Can I get both SSDI and SSI with a spinal cord injury in Virginia?

Yes, if your SSDI payment is low and you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for both SSDI and SSI. SSI can supplement your SSDI payment up to the federal limit of $943/month (individual) in 2025.

What is the SGA limit for spinal cord injury in 2025?

The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,550/month for non-blind individuals in 2025. If you earn more than this, you generally cannot qualify for SSDI or SSI unless you qualify for work incentives.

Does Virginia add extra money to SSI payments?

No, Virginia does not add a state supplement to SSI payments. In 2025, SSI recipients in Virginia get only the federal payment of $943/month (individual).

How do I apply for Medicaid waivers in Virginia?

Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) or the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) to apply for Medicaid waiver services. There is often a waiting list, and slots are assigned based on urgency of need.

What is an ABLE account and can I open one in Virginia?

An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for disability expenses. Virginia residents can open an ABLE account through the Virginia ABLE program. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other qualified expenses.

Can I work while getting SSDI or SSI with a spinal cord injury?

Yes, you can work, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit ($1,550/month in 2025 for non-blind). Social Security offers work incentives to help you test your ability to work without immediately losing benefits.

What medical evidence do I need for a spinal cord injury claim?

You need medical records showing your diagnosis, treatment, and how your spinal cord injury limits your daily activities and ability to work. This includes doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment history.

How long does it take to get a decision on SSDI or SSI?

It can take 3 to 6 months to get a decision on SSDI or SSI. If your application is denied, you can appeal, which may take longer.

Are there special benefits for veterans with spinal cord injury in Virginia?

Yes, veterans with spinal cord injury may qualify for VA disability benefits, which are separate from SSDI and SSI. Contact the VA for more information on eligibility and how to apply.

What if I am denied SSDI or SSI?

If you are denied, you can appeal the decision. The appeals process includes reconsideration, a hearing, and review by the Appeals Council. You may want to consult a disability attorney or advocate for help.

Virginia • Physical/Mobility

Spinal Cord Injury Benefits in Virginia: 2025 Guide

If you have a spinal cord injury in Virginia, you may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), Virginia Medicaid waivers, and other support programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available.

Spinal cord injury often qualifies for SSDI or SSI if it prevents work for 12+ months.
Virginia Medicaid offers waivers for home and community-based services.
SSI recipients in Virginia get only the federal payment: $943/month (individual) in 2025.
There is a waiting list for some Virginia Medicaid waivers.
ABLE accounts help save for disability expenses without losing benefits.

Last reviewed: 2025-11-06

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Eligibility

To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security, have a disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months, and meet the work credit requirement (usually 20 credits in the last 10 years) [^1].
For SSI, you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months [^1].
The Social Security Administration uses a five-step process to decide if your spinal cord injury qualifies:
1. Are you working above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit? ($1,550/month in 2025 for non-blind) [^1].
2. Is your condition severe enough to limit basic work activities for 12+ months?
3. Does your condition match or equal a listing in the SSA’s Blue Book (spinal cord injuries are listed under 1.04 and 11.04) [^1]?
4. Can you do any work you did in the past 15 years?
5. Can you adjust to other work considering your age, education, and limitations [^1]?

Virginia does not add extra money to SSI payments. In 2025, SSI recipients get $943/month (individual) or $1,415/month (couple) from the federal government only [^2].
Virginia Medicaid offers several waivers for people with developmental disabilities, but spinal cord injury may qualify under other waiver programs or the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) Medicaid category if you meet income and functional criteria [^3].
To get Medicaid waiver services, contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) or the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) [^3].
There is often a waiting list for Medicaid waiver slots, and assignments are based on urgency of need [^3].
Virginia also offers ABLE accounts, which let you save money for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits [^4].

How to apply in Virginia

Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office [^1].
For Medicaid and waivers, contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) or the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) [^3].
Gather medical records, proof of income, and work history before applying [^1].

