilities gain independence and employment[5].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Virginia, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and more[3].
For SSI in Virginia, the federal income limit is $943 per month for individuals and $1,415 for couples in 2025. SSDI has no income limit, but you must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,550 per month in 2025[1].
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to benefit reductions or repayment. Always report changes as soon as possible to stay in compliance[1].
Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) for help with Medicaid waivers and other disability services. You can also visit a Virginia Career Works center for job training and support.
Yes, schizophrenia can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work for at least 12 months. You must meet federal eligibility rules and provide medical proof of your condition[1].
In 2025, SSI pays $943 per month for individuals and $1,415 for couples. Virginia does not add a state supplement to SSI for adults[1].
Virginia offers three Medicaid waivers for people with developmental disabilities: Building Independence, Family & Individual Support, and Community Living. These waivers help pay for supports like housing, personal care, and behavioral health services[2].
Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) to apply for a Medicaid waiver. The CSB will help you start the process and determine your eligibility[2].
Yes, you can work and still get benefits if your earnings are below the SGA limit ($1,550 per month in 2025). Social Security has work incentives to help you test your ability to work without losing benefits[1].
Virginia Career Works centers offer job training, assistive technology, and vocational rehabilitation services. The Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities grant helps people with disabilities gain skills for high-demand jobs[5].
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.
SSDI has no income limit, but you must not earn more than the SGA limit ($1,550 per month in 2025). Your work history determines your benefit amount[1].
The VSDP offers income protection and return-to-work support for state employees with schizophrenia. Benefits include sick leave, income replacement, and medical rehabilitation[3].
Yes, you can open an ABLE account in Virginia to save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and more[3].
Report changes to your income or living situation to Social Security as soon as possible to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to benefit reductions or repayment[1].
