Disability benefit programs in Virginia.
Virginia organizations offer several disability assistance programs. What is provided is intended to address their specific and sometimes unique needs. Benefits for the mentally or physically disabled range widely and can include cash payments, health care, housing, grant based financial aid and help for their family members or care takers. Find more details below as well as contact and application information.
The services made available are in addition to any other government assistance programs that are provided in Virginia. For example, the disabled can use these targeted programs and they can still apply for any other government or non-profit benefits at the same time. The bottom line is that these agencies and the staff that work for them are committed to providing services and support to children, seniors, and adults that have some form of qualified disability.
Employment services for the disabled in Virginia
Virginia Industries for the Blind, otherwise known as VIB, focuses on career development and helping the blind get a job. The organization will offer workforce training and vocational rehabilitation. They are funded by, and part of, the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (see below). 434.422.3008.
To follow up on the programs above, DBVI or the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired offers a number of benefits and quality services. It can help those that are deaf-blind, vision impaired, or blind. Clients can get help in obtaining maximum level of education, employment and personal independence. They also run centers which teach Virginians with severe visual impairments skills and strategies to adapt to living without sight. The toll free number is (800) 622-2155.
Last, but not least, the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services provides Vocational Rehabilitation. This can assist individuals with disabilities get ready for, find, and keep employment. There are offices across the state that offer training and other support. Call 800-552-5019.
Virginia non-profits, Medicaid, and the government can also give transportation to the disabled as well. It will be for work related issues and needs. The physically and mentally disabled also do not have the transportation they need, and the resources can be arranged. More on free disabled transportation.
Virginia financial assistance programs for the disabled
Virginia Department of Social Services provides financial assistance for basic needs, including housing, energy bills, shelter, food, child care and more. This aid and the government benefits can be provided to those with a disability that meet low income levels. When qualified, grants can be issued for utility bills (as part of EA), SNAP food stamps, and maybe funds for paying rent. Call social services at 1-800-552-3431.
Health care benefits may be offered as part of FAMIS - the Children's Health Insurance Program. There are also components for pregnant women and a Premium Assistance Program, which can cover any prescription medications. The premium can also be covered through other services, such as Together RX Access. The state will help families, including those with a disability, obtain proper health insurance and help people and children grow up healthy. Call 1-866-873-2647.
The Department of Medical Assistance Services coordinates comprehensive and high quality health services. This is offered to qualifying Virginians and their families. Some of what may be offered includes Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), medications and more. Some of the specific benefits of DMAS includes Pharmacy Services, Long Term Care, Behavioral Health, Managed Care, and Medicare & Medicaid Financial Alignment. Call 804-786-7933.
Equipment, home care and social services
The Virginia Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority can help the disabled get the equipment and technology they need. The state can issue a low interest loan to use for the purchase of those items. The funds can be used to pay for items for work, education, play, and daily life in general. Another benefit of this program is that the Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority may also offer low interest rate Telework loans for those individuals who need equipment or supplies for their home-based business.
Among other things, this form of financing can also be used to pay for home modifications, adaptive vans, modified vehicles, computers, hearing aids, and more. There are also mortgage help for the disabled to assist with any home modifications.
Even those who may not be able to borrow money from traditional means may qualify for a loan. After all, the goal of the agency is to help Virginians with disabilities get the equipment and assistive technology they need. Regardless of the applicants income, they may be able to qualify for a loan. When someone applies, what will be reviewed closely is the person’s existing debt levels, credit history, and past payment practices. Call 1-(866) 835-5976.
DARS, or the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, is focused on and advocates to empower the disabled. Staff, including legal aid as well as attorneys, work to maximize their independence, employment, and help them achieve stability and full inclusion into their communities. They also address any legal needs, and much of that can be free. More on free legal assistance programs in Virginia.
They operate and partner with a number state vocational rehabilitation agencies. So they can help people get a job. Also, the DARS Community Based Services Division offers non-vocational assistance to individuals with the most severe disabilities, including sensory and physical conditions.
Almost 100 centers across Virginia are part of DARS and are known as Employment Services Organizations. The local offices provide employment and vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities. 800-552-5019.
Another resource is the state’s Long-Term Rehabilitation Case Management Program. This can help residents with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities.
