Arthritis Benefits in Oregon: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits with arthritis, you must have a medically determinable impairment that prevents you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months. For SSDI, you need enough work credits and must meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. The SSA uses its "Blue Book" to evaluate conditions like arthritis. If your arthritis is severe enough to meet or equal a listing, or if it prevents you from working, you may qualify for benefits.

• SSDI: Must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and have a disability that stops you from working for at least 12 months. In 2025, SGA is $1,620/month for most people, $2,700/month if blind.
• SSI: Must have little or no income or resources ($2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple in 2025).

Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06 Source: Oregon.gov, 2025-11-06

In Oregon, arthritis may qualify you for state disability programs, including Medicaid waivers and the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) disability benefits. For PERS, police and firefighter members are considered disabled if they cannot perform the work they did at the time of disability. For other state programs, eligibility depends on your income, resources, and how arthritis affects your daily life. Oregon also offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities, including arthritis, to save for disability-related costs.

• PERS Disability: Police and firefighters must be unable to perform their previous job due to disability. Other PERS members may qualify under different rules.
• Medicaid Waivers: Oregon offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people with disabilities, including arthritis, who need support with daily living.
• ABLE Accounts: Oregon residents with arthritis can open an ABLE account if they became disabled before age 26.

Source: Oregon.gov, 2025-11-06 Source: Oregon.gov, 2025-11-06 Source: OregonABLESavings.com, 2025-11-06

• Check if your arthritis meets federal or state disability criteria.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply for SSDI or SSI online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
• For state programs, contact Oregon DHS or PERS.
• Report any changes in your condition or income.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06 Source: Oregon.gov, 2025-11-06

• Step 1: Review the SSA's disability criteria for arthritis. See if your condition meets or equals a listing in the Blue Book or if it prevents you from working.
• Step 2: Gather medical records, including doctor's notes, test results, and treatment history. Also, collect your work history and pay stubs.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You can also apply for state programs through Oregon DHS or PERS.
• Step 4: Wait for a decision. The state Disability Determination Services (DDS) will review your application and may request more information.
• Step 5: If approved, you will receive benefits. If denied, you can appeal.
• Step 6: Report any changes in your condition, income, or resources to avoid overpayments.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06 Source: Oregon.gov, 2025-11-06 Source: Oregon.gov, 2025-11-06

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly benefits for people with arthritis who have a work history.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly benefits for people with arthritis who have limited income and resources.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities, including arthritis, who meet income and resource limits.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities, including arthritis, after receiving SSDI for 24 months.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06 Source: Oregon.gov, 2025-11-06

• Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Disability: Monthly benefits for public employees with arthritis who cannot perform their previous job.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Services for people with arthritis who need help with daily living, such as personal care or home modifications.
• Oregon ABLE Savings Program: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with arthritis who became disabled before age 26.
• SNAP (Food Stamps): Food assistance for people with arthritis who meet income and work requirements.

Source: Oregon.gov, 2025-11-06 Source: Oregon.gov, 2025-11-06 Source: OregonABLESavings.com, 2025-11-06 Source: Oregon.gov, 2025-11-06

Oregon residents with arthritis can open an ABLE account if they became disabled before age 26. In 2025, you can contribute up to $15,060 or your total wages, whichever is less. ABLE accounts let you save for disability-related costs without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.

Source: OregonABLESavings.com, 2025-11-06

For SSI in 2025, the income limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not earn more than $1,620/month (SGA) for most people, $2,700/month if blind. For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06 Source: Oregon.gov, 2025-11-06

If your income, resources, or condition changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to penalties or loss of benefits. Report changes to Social Security, Oregon DHS, or PERS as soon as possible.

Source: Oregon.gov, 2025-11-06 Source: Oregon.gov, 2025-11-06

• Oregon Department of Human Services
  Phone: 1-800-699-9075

  TTY: 711

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Mon-Fri

  Website

  For questions about state disability programs, Medicaid, or SNAP.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Mon-Fri

  Website

  For questions about SSDI, SSI, or Medicare.

• Can I get disability benefits for arthritis in Oregon?

  Yes, if your arthritis is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. Oregon also has state programs for people with disabilities, including arthritis.

• How do I apply for disability benefits for arthritis in Oregon?

  You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. For state programs, contact Oregon DHS or PERS. Gather medical records and work history before applying.

• What is the income limit for SSI in Oregon?

  In 2025, the SSI income limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. For SSDI, you must not earn more than $1,620/month (SGA) for most people.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits for arthritis?

  Yes, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025). Some programs allow limited work without losing benefits. Report any work to avoid overpayments.

• What is an ABLE account and can I open one in Oregon?

  An ABLE account lets you save for disability-related costs without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Oregon residents with arthritis who became disabled before age 26 can open one.

• Are there Medicaid waivers for people with arthritis in Oregon?

  Yes, Oregon offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including arthritis, who need help with daily living. These waivers provide services like personal care and home modifications.