Williams Syndrome Benefits in Virginia: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your Williams Syndrome must significantly limit your ability to work for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to decide eligibility:

• Step 1: Are you working? If you earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit ($1,550/month in 2025), you usually won’t qualify unless you qualify for work incentives.
• Step 2: Is your condition severe? Your medical records must show your condition limits basic work activities.
• Step 3: Does your condition match a listing? Williams Syndrome may meet or equal a listing if it causes severe symptoms.
• Step 4: Can you do past work? If not, you move to the next step.
• Step 5: Can you do other work? If not, you may be approved for benefits.

SSDI also requires enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years)[^1].

In Virginia, people with Williams Syndrome may qualify for Medicaid waivers for developmental disabilities. Virginia offers three main waivers: Building Independence, Family & Individual Support, and Community Living. These waivers help with home and community-based services, but there is a waiting list and slots are assigned by urgency of need. To apply, contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) or visit the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services website[^2].

Virginia does not add extra money to SSI payments, so recipients get only the federal amount: $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples in 2025[^1].

If you are a veteran with Williams Syndrome, you may qualify for extra VA benefits, including home loan fee waivers and special training programs[^4].

• Check if your Williams Syndrome limits work for 12+ months.
• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact your local Community Services Board (CSB).
• Veterans should apply for VA benefits through VA.gov or a VA office.

• Step 1: Get medical records that show how Williams Syndrome affects your ability to work.
• Step 2: Check if you meet the SGA limit ($1,550/month in 2025) and have enough work credits for SSDI.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You’ll need to provide personal info, work history, and medical records[^6].
• Step 4: For Medicaid waivers, contact your local CSB or visit the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services website. You may need to fill out an application and wait for a slot[^2].
• Step 5: If you’re a veteran, apply for VA benefits through VA.gov or a VA office. You may need to provide proof of service and disability rating[^4].
• Step 6: Report any changes in income or health to avoid overpayments[^7].

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or aged.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but are now disabled.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities, low income, or who are aged or blind.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities after 24 months of SSDI.
• Veterans Benefits: Extra help for veterans with service-connected disabilities, including home loan fee waivers and job training[^4].

• Developmental Disability (DD) Waivers: Virginia offers three Medicaid waivers for people with developmental disabilities like Williams Syndrome:
  • Building Independence: For adults who can live mostly independently.
  • Family & Individual Support: For children and adults who may live with family or in their own homes.
  • Community Living: For people who need supports in their homes all the time.

These waivers help with home and community-based services, but there is a waiting list and slots are assigned by urgency of need. To apply, contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) or visit the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services website[^2].

Virginia does not add extra money to SSI payments, so recipients get only the federal amount: $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples in 2025[^1].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Virginia offers ABLE accounts through the Virginia ABLE Program. You can use the account for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and transportation. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one in Virginia[^8].

• SSI: In Virginia, the federal SSI payment is $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples in 2025. Virginia does not add extra money to SSI payments[^1].
• SSDI: The SGA limit is $1,550/month in 2025. If you earn more than this, you usually won’t qualify unless you qualify for work incentives[^1].

If your income or health changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to repayment demands or loss of benefits. Learn how to report changes and avoid overpayments[^7].

• 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 Williams Syndrome qualify for SSI or SSDI in Virginia?

  Yes, if Williams Syndrome limits your ability to work for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. The Social Security Administration reviews your medical records and work history to decide eligibility.

• How much does SSI pay in Virginia in 2025?

  SSI recipients in Virginia get the federal payment only: $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples in 2025. Virginia does not add extra money to SSI payments.

• What Medicaid waivers are available for Williams Syndrome in Virginia?

  Virginia offers three Medicaid waivers for developmental disabilities: Building Independence, Family & Individual Support, and Community Living. These help with home and community-based services, but there is a waiting list.

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers in Virginia?

  To apply for Medicaid waivers, contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) or visit the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services website. You may need to fill out an application and wait for a slot.

• Can veterans with Williams Syndrome get extra benefits in Virginia?

  Yes, veterans with Williams Syndrome may qualify for extra VA benefits, including home loan fee waivers and job training programs, if they have a service-connected disability rating.

• What is the SGA limit for SSDI in Virginia in 2025?

  The SGA limit for SSDI in Virginia is $1,550/month in 2025. If you earn more than this, you usually won’t qualify unless you qualify for work incentives.