Virginia Disability Resources
If you just got hurt on the job, received a diagnosis, or need to understand what Virginia offers for people with disabilities, this page covers the major programs and how to access them.
Workers' Compensation
The Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission handles claims.
What to do if you're hurt at work:- Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible.
- Seek medical treatment through the employer's designated panel of physicians.
- File a claim with the Commission if benefits are denied.
- Notify your employer within 30 days.
- File a formal claim within 2 years.
- Employers with 2+ employees (including part-time) must carry workers' compensation.
- Temporary total disability pays 66 2/3% of average weekly wage.
- Employer selects the treating physician from a panel.
- Phone: 804-367-8600 / 1-877-664-2566
- Web: workcomp.virginia.gov
State Disability Programs
Virginia does not have a state disability insurance program. Apply through federal SSDI/SSI.
Medicaid
Virginia Medicaid is administered by the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS).
How to apply:- Online at commonhelp.virginia.gov
- By phone: 1-855-242-8282
Vocational Rehabilitation
The Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) provides vocational rehabilitation services.
Contact:- Phone: 804-662-7000 / 1-800-552-5019
- Web: dars.virginia.gov
Disability Rights
disAbility Law Center of Virginia (dLCV) is the state's federally designated Protection and Advocacy organization. Contact:- Phone: 804-225-2042 / 1-800-552-3962
- Web: dlcv.org
Veterans Services
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services provides state-level assistance.
Contact:- Phone: 804-786-0286
- Web: dvs.virginia.gov
State Employment Protections
Virginia has the Virginia Human Rights Act, which prohibits disability discrimination for employers with 5 or more employees (expanded in 2020 to include more categories and lower threshold).
Where to file a complaint:- Virginia Office of Civil Rights: 804-225-2292
- Web: oag.state.va.us/programs-initiatives/civil-rights
Key Contacts
| Agency | Phone | Website | |--------|-------|---------| | Workers' Compensation Commission | 1-877-664-2566 | workcomp.virginia.gov | | Medicaid (DMAS) | 1-855-242-8282 | commonhelp.virginia.gov | | DARS Vocational Rehabilitation | 1-800-552-5019 | dars.virginia.gov | | dLCV (P&A) | 1-800-552-3962 | dlcv.org | | Dept. of Veterans Services | 804-786-0286 | dvs.virginia.gov | | Social Security Administration | 1-800-772-1213 | ssa.gov |