The Virginia process Path for SSDI and SSI

Virginia residents explore for federal disability benefits through Social Security, not through a state agency. There is no separate Virginia disability program for adults — the Social Security Administration (SSA) handles all applications for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), regardless of where you live.

You can start an process online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online route is fastest if you have your medical records and work history ready. Phone and in-person applications take longer but may help if you need someone to walk you through the questions.

Virginia does run its own programs — Virginia Disability information Services (VDDS) reviews medical evidence for SSA — but you do not contact VDDS directly. SSA sends your case to VDDS after you submit your process.

Key Takeaways

  • explore online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office; online is fastest if you have documents ready.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, medical records, and a list of jobs you have held in the past 15 years.
  • Virginia Disability information Services reviews the medical evidence, but you submit your process to Social Security, not to VDDS.
  • Initial decisions typically take three to five months; if denied, you can request reconsideration or a hearing before an administrative law judge.
  • While your case is pending, you can work and earn up to the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit without affecting your claim.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather these documents before you begin an process. Having them ready cuts the time spent on the phone or at the office and reduces the chance you will need to resubmit information.

Identity and work history: Your Social Security number, birth certificate, and a list of all jobs you have held in the past 15 years, including the names and addresses of employers and the dates you worked. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the past two years.

Medical records: Names and addresses of all doctors, hospitals, and mental health providers who have treated you for your condition. Bring dates of visits if you have them. You do not need to print the records yourself — SSA will request them from your providers — but having the contact information speeds things up.

For SSI only: If you are explore for SSI (not SSDI), you will also need proof of income, assets, and citizenship or immigration status. Bring recent pay stubs, bank statements, and your green card or passport.

explore Online at ssa.gov

The online process for SSDI is called iClaim. You create a my Social Security account, answer questions about your medical condition and work history, and submit. You can save your progress and return later if you need to.

The form asks for your condition, when it started, which doctors you see, and whether you have worked in the past 15 years. Be as specific as you can about dates and symptoms. If you are unsure of exact dates, write what you remember — SSA will verify with your providers.

After you submit, SSA sends your case to VDDS within a few days. You will receive a notice in the mail with your case number. Keep this number — you will need it if you call Social Security with questions.

explore by Phone or In Person

Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are longest on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. A representative will ask the same questions as the online form and file your process over the phone.

You can also walk into your local Social Security office without an appointment, though you may wait. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring all the documents listed above. An employee will help you fill out the form and answer questions about your condition and work history.

Phone and in-person applications take longer to process than online applications because SSA has to manually enter your answers. If possible, use iClaim — it is faster and you control what you submit.

What Happens After You Submit

SSA sends your process to VDDS, which is part of the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services. VDDS has a team of doctors and disability examiners who review your medical records and decide whether you meet the definition of disability under federal law.

This review usually takes three to five months. During this time, VDDS may request additional records from your doctors or ask you to have a medical exam (called a Consultative Examination). If VDDS orders an exam, SSA pays for it — you do not.

You will receive a written decision in the mail. The letter will say whether you are approved, denied, or approved for a different program (such as SSI instead of SSDI). If you are approved, it will tell you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month.

If Your process Is Denied

If VDDS denies your claim, you have the right to challenge the decision. You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request reconsideration, which means VDDS will review your case again with new or additional medical evidence.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is a formal hearing where you can present evidence and testimony. Many people win at the hearing stage even though they were denied twice before. You can represent yourself or hire a disability attorney or non-attorney representative.

After the ALJ hearing, if you are still denied, you can appeal to the Appeals Council in Arlington, Virginia, and then to federal court. Most people who eventually win their case do so at the ALJ hearing stage.

Working While Your Case Is Pending

You can work and earn money while your process is being reviewed. There is no limit on how much you can earn during the process process — the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit applies only after you are approved and receiving benefits.

For 2024, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for blind individuals. If you earn more than this amount in a month, SSA may assume you are not disabled and stop your benefits. These amounts change each year.

If you are approved for SSDI, you also have access to work incentives that let you test your ability to work without losing benefits when ready. The most common is the Trial Work Period, which lets you earn any amount for nine months without affecting your benefits. After the Trial Work Period, there is a 36-month Extended may be able to access Period during which benefits stop only if you earn over SGA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for disability in Virginia if I have not worked recently?

Yes. SSDI requires recent work history, but SSI does not. If you have not worked in the past 15 years, you may still may have access to for SSI if your income and assets are low enough. SSI is a needs-based program, so your financial situation matters more than your work record.

How long does it take to get a decision in Virginia?

Initial decisions from VDDS usually take three to five months. If you request reconsideration, add another three to five months. If you request a hearing before an ALJ, the wait is typically six months to two years, depending on the judge's caseload in your area.

Do I need a lawyer to explore for disability in Virginia?

No. You can explore and represent yourself at every stage. However, if your case is denied and you request a hearing, many people find it helpful to have a representative. Attorneys and non-attorney representatives are paid only if you win, and their fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay.

What if I disagree with VDDS's decision?

You have 60 days from the denial letter to request reconsideration. If that is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. You can submit new medical evidence at any stage. Many cases that are denied initially are approved at the hearing stage.

Can I explore for both SSDI and SSI at the same time?

Yes. If you do not have enough work history for SSDI but your income is low, you may may have access to for SSI instead. SSA will evaluate you for both programs and award whichever one you may have access to for, or both if you meet the requirements for each.