Welcome to Disability Benefits Help, an organization committed to helping claimants across the United States receive approval for disability benefits.
Since applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a difficult process, a disability attorney or advocate may increase your chances of being awarded benefits by helping accurately and favorably complete the complex paperwork, ensuring that all deadlines are met, and providing you with representation at a hearing. After submitting our web form, you will receive a 100% FREE evaluation of your disability claim. Disability attorneys and advocates receive compensation if you are awarded back benefits. We have no affiliation with the Social Security Administration, the agency at which you can apply for Social Security disability at no cost.
If you are a resident of Virginia and you can’t work because of an illness or injury you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits in Virginia. If you’ve worked in the past but now because of an illness or mental illness or you can’t work anymore you can apply for Social Security disability benefits in Virginia. If your application for disability benefits in Virginia is approved you can use the money you receive to pay for any of your living expenses like housing, food, or utilities.
The Definition Of Disability In Virginia
When you apply for disability benefits in Virginia you will need to show medical proof that you meet the definition of disability in Virginia. The definition of disability states that a person must be unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity and that they must have a medical condition that they expect to last at least a year or end in death.
Substantial gainful activity means any kind of work that you can get paid for. If you can’t perform any kind of tasks that an employer would pay for then you may qualify for disability benefits.
Virginia workers who qualify for disability benefits can also apply for other benefits including benefits for housing, food, and medical care.
What Disabling Conditions Qualify In Virginia?
Not all medical conditions will qualify someone to receive disability benefits. The Social Security Administration publishes all of the medical conditions that qualify for disability benefits in a book called The Blue Book. You can find out if your medical condition is in the Blue Book by searching Blue Book on the SSA’s website. Your local SSA office also has a copy of the Blue Book you can look at.
When you apply for Social Security disability benefits you need to include a letter of diagnosis, your medical records, and any other documentation you have that can prove you meet the requirements for your condition that are listed in the Blue Book. If you don’t include enough medical evidence your application for disability benefits will be denied.
When you submit your application you will also need to show that you have work credits to be approved for disability benefits in Virginia. Work credits are based on the amount of money that you make and how many hours you work. It’s possible to earn up to 4 work credits per year.
Types of Disability Benefits Available in Virginia
Residents of Virginia who are disabled can apply for either SSDI or SSI, but not both.
Virginia Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security disability insurance, also called SSDI, is the type of disability benefit that you should apply for if you have worked in the past. SSDI is the benefit program that you have paid into when you were working. SSDI isn’t a handout, it’s something that you paid for in case you needed it. If you need it now, you should apply for it. The average monthly SSDI payment in Virginia in 2024 is $1497.40
Virginia Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a different type of benefit, but it’s also for people who are disabled. If you have had a disability since childhood so you have never worked and can never work, you can apply for SSI. You should apply for SSI in Virginia by your 18th birthday so that you can start receiving benefits when you turn 18.
If your parents have been receiving SSI for you since you were a child, you will need to apply for SSI so that those benefits will be paid directly to you. Parents can apply for SSI on behalf of their child if the child has a disability and the parents are low-income.
However, parents will have to submit W-2s, tax returns, or pay stubs to show that their total household income falls below the SSA’s income cap before their child will be approved for SSI. Parents have to submit documentation each month showing the money is being used to pay only the child’s living expenses.
State of Virginia Disability Programs
If you have short-term disability coverage through your employer or the state of Virginia, you can usually claim your short-term disability benefits starting the 8th day after you become disabled. But you must have signed up for short-term disability benefits before you became disabled. Typically, there is a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins.
You can also receive long-term disability benefits even if you are getting SSA disability benefits. You can receive both. But the amount of your SSDI may be reduced in that case. The total of the two benefits can’t be more than your previous salary.
Find A Disability Lawyer In Virginia
It’s strongly recommended that you speak with a disability lawyer in Virginia before you apply for Social Security disability benefits. The process of applying for benefits can be confusing, long, and difficult. And if you don’t fill out the application correctly or meet the deadlines for filing you may be denied disability benefits in Virginia.
Working with a Virginia disability lawyer can make the application process easier if you are filing for Social Security disability benefits in Virginia. A disability lawyer in Virginia can help you with tasks like:
- Filling out the application paperwork
- Talking you through the application process.
- Advising you on what medical documentation you need.
- Helping you meet deadlines.
- Arguing your appeal.
You don’t have to pay anything upfront to speak with an experienced Virginia disability lawyer. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation now to get connected with a Virginia disability attorney who can answer your questions and give you advice.
How Much Disability Can You Receive in Virginia?
People who apply for Social Security disability benefits in Virginia and are approved may receive up to $3,822 a month in disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. If you are approved for SSI the maximum SSI benefit is $943 for one person, and $1,415 a month if you are married to someone that also receives SSI.
To find out what your Social Security benefit payment could be use our disability benefit calculator. Then, reach out to a Virginia Social Security lawyer who can help you start your application.
