Virginia SSI 2026: SSI and the Auxiliary Grant Supplement
SSI is a federal payment, and Virginia adds to it only for certain living arrangements — through the Auxiliary Grant for people in assisted living or approved adult foster care, not for people living independently.
Quick answer
To apply for SSI in Virginia: Apply online at ssa. gov, by phone through Social Security’s national line, or at your local Social Security office (find it with the SSA office locator). Applying is free through the official agency.
SSI in Virginia: the federal payment and the state supplement
Nationally, SSI’s income and resource rules come from the Social Security Administration, not from any state agency. Virginia pays and administers its own SSI supplement separately from Social Security, so questions about the state add-on go to the state agency, not to SSA. For 2026 the federal benefit rate is $994 a month for an individual and $1,491 for a couple. Virginia does not add a cash supplement for people living independently; its state supplement is the Auxiliary Grant, which helps cover room and board for SSI recipients who live in a licensed assisted living facility or an approved adult foster care home. It is administered by the Virginia Department of Social Services through your local city or county Department of Social Services.
In most states, being approved for SSI also opens the door to Medicaid; some states apply their own rules and ask you to file a separate Medicaid application, so confirm how your state handles it when your SSI is approved. To apply for SSI you deal with Social Security directly — the federal steps are the same everywhere and are covered in how to apply for SSI step by step.
Applying, eligibility, and what to expect
SSI eligibility (age 65+, blind, or disabled, with limited income and resources) and the application process are federal and identical in every state — apply online, by phone, or at your local Social Security office. For the full federal eligibility rules, required documents, the SSI-vs-SSDI comparison, and a step-by-step application walkthrough, see how to apply for SSI step by step and the SSI benefits hub. Decisions can take several months when a medical review is needed; approved claims may include back pay to the application date, and denied claims can be appealed.
Virginia administers its SSI supplement at the local department of social services level rather than through one statewide office, so the exact supplement category and amount can depend on which Virginia locality processes your case — confirm current categories with your local department rather than assuming a single statewide rate applies.
State-related help and related benefits
In Virginia, the medical part of your claim is decided by Virginia’s Disability Determination Services (DDS), a state agency that works with Social Security. Virginia may add a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) for people in certain living situations – check with Social Security or the state. Virginia is a “209(b)” state, so being approved for SSI does not automatically enroll you in Medicaid – you may need to file a separate Medicaid application and meet the state’s rules. Check with Virginia Medicaid (DMAS). You may also qualify for other Virginia help – see the related guides below.
Official website / application link
Apply for SSI (SSA), find your local SSA office, Benefits.gov, and Virginia Medicaid (DMAS). Applying is free through Social Security – never pay a third party.
What to expect
SSI decisions can take several months, especially when a medical decision is needed. If you are approved, your benefits may include back pay to your application date. If you are denied, you have the right to appeal – many people are approved on appeal.
Related guides on GlobalBenefits.org
- Back to the SSI hub
- Virginia SNAP / food stamps
- Virginia Medicaid
- Benefits eligibility quick-check
- Documents you need to apply
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a work history for SSI?
No. SSI is need-based and does not require any work history – it is based on your age or disability and your limited income and resources.
Will SSI affect my other benefits?
SSI can affect Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs. Whether Medicaid is automatic depends on your state – see the state note below.
Last reviewed July 23, 2026 by the GlobalBenefits editorial team. SSI and SSDI are federal programs run by the Social Security Administration; limits, amounts, dates, and medical criteria are set by SSA and can change – always confirm at ssa.gov. GlobalBenefits is not a government agency. See our corrections policy.
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