Approximately 24% of Virginia’s population has a disability that limits their ability to work and earn a living. The majority have mobility and cognition-related disabilities.
These disabled residents could benefit from Virginia’s Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. Unfortunately, only 4% of them currently receive SSDI benefits.
Although not everyone with a disability qualifies for SSDI benefits, the more individuals know about the application and review process, the better their odds are of receiving funds.
If you are disabled and live in Virginia, you may want to know if you qualify for benefits and how to apply. Read on to learn everything about Social Security local to Virginia.
How Do I Qualify for Social Security Benefits in Virginia
The requirements for Social Security disability benefits are the same for all Americans regardless of where they live with a few exceptions in some states.
Generally, you must meet two main criteria- the SSA must determine you suffer from a disability, and you must have paid into the Social Security fund during your years of employment.
Most applicants must show proof of at least ten years of work history. You can receive the benefits when still working, but there are income limits called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
These caps differ depending on your disability. For instance, blind individuals are limited to $2,190 in monthly income, while those with developmental disabilities can make up to $1,310.
If you are still working, know that you are protected against disability discrimination. Your employer must make reasonable accommodations to help you complete your tasks.
Regarding disability, SSDI applicants must ensure their medical condition is listed in the SSA Blue Book. This is a comprehensive list of conditions considered severe enough to last at least a year or end in death.
Meeting these basic criteria does not necessarily mean you will qualify for benefits. Your application must be reviewed, and not everyone who applies will be approved for benefits.
How Do I Apply for Social Security Benefits in Virginia?
You can file a disability claim online, over the phone, or in person. If you prefer to apply for Social Security Disability online, you will do so at the federal SSA website.
You may also call the national SSA toll (800) 772-1213 to apply over the phone. Those who prefer filing in person should visit their nearest Social Security field office.
Whichever application method you opt for, take time to gather relevant information beforehand to make the application process smoother.
You will need basic information about you and your family, including your birth certificate or Virginia Social Security number, marriage or divorce records, and military records since disabled veterans are also entitled to additional benefits from the Veterans Affairs.
You will also need to produce medical records alongside contact information for doctors and clinics that have been offering treatment for your disability.
What Happens After I Apply for Social Security Benefits in Virginia?
When you file for disability benefits, the SSA sends your application to the Disability Determination Services (DDS) office for review. The role of the DDS is to determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria.
A disability examiner at the DDS will examine your medical records to determine whether you meet the medical disability requirement. If your medical records are insufficient, the claims examiner will schedule you for a consultative examination.
Next, the disability examiner will reach out to vocational experts to know if you can work. The vocational experts will look at your work history and medical records to see if you can handle any jobs with your condition.
The final decision will be made based on the gathered information. If the claims examiner rules that you are not disabled, your disability claim will not be approved.
If the claims examiner considers you disabled, you will be approved for benefits. But it takes up to five months in wait time before you start receiving payments.
Appealing a Denial for Social Security Benefits in Virginia
Virginia approves 42% of first-time applications, higher than the 35% national average. Even so, this means most claimants must go through the appeal process if they wish to receive benefits.
The appeal process involves four steps, and each step must be completed within 60 days of the previous denial. These steps must also be followed in a systematic order.
Reconsideration
A reconsideration is a request to have a different disability examiner review your application and make a new determination.
The process is usually quick and does not require additional documentation. Virginia Social Security administration approves about 15% of applications at this stage.
Disability hearing
If your first appeal does not yield positive results, you can request a disability hearing before an administrative law judge. The hearing will be scheduled at your nearest Hearing and Appeals Offices in Virginia.
You will likely be asked to produce additional documentation or witnesses to speak about your disability. Most applicants opt to hire an attorney at this step.
Appeals Council
If the ALJ does not approve you for benefits, your next step is to request the Appeals Council to review your claim.
They will review the previous junior decisions to know whether an error was made and whether to uphold or overturn the decision made at the hearing.
Federal Court
If the Council upholds former decisions or refuses to review your case, your last hope is to appeal at the federal district court. Virginia has two federal district courts, one for eastern districts and the other for western districts.
Virginia SSDI Hearing Wait Times & Average Approval Rate
Virginia is in Region 3, whose headquarters are in Philadelphia. There are seven hearing offices in the state.
The average wait time for a disability hearing in Virginia is nine months, slightly lower than the national average of ten months.
However, the average approval rate at the hearing level is 40%, significantly lower than the national average of 51%.
These wait times and average approval rates highlight the importance of having an experienced Virginia SSDI attorney by your side.