The Office for Protection and Advocacy (VOPA) helps with issues such as neglect, abuse and discrimination. The organization will help people with disabilities obtain services and treatment and learn about their legal rights as well. They also address the need for safe housing.
The Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services runs a service known as Personal Assistance and Nursing Home Outreach Services, or PANHOS. This can help residents with physical disabilities who require assistance from another person, or caregiver, in order to perform non-medical activities of daily living. Another component of PANHOS is to offer specialized services to consumers with disabilities who live in nursing facilities or homes. There are a few components to the program. Dial 800-552-5019 for information.
Additional Virginia non-profits and government organizations
Various offices are listed below. They focus on different needs of the disabled. Or they can give referrals.
The Arc of Virginia
Main address is 2025 East Main Street Suite 107
Richmond, VA 23223
(804) 649-8481
Autism Society Central Virginia
Mailing address - PO Box 29364
Richmond, VA 23242-0364
Telephone number is (804) 257-0192
Brain Injury Association of Virginia
1506 Willow Lawn Drive, Suite 212
Richmond, VA 23230
For information, dial (800) 444-6443
Cerebral Palsy of Virginia
5825 Arrowhead Drive, Suite 201
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Phone: (757) 497-7474
Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia
Address - 5171 Glenwood Avenue Suite 400
Raleigh, NC, 27612
(800) 662-7119
While based in NC, this agency also supports qualified Virginia residents.
Learning Disabilities Association of Virginia
12226 Ward Road
King George, VA 22485
Long Term Care of Virginia
Main address is 110 Kingsley Lane, Suite 106
Norfolk, VA 23505
Call (757) 889-5735
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Central Virginia Chapter
Address: 4200 Innslake Drive, Suite 301
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Main phone: (804) 353-5008
Paralyzed Veterans of America, Mid-Atlantic Chapter
Main address - 11620 Busy Street
North Chesterfield, VA 23236
For intake, call (800) 652-7639
Partnership for People with Disabilities
Location - 700 East Franklin Street, 10th Floor
Richmond, VA 23284
Phone - (804) 828-3876
Spina Bifida Association of the Mid-Atlantic Region
4590 MacArthur Blvd. NW Suite 250
Washington, DC 20007
Telephone number - (202) 618-4747
United Cerebral Palsy of Washington DC & Northern Virginia
3135 8th Street, NE
Washington, DC 20017
Phone - (202) 269-1500
Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging
24 E. Cary Street, Suite 100
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804) 644-2804
The Virginia Association of the Blind, Inc.
4209 George Washington Highway
Portsmouth, VA 23702
(800) 426-2144
Virginia Board for People with Disabilities
Washington Building, 1100 Bank Street, 7th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
Toll free number is (800) 846-4464
Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services
Office address is 8004 Franklin Farms Drive
Henrico, VA 23229-5019
(804) 662-7000
Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
PO Box 1797
Richmond, VA 23218-1797
Phone: (804) 786-3921
Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Office of Mental Health Services
PO Box 1797
Richmond, VA 23218-1797
(804) 371-0767
Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired
Address: 397 Azalea Avenue
Richmond, VA 23227-3623
Call (800) 622-2155 for information on programs.
Virginia Department of Education, Special Education
PO Box 2120
Richmond, VA 23218
Call (804) 786-8079
Virginia Department of Health, Division of Long Term Care
Main address: 9960 Maryland Drive, Suite 401
Richmond, VA 23233-1463
(804) 367-2101
Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services
8004 Franklin Farms Drive
Richmond, VA 23229
(804) 662-7000
Virginia Department of Social Services, Medical Assistance Programs
801 E. Main Street
Richmond, VA 23219-2901
Dial (800) 552-3431
Virginia Division for the Aging
1610 Forest Avenue, Suite 100
Henrico, VA 23229
Call (800) 552-3402
Virginia Health Care Association
Address: 2112 West Laburnum Avenue, Suite 206
Richmond, VA 23227
Telephone: (804) 353-9101
Partnership for People with Disabilities
Virginia Commonwealth University, PO Box 843020
Richmond, VA 23284-3020
(804) 828-8587
Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy
Location 1910 Byrd Avenue, Suite 5
Richmond, VA 23230
(800) 552-3962
Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind
514 East Beverley Street, PO Box 2069
Staunton, VA 24402
Main phone number is (800) 522-8732
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