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Oregon • Mental Health
If you have Bipolar Disorder in Oregon, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and key programs for Oregon residents.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with Bipolar Disorder, you must have a medically determinable mental impairment that severely limits your ability to work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the "Blue Book" to evaluate mental health conditions, including Bipolar Disorder. You must show that your symptoms cause marked limitations in areas like understanding, interacting, concentrating, or adapting. For adults, the condition must prevent you from doing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), which in 2025 means earning more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind). Children may qualify if their condition causes marked and severe functional limitations. You must also meet work credit requirements for SSDI or income/resource limits for SSI. [^1][^2][^3][^4]
Oregon residents with Bipolar Disorder may qualify for state-specific programs such as Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can help with therapy, supported employment, and daily living support. Oregon also offers the ABLE Savings Program, allowing individuals with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits. Recent 2025 legislation changed PERS disability eligibility for police and firefighters, but these changes do not affect general SSI/SSDI eligibility. Oregon’s Department of Human Services (ODHS) reviews applications and determines eligibility for state and federal disability programs. [^5][^6][^7][^8]
The Oregon ABLE Savings Program allows individuals with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits. In 2025, the contribution limit is $15,060 or your total wages, whichever is less. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other qualified expenses. [^7]
For SSI in 2025, the income limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. For SSDI, you must earn less than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) to qualify. Oregon’s Medicaid waivers may have different income and resource limits. [^2][^3][^4]
If your income or resources change, you must report it to SSA and ODHS to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits. Oregon Law Help provides guidance on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes. [^8]
Contact Oregon’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) for personalized help with applications and accessing disability services.
Yes, Bipolar Disorder can qualify for federal SSDI and SSI if it meets SSA criteria for a severe mental impairment that limits your ability to work. Oregon also offers state-specific programs like Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts for people with disabilities.
Gather medical records, apply online at SSA.gov or at a Social Security office, and Oregon’s Disability Determination Services will review your application. For Medicaid waivers, contact Oregon’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC).
The income limit for SSI in 2025 is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. For SSDI, you must earn less than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) to qualify.
Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025, or $2,700 if blind). Oregon’s ABLE accounts also allow some earned income without losing benefits.
An ABLE account lets individuals with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits. In 2025, the contribution limit is $15,060 or your total wages, whichever is less.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.
Yes, Oregon offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS) for people with disabilities, including those with Bipolar Disorder. These waivers can help with therapy, supported employment, and daily living support.
A federal shutdown can pause SNAP (food stamp) benefits and delay processing of new applications for federal disability programs. Oregon residents should stay informed and plan for alternative food resources during shutdowns.
Recent 2025 legislation changed PERS disability eligibility for police and firefighters, but general SSI/SSDI eligibility for Bipolar Disorder remains unchanged. Oregon’s ABLE account contribution limit is now $15,060 or your total wages, whichever is less.
Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to SSA and ODHS to avoid overpayments. Oregon Law Help provides guidance on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes.
Contact Oregon’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) for help with applications and accessing disability services. Oregon Law Help also provides guidance on applying for Social Security disability benefits.
