Virginia Disability Benefits: How to Apply & Qualify

Important: We updated this article in February 2025 after reviewing Social Security Administration policies and data. Home of the Pentagon, tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Fleet, Virginia’s undoubtedly a military center. It’s also where the Revolutionary and Civil Wars ended. State slogan “Virginia is for lovers” became popular thanks to an advertising campaign launched in 1969. So whether you’re a lover or a fighter, Virginia’s got you covered. But what if you’re looking for info on how to get disability in Virginia once you stop working? That, my friends, is detailed in our comprehensive guide below.

Keep reading to learn about the benefit application process, how to qualify for disability benefits, pay amounts, and more.

How to Get Disability in Virginia: Key Takeaways

• There are many different types of disability benefits available to people who can no longer work for health reasons. Knowing which one you’re most likely to qualify for disability payments from can help guide your next steps.
• If you’re hurt on the job, start with workers’ compensation through your Virginia employer before you file a claim with any federal program. Disabled vets should apply for benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
• Your medical condition alone won’t make you automatically qualify for disability benefits. Instead, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has to confirm that you meet all work history and monthly income requirements first. You must also prove you cannot work at all for at least 12 months in a row.
• VA disability lawyers make you 3x more likely to get a favorable initial disability decision within 6 months. Without an attorney, the disability claims process usually takes 2-3 years.

What Programs Offer Virginia Disability Benefits?

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), nearly 1 in 3 adults (28.7%) in Virginia is disabled. So you’ll be glad to hear that there are 2 different programs that pay benefits to permanently disabled residents who cannot work:

1. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) makes monthly payments to disabled or blind children, adults, and seniors aged 65+. However, you must also meet very strict income and financial asset requirements to qualify for SSI benefits.
2. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is an insurance program that workers pay into with via payroll tax deductions. It’s designed to help people who must stop working for a year or longer due to a serious medical impairment.

However, just 310,270 residents got SSDI and SSI benefits in 2023. To greatly boost your approval odds, we recommend working with an experienced Social Security attorney.

How Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Works in Virginia

As mentioned above, there are two Virginia disability programs you can apply for, so let’s start with SSDI benefits. This Virginia disability program supports disabled adults with a long enough and recent enough work history.

Qualifying for SSDI Benefits

SSDI is for adults aged 18-66 who cannot work for at least one year because of one or more disabling conditions. Once your health gets so bad you can no longer perform “substantial gainful activity” (i.e., stop working), then you may apply for SSDI benefits. Be sure to include copies of your complete medical records and signed statements from your doctor.

For most people applying for this benefit, you’ll need at least 40 work credits to qualify for SSDI. That means you worked at least 5 in the last 10 years while paying Social Security taxes.

Important: Once you stop working for 5 years, the Disability Determination Services office will automatically reject your SSDI application.

Finally, if you already get some Social Security benefits each month, then you aren’t eligible for SSDI. This is because the SSA can only make one payment on a work record associated with any Social Security Number (SSN). So, if you are already drawing early or regular retirement, then you can’t get disability payments on top of that. The SSA will automatically reject any disability claims from people who are already retired or have no work history.

How Much Are Virginia SSDI Payments?

The maximum SSDI monthly payment available in 2025 is $4,018. On average, however, most people on SSDI get around $1,580. Ultimately, you monthly payment amount depends on how much you earned each month during your working years.

However, eligible family members may also receive up to 50% of your SSDI amount in addition to your monthly benefits. That includes a dependent spouse and any children younger than 16 in your home (including an adopted child). And if you’re divorced, your unmarred divorced spouse may also qualify for benefits on your work record.

If Congress approves a cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) each October, then you will receive higher benefits the following January.

What About Health Insurance?

Two years (24 months) after your first SSDI payment, you’ll automatically become eligible for Medicare coverage. This is true regardless of whether you’re 65 years old or not on your anniversary date.

How Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Works in Virginia

SSI is the other Virginia disability program available for very low-income residents. It provides monthly cash benefits to children and adults who meet strict financial and resource guidelines.

Applicants must once again satisfy the definition of disability but there is no work history requirement. That’s because general tax income pays for SSI benefits, not Social Security taxes.

