Stuttering Benefits in Virginia: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your stuttering must be severe enough to limit your ability to work or do daily activities. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. SSDI requires a work history and enough Social Security credits. Both programs look at how your stuttering affects communication, social interaction, and job performance. If approved, you may get monthly payments and access to Medicaid or Medicare.

• SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
• SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Both programs have strict medical and functional criteria.
• Stuttering must be documented by medical professionals and shown to cause significant limitations.

For more details, see the SSA’s disability qualification page [^1].

In Virginia, people with stuttering may qualify for Medicaid waivers if their condition is considered a developmental disability and causes significant functional limitations. The main waivers are Building Independence, Family & Individual Support, and Community Living. These waivers help pay for services like therapy, support staff, and home modifications. Eligibility is based on need and there is a waiting list. You must apply through your local Community Services Board (CSB) and may need to show how stuttering affects your daily life and independence.

• Building Independence: For adults who can live mostly independently.
• Family & Individual Support: For children and adults who may live with family.
• Community Living: For those who need constant support at home.

For more information, visit the Virginia Medicaid DD Waivers page [^2].

• Check if your stuttering limits your ability to work or do daily activities.
• Gather medical records and documentation from doctors or therapists.
• Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• Contact your local Community Services Board for Medicaid waiver help.
• Ask about work incentive programs if you want to try working.
• Report any changes in your situation to avoid overpayments.

• Step 1: Get a medical evaluation. See a doctor or speech therapist to document your stuttering and how it affects your life.
• Step 2: Collect records. Gather medical reports, therapy notes, and any school or work records that show how stuttering limits you.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI or SSDI. Go to SSA.gov and fill out the application. You can also apply in person at a Social Security office.
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid waivers. Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) to start the process. They will help you fill out forms and may assign a case manager.
• Step 5: Wait for a decision. The Social Security Administration and CSB will review your application and may ask for more information.
• Step 6: Report changes. If your income, living situation, or health changes, report it to avoid overpayments.
• Step 7: Use work incentives. If you want to try working, ask about programs that let you keep benefits while you test your ability to work.

For more help, see the SSA’s guide on how to qualify for disability benefits [^1] and the Virginia Medicaid DD Waivers page [^2].

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources who have a disability, including severe stuttering.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and now have a disability.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people who get SSDI after a 24-month waiting period.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people who get SSI (automatic in Virginia).
• Work Incentive Programs: Help people keep benefits while they try to work.

For more details, see the SSA’s disability benefits page [^1].

• Building Independence Waiver: For adults 18+ who can live mostly independently but need some support.
• Family & Individual Support Waiver: For children and adults who may live with family and need functional, behavioral, or medical supports.
• Community Living Waiver: For those who need constant support at home, including those with complex medical or behavioral needs.
• Medicaid for Persons who are Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD): For people with disabilities who meet income and asset limits.

These waivers can pay for therapy, support staff, home modifications, and other services. Apply through your local Community Services Board (CSB). For more information, visit the Virginia Medicaid DD Waivers page [^2] and the Medicaid for ABD page [^6].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Virginia, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. The account grows tax-free and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed. For more information, see the ABLE Accounts guide [internal_link_able_accounts].

• SSI: In 2025, the maximum federal SSI payment is $967 per month for an individual. Income and asset limits apply and change each year.
• SSDI: Payment amounts depend on your work history. There is no strict income limit, but you must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit to keep benefits. In 2025, the SGA limit is expected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals.
• Medicaid: Income and asset limits vary by program. For ABD Medicaid, limits are based on federal poverty level.

For more details, see the SSI vs SSDI guide [internal_link_ssi_ssdi] and the SSI Income Estimator tool [internal_link_ssi_income_estimator].

If your income, resources, or living situation changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you don’t report changes or if you get benefits you’re not eligible for. If you get an overpayment, you may have to pay it back. For tips on avoiding overpayments, see the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide [internal_link_overpayments_and_reporting].

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

  TTY: (804) 371-8977

  Email: [email protected]

  Website

  For questions about DD waivers and Medicaid services.

• Can stuttering qualify for SSI or SSDI in Virginia?

  Yes, if stuttering is severe enough to limit your ability to work or do daily activities, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must provide medical documentation and show how stuttering affects your life.

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers in Virginia?

  Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) to apply for Medicaid waivers. They will help you fill out forms and may assign a case manager to guide you through the process.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?

  SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both can provide monthly payments and health coverage.

• Can I work while getting SSI or SSDI?

  Yes, work incentive programs let you keep benefits while you try to work. There are income limits and rules, so report any changes to avoid overpayments.

• What services do Medicaid waivers cover in Virginia?

  Medicaid waivers can pay for therapy, support staff, home modifications, and other services. The exact services depend on the waiver and your needs.

• How long is the waiting list for Medicaid waivers in Virginia?

  There is a waiting list for Medicaid waivers in Virginia. Slots are assigned based on urgency of need, so it may take time to get approved.