---
title: "Benefits for Servers in Virginia"
description: "Virginia offers a refundable EITC at 20% of the federal credit through 2029, Medicaid for adults under 138% of poverty, and its own marketplace."
url: https://www.tipmaxapp.com/us/answers/virginia/benefits
language: en
publisher: TipMax (Entermaurs Incorporated)
date_published: 2026-09-23
last_verified: 2026-09-23
---

# What benefits can servers get in Virginia?

**Short answer:** **A refundable state EITC, Medicaid expansion, and a state marketplace.** Virginia’s refundable credit equals 20% of your federal EITC, now extended through tax year 2029. Adults 19 to 64 with income under 138% of the poverty level, $1,836 a month for one person, can get Medicaid. Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace has replaced HealthCare.gov and is the only place to get premium tax credits.

## The rules in Virginia

| Rule | What it says |
| --- | --- |
| Refundable Virginia EITC | 20% of your federal EITC, paid even if it’s more than your tax. Extended through tax year 2029. |
| Other low-income options | A nonrefundable 20% EITC, or a credit of up to $300 per exemption if your family’s Virginia AGI is below the poverty guidelines. You can claim only one; use Schedule ADJ. |
| Medicaid expansion | Adults 19 to 64 with income under 138% of the poverty level: $22,025 a year or $1,836 a month for one person. Work and community engagement requirements start January 2027. |
| Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace | Replaced HealthCare.gov as the state’s exchange, and it’s the only place to get premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions for marketplace plans. |

> “It is the only place Virginians can access financial help, such as premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, for Qualified Health Plans (QHPs).” (Virginia SCC: Virginia Health Benefit Exchange, https://www.scc.virginia.gov/consumers/insurance/health-benefit-exchange-(6)/)

## What’s different in Virginia

Virginia’s help for a low-wage worker runs mostly through the tax return and health coverage. The refundable EITC was set to end after 2026; the 2026 budget kept it at 20% through 2029, so it’s there for the next few filing seasons.

Pick the right credit. Virginia makes you choose one of three low-income credits, and only the refundable EITC can pay you more than the tax you owe; compare all three on Schedule ADJ. For coverage, apply through Virginia’s own marketplace rather than HealthCare.gov. Plus the federal programs.

## Official sources

- [Virginia Tax: credit for low-income individuals and Virginia EITC](https://www.tax.virginia.gov/low-income-individuals-credit)
- [Virginia Tax: 2026 legislative summary](https://www.tax.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/inline-files/2026-legislative-summary.pdf)
- [Cover Virginia: coverage for adults 19 to 64](https://coverva.dmas.virginia.gov/learn/coverage-for-adults/adults-19-64-years-old/)
- [Virginia SCC: Virginia Health Benefit Exchange](https://www.scc.virginia.gov/consumers/insurance/health-benefit-exchange-(6)/)

## Last verified

September 23, 2026. Checked the agency pages linked above.

**Still open:** We didn’t find a Virginia paid family leave program or a sick leave law covering restaurant workers on the state pages we read.

## About TipMax

Virginia’s credits follow your federal EITC, which counts all your tips as earned income, so a full tip record matters at tax time.

TipMax is an iPhone app for servers and bartenders that tracks tips and tip-outs and turns a restaurant menu into study flashcards.

Download TipMax free: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tipmax-study-track-earn/id6744850146

---

TipMax Answers explains public government guidance on pay and workplace rules in plain English for tipped workers. It is **not legal, tax, or accounting advice**. Rules change and local rules can add to them. Confirm with the agency linked on this page or a qualified professional. TipMax the app helps you track tips and pay; it doesn’t enforce wage law or decide disputes.