Where to Start: Virginia's Online and In-Person Routes

Virginia has two main ways to apply for Medicaid: online through the Virginia Department of Social Services website, or in person at your local DSS office. The online route is faster — you can submit everything from home and get a decision in 30 to 45 days. In-person applications at your local office take the same amount of time to process, but you can ask questions as you fill out forms and get immediate feedback on missing documents.

To apply online, go to www.dss.virginia.gov and look for the "Apply for Benefits" section. You will create an account, answer questions about your household income and size, and upload documents. The system will tell you right away if you are missing anything. If you prefer to apply in person, find your local DSS office at the same website — search by your city or county — and bring the documents listed below.

A third option is to call the Virginia Benefits Line at 1-855-635-4370. They can mail you a paper application or answer questions about what you need to submit. Wait times are typically 15 to 30 minutes during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia accepts Medicaid applications online at dss.virginia.gov, by mail, in person at your local DSS office, or by phone at 1-855-635-4370.
  • You will need proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
  • Virginia processes most applications within 30 to 45 days; emergency Medicaid for hospital stays can be approved in one to three days.
  • Your local DSS office handles your case after approval, so you may need to contact them later to renew your coverage or report changes in income.

Documents You Need Before You Start

Gather these documents before you apply, whether online or in person. Having them ready cuts your processing time in half because the DSS will not ask for them twice.

Proof of income: Recent pay stubs (last 30 days), tax returns from the past year, a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your wages, or bank statements showing regular deposits. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and a profit-and-loss statement. If you receive Social Security, unemployment, or child support, bring the award letter or bank statements showing the deposits.

Proof of citizenship or legal residency: A birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or a green card. If you do not have these, a driver's license or state ID plus a utility bill or lease showing your current address can work in some cases — ask your local office.

Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card, a tax return, or a W-2 form. If you do not have a number, you will need to apply for one through the Social Security Administration before you can complete your Medicaid application.

Proof of residency: A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days showing your name and Virginia address.

Income Limits and What They Mean

Virginia's Medicaid income limits change each year and depend on your household size. As of 2024, a single adult can earn up to roughly $1,500 per month and still be within the limit for standard Medicaid. A family of three can earn up to roughly $3,200 per month. These numbers are approximate and vary — your local DSS office or the online application will show you the exact limit for your household size when you apply.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and rental income. It does not include food stamps, housing assistance, or most tax refunds. If you are over the income limit for regular Medicaid, you may still be covered under Virginia's Medicaid expansion for adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level — roughly $1,900 per month for a single adult. Ask about this when you apply.

If your income changes after you are approved, you must report it to your DSS caseworker within 10 days. Failing to report can result in overpayment, which you may have to repay.

What Happens After You Submit Your Application

Once you submit your application online, by mail, or in person, the DSS will send you a notice within five to seven business days confirming they received it. This notice will list any documents they still need. If documents are missing, you have 10 days to send them in, or your application will be denied.

The DSS will then review your income, household size, and citizenship status. Most decisions come within 30 to 45 days. You will receive a letter in the mail saying whether you are approved, denied, or approved with conditions (such as needing to provide additional proof). If you are approved, your coverage usually starts on the first day of the month after approval, though in some cases it can be backdated to cover medical bills from the previous three months.

If you are denied, the letter will explain why. You have the right to request a hearing to challenge the decision. Contact your local DSS office within 30 days of the denial letter to request one.

Emergency Medicaid for Hospital Stays

If you need emergency medical care and do not yet have Medicaid, you can apply for emergency Medicaid at the hospital. This covers only the emergency visit itself, not ongoing care. The hospital's financial counselor or social worker can help you apply — it takes one to three days to process.

Emergency Medicaid is temporary. After your emergency visit, you should apply for regular Medicaid through the DSS so you have coverage for follow-up appointments and prescriptions. The emergency coverage does not count toward your regular Medicaid application, so you still need to submit all the documents listed above.

Renewing Your Coverage Each Year

Medicaid in Virginia requires renewal once a year. The DSS will mail you a renewal form about 30 days before your coverage expires. You must return it within 10 days or your coverage will end. If you move, change your phone number, or your income changes, tell your DSS caseworker right away — do not wait for the renewal form.

You can renew online at dss.virginia.gov, by mail, or in person at your local office. Renewal takes the same 30 to 45 days as a new application. If you miss the deadline, you can still reapply, but there will be a gap in your coverage. Some people lose coverage for a few weeks while the new application is being processed.

If You Are Denied or Your Coverage Ends

If your application is denied, the denial letter will explain the reason — usually income over the limit, missing documents, or failure to prove citizenship. You have 30 days from the date on the letter to request a hearing. Contact your local DSS office to file the request. At the hearing, you can present new documents or explain your situation to a hearing officer.

If your coverage ends because you missed a renewal deadline or your income increased, you can reapply immediately. There is no waiting period. However, your new coverage will not start until your new application is approved, which takes another 30 to 45 days. During that gap, you are not covered and will be responsible for medical bills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for Medicaid if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you are a legal permanent resident (green card holder) or have a visa that allows you to work. You will need to provide proof of your legal status — your green card, visa, or naturalization papers. Undocumented immigrants cannot get regular Medicaid in Virginia, but some may be covered for emergency medical care at hospitals.

How long does it take to hear back after I apply?

Most applications are decided within 30 to 45 days. The DSS will send you a letter with the decision. If documents are missing, they will ask for them within five to seven days, and you have 10 days to respond. Emergency Medicaid for hospital stays is faster — one to three days.

What if my income is just over the limit?

If you are slightly over the income limit for regular Medicaid, you may still be covered under Virginia's Medicaid expansion for adults. The expansion covers people earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Ask your DSS caseworker or the online application will show you whether you may have access to under this program.

Do I have to pay anything for Medicaid in Virginia?

No. Virginia Medicaid is free. You do not pay a monthly premium, and there are no application fees. Some people with higher incomes may have small copays when they see a doctor or fill a prescription, but most low-income adults pay nothing.

What if I move to a different county in Virginia?

Contact your new local DSS office and tell them you have moved. Your case will be transferred to the new office, usually within 10 to 15 days. Your coverage does not stop during the transfer. If you move out of Virginia, your coverage will end, and you will need to apply in your new state.