SSI Benefit Eligibility Rules

To qualify for Supplemental security income payments, you must:

1. Meet the SSA’s definition of disability or be at least 65 years old when you file your application. You’ll need to submit medical records that show how your condition prevents you from working if you’re younger than 65.
2. Own less than $2,000 in assets you can easily sell for cash (or $3,000 per couple).
3. Show “countable income” that is below than the monthly SSI federal benefit rate (FBR).

Counting up all the money and assets you own for SSI eligibility purposes is often challenging. But that number determines SSI eligibility. Keep in mind, “countable” includes work paychecks and money you get for alimony, workers’ comp, and veterans’ benefits.

How Much Money Does SSI Pay Each Month?

For 2025, individuals can receive no more than $967 or $1,450 per couple. Federal policy determines the SSI pay amount for each year, not your work history, symptoms, or medical condition.

Does SSI Approval Include Health Insurance?

Yes. The same month you receive benefits from SSI, you can also potentially get Medicaid coverage.

What Other Programs Can Help Disabled Virginia Residents?

Beyond federal SSDI and SSI benefits, Virginia disability applicants should also look into supplemental state programs.

Unlike most other states, getting SSI doesn’t mean you’re automatically eligible for Medicaid in Virginia. While Virginia’s asset limits for Medicaid are the same as for SSI, the income limits are a bit higher. Virginia bases eligibility for Medicaid on the Federal Poverty Level, and it is a joint federal and state program. To apply for Medicaid, visit Virginia’s Medical Assistance Programs.

Virginia also offers a generous supplemental payment for disabled individuals in assisted living facilities or adult foster care. The Virginia Department of Social Services administers these “auxiliary grants,”  which are 80% state funded/20% local. These grants can help cover the cost of long-term care (i.e., a nursing home) if you need it, but nothing else.

Generally speaking, most people eligible for disability benefits can also qualify for other state and federal assistance programs. These may include:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Energy Assistance (EA)

How Long Does the Virginia Disability Approval Process Usually Take?

Nationwide, federal law requires a five-month waiting period before the SSA will issue any disability payments. However, if you wait until 5 months after your disability began to file your claim, you can automatically skip this wait period. On average, most people wait about 7-9 months to hear back after submitting an application for disability benefits.

Very few people get initial claims for disability in Virginia approved on their first try. If your initial application isn’t successful, then you have 60 days to appeal that decision in writing.

You should know, though that the appeal process can take much longer than initial claim reviews. Your first appeal step is called “reconsideration,” and it can add another 90-180 days to your wait time. If that step fails, you can still appeal again by requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge. At this stage, it’s best to have a legal team supporting your appealed case.

In other words, it’s going to take a while for you to see any payments, even if you’re successful.

How Do I Apply for SSDI and SSI?

You have 3 ways to apply for Virginia disability benefits from the SSDI or SSI program:

1. Through a qualified disability lawyer for free. This is the only method that dramatically improves your chances for filing a successful initial application.
2. By telephone. Call 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) M-F during regular business hours.
3. In person at your nearest SSA office. We recommend calling ahead and making an appointment to avoid spending more than 5 hours filling out paperwork.

If you’re filing an SSDI claim only, you can also apply online directly with the SSA. Visit the SSA disability portal. Be aware that it’s not possible to start an SSI application online anywhere at this time. 

Important: While you must file your claim with the Social Security Administration directly, the VA Disability Determination Services office will review it.

How to Get Disability in Virginia Potentially Awarded Faster

Though you don’t need a lawyer to apply or receive benefits, it can help you shorten your wait for your first payment. Who needs to go a whole year (or longer) with no income when you don’t have to? It’s also a good way to ensure you don’t miss out on any back benefits the SSA office may owe you.

One other thing to keep in mind is that it won’t cost you anything out of your own pocket to talk to an attorney. That’s because all disability lawyers in our network provide free claim consultations. So, if you choose not to work with that attorney or cannot get benefits, you owe your lawyer $0.

And if a lawyer does help you secure monthly payments, you’ll only owe one small fee afterwards.

You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain. Click the button below to see if you may qualify for a free disability benefits consultation from an attorney near you:

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