Step 1: Gather Documents
- Medical records showing your spinal cord injury diagnosis, treatment, and how it limits your daily activities and ability to work [^1].
- Proof of income, assets, and work history [^1].
- Social Security number and proof of citizenship or legal residency [^1].
Step 2: Apply for SSDI or SSI
- Apply online at SSA.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office [^1].
- The application will ask for details about your medical condition, work history, and finances [^1].
Step 3: Apply for Medicaid and Waivers
- Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) or the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) to apply for Medicaid and waiver services [^3].
- You may need to complete a functional assessment and provide medical documentation [^3].
Step 4: Follow Up
- Respond promptly to any requests for more information from Social Security or Medicaid [^1].
- If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision [^1].

Programs & Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments if you worked and paid Social Security taxes. Amount depends on your work history [^1].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources. In 2025, $943/month (individual) or $1,415/month (couple) [^1].
Medicare: Health coverage after 24 months of SSDI, or immediately for some conditions [^1].
Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and resources, available in some cases with SSI or SSDI [^1].

Medicaid for Persons who are Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD): Health coverage for people with disabilities who meet income and functional criteria [^3].
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Services like personal care, home modifications, and respite care. Virginia has several waivers, including for developmental disabilities, but spinal cord injury may qualify under other waiver programs or ABD Medicaid [^3].
ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for disability expenses. Virginia residents can open an ABLE account through the Virginia ABLE program [^4].
Other Support: Local agencies may offer vocational rehab, transportation, and other services for people with spinal cord injuries [^3].

Money & Banking

Virginia offers ABLE accounts, which let you save up to $17,000 per year (2025) for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits [^4].
Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other qualified disability expenses [^4].
To open an account, visit the Virginia ABLE program website [^4].

For SSI in Virginia, the federal income limit is $943/month (individual) in 2025. Some income is not counted, like the first $20 of most income and the first $65 of earned income [^1].
For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than the SGA limit ($1,550/month in 2025 for non-blind) and still qualify [^1].
For Medicaid ABD, income and asset limits apply and vary by program [^3].

You must report changes in income, resources, living situation, or work activity to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments [^1].
If you receive an overpayment, you may be able to request a waiver or set up a repayment plan [^1].
For more details, see the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide [^1].

Tips & Gotchas

Need Help Applying?

Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) or the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) for help with Medicaid and waiver applications. For SSDI/SSI, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

Contacts

Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)
Phone: (804) 786-3921
TTY: (804) 371-8977
Email: [email protected]
Website
For Medicaid waiver questions and applications.
Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Website
For SSDI/SSI questions and applications.

FAQs

Can I get both SSDI and SSI with a spinal cord injury in Virginia?
Yes, if your SSDI payment is low and you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for both SSDI and SSI. SSI can supplement your SSDI payment up to the federal limit of $943/month (individual) in 2025 [^1].
What is the SGA limit for spinal cord injury in 2025?
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,550/month for non-blind individuals in 2025. If you earn more than this, you generally cannot qualify for SSDI or SSI unless you qualify for work incentives [^1].
Does Virginia add extra money to SSI payments?
No, Virginia does not add a state supplement to SSI payments. In 2025, SSI recipients in Virginia get only the federal payment of $943/month (individual) [^2].
How do I apply for Medicaid waivers in Virginia?
Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) or the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) to apply for Medicaid waiver services. There is often a waiting list, and slots are assigned based on urgency of need [^3].
What is an ABLE account and can I open one in Virginia?
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for disability expenses. Virginia residents can open an ABLE account through the Virginia ABLE program. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other qualified expenses [^4].
Can I work while getting SSDI or SSI with a spinal cord injury?
Yes, you can work, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit ($1,550/month in 2025 for non-blind). Social Security offers work incentives to help you test your ability to work without immediately losing benefits [^1].

Official resources

Developmental Disability Waivers - Virginia Medicaid(state_agency)
Medicaid for Persons who are Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD)(state_agency)
How to Qualify for SSDI(federal)
VA Disability Benefits for Veterans(federal)
Contact Virginia DBHDS for Waiver Help(state_agency)

Related Purple guides

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.

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