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Oregon • Mental Health
If you have an anxiety disorder in Oregon, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what programs are available in 2025.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Oregon, your anxiety disorder must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months. For SSDI, you need enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years). For SSI, you must have limited income and resources (under $2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple in 2025). The Social Security Administration uses a medical guide called the "Blue Book" to evaluate mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders. If your condition matches or equals a listing, or if it severely limits your ability to work, you may qualify [6].
Earnings must be below the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025 for most people, $2,700 if blind) to receive SSDI. SSI payments are based on financial need and are reduced if you have other income [2].
Oregon does not have a separate state disability program for anxiety disorders, but state agencies help you apply for federal benefits and may offer additional support. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) reviews applications for federal disability benefits and can connect you to local resources. Oregon also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, which may cover therapy and other services for anxiety disorders. If you receive disability benefits, you can save in an Oregon ABLE account, which does not count against SSI resource limits. State law allows some earned income while on disability, but strict limits apply. For example, OPSRP disability recipients can earn up to 10% of their previous monthly salary in irregular or unpredictable income each month without losing benefits [1].
Oregon’s rules for disability eligibility may change, so check with ODHS or PERS for updates. If you are a police officer or firefighter, new 2025 laws change how disability is defined for you [1].
Oregon residents with anxiety disorders can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. In 2025, you can contribute up to $15,060 from wages, or your total wages if less. ABLE accounts do not count against SSI resource limits, so you can save without losing benefits. Learn more and apply at the Oregon ABLE Savings Program website [7].
You must report changes in income, health, or living situation to Social Security and Oregon agencies to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes online, by phone, or in person. Oregon’s guide to avoiding overpayments and reporting changes can help you stay compliant [4].
Contact Oregon’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) for free help with applications and referrals to local services.
Yes, if your anxiety disorder is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for federal SSDI or SSI. Oregon agencies can help you apply and may offer additional support.
For SSDI, you must earn less than $1,620/month in 2025. For SSI, resources must be under $2,000 for an individual. Oregon PERS disability recipients can earn up to 10% of their previous monthly salary in irregular income.
You need medical records showing your diagnosis, treatment, and how your anxiety limits your daily activities and work. The Social Security Administration uses these to decide if you qualify.
It can take several months to get a decision. Oregon Disability Determination Services reviews your case and may ask for more information or a medical exam.
Yes, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025). Oregon PERS disability recipients can earn up to 10% of their previous monthly salary in irregular income.
An Oregon ABLE account lets you save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In 2025, you can contribute up to $15,060 from wages, or your total wages if less.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
If denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Oregon agencies and nonprofits can help you with the appeal process and provide support.
Yes, new 2025 laws change how disability is defined for police and firefighters. They are considered disabled if they cannot do the work they did when they became disabled.
Report changes in income, health, or living situation to Social Security and Oregon agencies online, by phone, or in person to avoid overpayments and keep your benefits.
Oregon offers Medicaid waivers, local support groups, and agencies like ADRC that can help families navigate services and benefits for anxiety disorders.