A study by the Government Accountability Office found that a claimant with a lawyer is three times more likely to be approved than one going through the process alone.
How Do I Contact the Virginia Social Security Office Near Me?
Virginia has 30 Social Security Field offices that handle everything regarding SSI and SSDI.
Below is a list of all Virginia Social Security offices’ contact addresses. You can visit or call your local office for assistance with your SSDI needs.
SSA Field Office | Physical Address | Phone Number |
| Richmond DTN SSA Office | 1834 West Cary Street Richmond, VA 23220 | (866) 679-6684 |
| Roanoke SSA Office | 612 S Jefferson Street Suite 100 Roanoke, VA 24011 | (866) 701-8179 |
| Norfolk SSA Office | 5850 Lake Herbert Dr First Floor Norfolk, VA 23502 | (866) 858-6089 |
| Bristol SSA Office | 2484 Lee Highway Bristol, VA 24202 | (866) 504-5013 |
| Lynchburg SSA Office | 7618 Timberlake Rd Lynchburg, VA 24502 | (866) 964-6142 |
| Staunton SSA Office | 1600 N Coalter St Grnbrier Off Pk Bldg 2 Staunton, VA 24401 | (888) 632-6896 |
| Petersburg SSA Office | 100 Poplar Drive Petersburg, VA 23805 | (877) 803-6322 |
| Danville SSA Office | 3295 Us Hwy 29 Danville, VA 24540 | (866) 331-5398 |
| Newport News SSA Office | 11706 Jefferson Avenue Newport News, VA 23606 | (866) 331-9169 |
| Alexandria SSA Office | 6295 Edsall Road Plaza 500 Suite 190 Alexandria, VA 22312 | (888) 472-2402 |
| Winchester SSA Office | 323 Hope Drive Winchester, VA 22601 | (866) 331-2320 |
| Covington SSA Office | 1010 S Craig Avenue Covington, VA 24426 | (888) 527-9334 |
| Charlottesville | 1470 Pantops Mtn Pl District Office Charlottesville, VA 22911 | (866) 613-3959 |
| Wytheville SSA Office | 130 Withers Lane Wytheville, VA 24382 | (888) 632-6893 |
| Wise SSA Office | 253 Ridgeview Road SW Wise, VA 24293 | (877) 405-7843 |
| Richmond East SSA Office | 245 E. Williamsburg Rd Sandston, VA 23150 | (866) 218-2307 |
| Farmville SSA Office | 324 Commerce Road Farmville, VA 23901 | (866) 269-4346 |
| Portsmouth SSA Office | 3305 Airline Blvd Portsmouth, VA 23701 | (866) 593-8851 |
| Suffolk SSA Office | 502 Hillpoint Blvd Suffolk, VA 23434 | (866) 835-7769 |
| South Boston SSA Office | 2049 Hamilton Blvd South Boston, VA 24592 | (888) 327-1407 |
| Fairfax SSA Office | 11212 Waples Mill Rd Suite 105 Fairfax, VA 22030 | (866) 829-3158 |
| Fredericksburg | 9915 Jeff Davis Hwy Fredericksburg, VA 22407 | (888) 759-3919 |
| Manassas SSA Office | 9500 Center Street Manassas, VA 20110 | (855) 210-0123 |
| Martinsville SSA Office | 320 W Commonwealth Blv Martinsville, VA 24112 | (877) 405-9780 |
| Chesterfield | Suite 100 600 Southlake Blvd North Chesterfield, VA 23236 | (877) 773-7231 |
| Culpeper SSA Office | 1014 S Main St Culpeper, VA 22701 | (877) 531-4694 |
| Virginia Beach | 2875 Sabre St Suite 100 Virginia Beach, VA 23452 | (888) 377-5237 |
| Accomac SSA Office | 22581 Center Pkwy Accawmacke Office Pk Accomac, VA 23301 | (866) 964-1019 |
| Hampton SSA Office | 1521 Hardy Cash Dr Ground Floor Hampton, VA 23666 | (866) 592-2669 |
| Harrisonburg SSA Office | 351 North Mason Street Harrisonburg, VA 22802 | (866) 964-1718 |
Get Legal Help Applying for Social Security Benefits in Virginia
The SSDI application process is complex and overwhelming. An experienced local Social Security disability lawyer can help you complete your application on time and increase your chances of being approved for benefits.
Your lawyer can also represent you at the hearing if your application is denied. Contact us to speak to a local Virginia SSDI lawyer today.
