Oregon residents with aphasia may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), Oregon Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. These programs help pay for daily needs, health care, and work supports. Eligibility and how to apply depend on your work history, income, and the impact of your condition.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSDI or SSI), you must have a physical or mental impairment (like aphasia) expected to last at least one year or result in death[8]. SSDI requires enough work credits from previous jobs; SSI is based on low income and resources, not work history[4][6]. For SSDI, you must be unable to engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)—earning more than $1,620/month (2025) usually disqualifies you unless you’re blind[2][6]. Children may qualify for SSI if they meet income and resource limits; adults may qualify for SSI or SSDI based on their own or, in some cases, a parent’s work history[4][6].
State-specific information is limited for aphasia. Oregon uses federal rules for SSI/SSDI, with Disability Determination Services (DDS) deciding eligibility in Oregon[4]. Oregon’s PERS disability benefits (for public employees) have unique 2025 eligibility rules, but most people with aphasia will apply through federal programs[1]. Oregon Medicaid waivers (HCBS) may cover speech therapy and other supports for people with disabilities, but you must qualify for Medicaid first—typically, through SSI, low income, or other state criteria. For most aphasia cases, start with SSI/SSDI applications and explore Medicaid/waivers through Oregon Department of Human Services[4].
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are the main federal programs for people with aphasia[4][6]. SSDI is based on your work history and tax payments; SSI is for people with limited income/resources. Both require a doctor to confirm your aphasia significantly limits your ability to work or perform daily activities[4][6]. Medicare starts after 24 months of SSDI. Medicaid may provide health coverage and, in Oregon, HCBS waivers can add services like speech therapy, personal care, and respite[4]. For children, SSI can provide monthly support if family income is low[6]. Disabled adult children (DAC) may get benefits on a parent’s record if disabled before age 22[6].
Oregon’s main disability benefits are tied to federal SSI/SSDI, with Oregon DDS handling eligibility decisions[4]. Oregon Medicaid covers health care and, through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, can fund additional supports—such as speech therapy—for people with disabilities like aphasia[4]. You usually become eligible for Medicaid through SSI, but Oregon has other pathways for low-income residents. Oregon ABLE accounts let people who became disabled before age 26 save up to $15,060 per year (2025) from earned income without losing benefits[7]. For public employees, Oregon PERS offers disability retirement, but most people with aphasia will use federal/state health and income programs[1]. Start with SSI/SSDI and Medicaid, then ask about waivers and ABLE accounts.
Oregon ABLE accounts let people with disabilities (including aphasia, if onset was before age 26) save money without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility[7]. In 2025, you can deposit up to $15,060 of earned income per year. ABLE funds can pay for education, housing, health, and other disability-related expenses[7].
For SSI, your income must be very low, and resources (like bank accounts) must be under $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple[2]. SSDI has no strict income limit, but you cannot do Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)—earning over $1,620/month (2025) usually disqualifies you, unless you’re blind[2][6].
Always report changes in income, living situation, or health to the Social Security Administration and Oregon DHS—this includes if your aphasia improves, you start working, or you move[4]. Failing to report can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. For help, see our guide on avoiding overpayments.
If you suspect fraud, report it to SSA[4].
If you lose SNAP or need food right away, contact your local food bank or Oregon’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection for help[5].
Yes, but there are limits. SSI and SSDI have strict income rules. With SSDI, you can’t earn more than $1,620/month (2025) unless you’re blind. SSI is only for those with very low income. Oregon ABLE accounts let you save some earned income without losing benefits[2][7].
If you get SSI, you’ll usually be enrolled automatically in Oregon Medicaid. Otherwise, apply online through the Oregon Health Authority or ask your local Area Agency on Aging for help. Ask about HCBS waivers for extra supports[4].
Oregon Medicaid (and some HCBS waivers) may cover speech therapy if it’s medically necessary. Check with your health plan or case manager for details[4].
Yes, if family income and resources are low enough, children with aphasia may get SSI. Adults disabled before age 22 may get benefits on a parent’s record if the parent is retired, disabled, or deceased[6].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities (onset before age 26) save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. In Oregon, you can deposit up to $15,060 of earned income per year (2025)[7].
You can appeal. Contact SSA or Oregon DDS for next steps. Many people are approved after appeal, especially with detailed medical records showing how aphasia affects daily life and work[4].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Join thousands of families who trust Purple to protect their benefits
Purple is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by OMB Bank, Member FDIC.
PERS is mainly for public employees (like teachers, police, firefighters). Most people with aphasia will use SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid instead. See Oregon.gov for PERS details[1].
Contact Oregon’s Disability Determination Services, your local Area Agency on Aging, or a nonprofit legal aid group. They can help with forms, appeals, and questions about your rights[4].
Yes, if you meet income rules. SNAP is a federal program, but Oregon DHS runs it. Apply online or contact your local office[4].
You must report improvement to SSA and Oregon DHS. Your benefits may be reviewed. If you no longer meet disability rules, benefits could stop[4].
