How Much Does Disability Pay in Virginia?
Atticus offers free, high-quality disability advice for Americans who can't work. Our team of Stanford and Harvard-trained lawyers has a combined 15+ years of legal experience and has helped over 50,000 Americans apply for disability benefits.
If you’re a Virginia resident who’s unable to work due to an injury or illness, you might qualify for Social Security benefits. A monthly check from the Social Security Administration (SSA) can be life-changing. Learn how you could become a regular recipient of disability benefits and join the more than 200,000 Virginians getting monthly payments from the SSA.
How much are disability benefits in Virginia?
In Virginia, the monthly amount you receive from the SSA depends on which program’s eligibility requirements you meet. The SSA administers two federal disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Both programs offer benefits payments and healthcare coverage, but the qualifications and payment amounts differ. In 2024, the maximum amount you can receive for SSDI is $3,822 per month, though the average payout in Virginia is $1,748. For SSI the maximum payout is $943 per month, and the average in Virginia is $602.
How is SSDI calculated?
The SSA uses a formula to calculate your monthly payment amounts. In brief, the amount of money you pay into Social Security taxes during your working years determines how much you can receive in benefits.
First, the SSA calculates your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) from your highest-earning years and adjusts this number for inflation. The SSA then uses your AIME to determine your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), separated into three segments.
The math can get confusing at this step — check out our complete guide on how the SSA calculates your monthly SSDI check.
How is SSI calculated?
The SSA will subtract your countable income — like payments from jobs or pensions — from a set federal benefit rate; In 2024, the federal benefit rate is $943. If your countable income is less than the federal benefit rate, you should receive the full amount. If you receive other benefits, like food stamps, the SSA will subtract those benefits from your monthly SSI check. For example, if you receive $291 in food stamps, your SSI amount will be $652 ($943 - $291).
Check out this article for more information on how the SSA calculates SSI payments.
How much can I make on disability?
The exact amount you can make on disability depends on a number of factors. SSDI calculations take your work history and social security payments into account, while SSI calculations consider your income and assets.
To verify your eligibility and determine your estimated SSDI benefits amount, you can create an SSA account on SSA.gov.
Alternatively, you can use our easy-to-navigate disability calculator to get an estimate.
Estimate your disability benefit amount in just a few steps
We'll use the Social Security Administration's formula to estimate your monthly benefit.
Average
monthly check
$1,489
Do I need a disability lawyer in Virginia?
The SSA does not require applicants to hire a disability lawyer, but it’s a good idea to have one. A disability attorney can help you with every step of the application process, from completing paperwork to navigating the appeals process. A lawyer can help you:
Fill out the disability application
Gather medical records
File for an appeal
Prepare you for a disability hearing in front of an administrative law judge
Represent you at a disability hearing
Get help with your application
If you’re applying for disability benefits in Virginia, Atticus can help. Take our 2-minute quiz, and a member of our team can offer personalized advice about your disability claim — and connect you with a lawyer if you’d like.
There are no upfront costs to working with Atticus. You only pay your lawyer if they help you get your benefits and the one-time lawyer fee is capped at 25% of your back pay.
Frequently asked questions about benefits in Virginia
How do I qualify for disability in Virginia?
To qualify for disability you need to have a condition that prevents you from working for at least a year. You’ll also need to meet certain work history requirements (for SSDI) or be within certain income limits (for SSI). For more on these requirements, read our full write up here.
What conditions qualify for disability in Virginia?
Any condition that will prevent you from working for a year or more can qualify for disability benefits. Some of the most common conditions include musculoskeletal disorders, mental disorders, nervous system diseases, and circulatory system diseases. See our full list of conditions that qualify here.
How long does it take to get approved for disability in Virginia?
It takes an average of 6.1 months to get an initial disability decision in Virginia. Most people who apply are initially rejected, and need to appeal this decision. If you appeal and go to a hearing, the process takes around two years on average. Read more: How Long It Takes to Get Approved for Disability Benefits
How much does disability pay in Virginia?
The average SSDI payment in Virginia is $1,371.15 per month. The average SSI payment is $621.51 per month. What you’ll earn is dependent on your income, or the amount you’ve historically paid into the Social Security program. Read more on what amount you can expect.
How should I prepare my disability application in Virginia?
Answer the application questions truthfully, consistently, and succinctly. You should also ensure that you gather and submit all your medical records with your application. The SSA paperwork can be complicated, so our legal team has written a full guide to the application here.
Does Virginia have a state disability program?
No, Virginia doesn't have a state disability program. Only five states (California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island) have a state program. Residents of Virginia can apply for federal disability programs (SSDI and SSI). Read more about SSDI and SSI here.
Related resources:
Virginia Disability Benefits
SSA Offices in Virginia
How long has your condition made it hard to work?
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