Oregon Benefits and Services for People with Aphasia

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].

• Apply online at ssa.gov for SSDI or SSI, or call 1-800-772-1213[4][6].
• Gather medical records showing your aphasia diagnosis, treatment, and how it limits daily activities and work.
• Report income and resources honestly; Oregon DDS will review your application[4].
• Ask about Oregon Medicaid waivers by contacting your local Area Agency on Aging or ODHS[4].
• Open an ABLE account if you qualify to save without losing benefits[7].

1. Check Eligibility: Confirm you meet age, income, resource, and disability rules for SSI/SSDI[4][6]. If you have aphasia from stroke or brain injury, your doctor must document how it limits communication, work, or daily life.
2. Start Your Application: Apply online for SSI/SSDI at ssa.gov or by phone[4][6]. Adults and children can apply.
3. Prepare Documents: Collect medical records, work history, proof of income/resources, and ID. For SSDI, you’ll need your Social Security earnings statement[4][6].
4. Submit and Follow Up: Oregon DDS will contact you for more details. Respond quickly to requests. If denied, you can appeal[4].
5. Apply for Oregon Medicaid: If you get SSI, you’re usually automatically enrolled in Medicaid. Otherwise, apply online through Oregon Health Authority or ask about HCBS waivers for extra supports like speech therapy[4].
6. Consider an ABLE Account: If you became disabled before age 26, you may open an Oregon ABLE account to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid[7].
7. Report Changes: Tell SSA and Oregon DHS about income, living situation, or health changes to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits[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].

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI applications, questions, and reporting changes.
• Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS)
  Phone: 1-800-699-9075

  TTY: 711

  Website

  For Medicaid, SNAP, and other state benefit questions.
• Oregon Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)
  Phone: , 1-855-673-2372

  Website

  Local help for older adults and people with disabilities.

• Can I work and still get disability benefits in Oregon if I have aphasia?

  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].

• How do I apply for Oregon Medicaid if I have aphasia?

  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].

• Does Oregon offer speech therapy for adults with aphasia?

  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].

• Can children with aphasia get disability benefits?

  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].

• What is an ABLE account, and how does it help in Oregon?

  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].

• What should I do if my SSI or SSDI application is denied?

  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].