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Oregon • Neurological/Developmental
People with Cerebral Palsy in Oregon can access federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. New 2025 rules affect work requirements for SNAP and some disability programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medically determinable impairment that prevents you from doing substantial work. For adults, this means you cannot do any job you are qualified for, and your condition must last at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. Children with Cerebral Palsy must have a condition that severely limits their activities. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, while SSDI requires a work history and Social Security credits. In 2025, the monthly earnings limit for SSDI is $1,620 (or $2,700 if blind). SSI considers little or no income as $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. ^1
Oregon residents with Cerebral Palsy may qualify for state-specific programs like Medicaid waivers, which help pay for home and community-based services. Oregon also offers the ABLE Savings Program, letting people with disabilities save up to $15,060 in 2025 from wages without losing benefits. The Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) has new rules for disability benefits: police and firefighters must show they cannot do their previous job, not any job. For those on PERS disability, you can earn up to 10% of your previous monthly salary in irregular income each month without losing benefits. If you exceed this, benefits stop. ^3^5
Start with federal programs, then add state supports as needed.
Each program has its own process, but starting with federal benefits and adding state supports is the best approach. ^6^8
Each program has its own rules and application process. SSI and SSDI are the main federal disability benefits for people with Cerebral Palsy. ^10
These programs help with daily living, health, and financial needs. ^12^14
Oregon’s ABLE Savings Program lets people with disabilities save up to $15,060 from wages in 2025 without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and transportation. To open an account, apply online at oregonablesavings.com. ^16
These limits help you keep your benefits while working or saving. ^17
You must report changes in income, living situation, or health to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes to Social Security, Oregon DHS, or your Medicaid waiver case manager as soon as possible. Keep records of all reports and payments. ^19
Oregon’s PERS disability rules changed in 2025 for police and firefighters. SNAP work requirements start in some counties October 2025, statewide January 2026. Check official sites for updates.
SSI is for people with low income and resources, while SSDI is for those with a qualifying work history. Both require a medical review to confirm disability. SSI has strict income limits, while SSDI is based on work credits. Oregon residents can apply for both if they meet the rules.
Contact Oregon’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) for help applying. They can guide you through the process and tell you about waitlists. You will need medical and financial documents to apply.
Yes, but there are limits. For SSDI, you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month in 2025. For PERS disability, you can earn up to 10% of your previous monthly salary in irregular income each month. ABLE accounts let you save from wages without losing benefits.
Able-bodied adults without dependents must work, volunteer, or train at least 80 hours/month to stay eligible for SNAP. This starts in some counties October 2025, statewide January 2026. Some people are exempt, like those in school or with a disability.
You can apply online at oregonablesavings.com. You must have a qualifying disability and be under age 26 when you first became disabled. You can save up to $15,060 from wages in 2025.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check official sources for the most current rules and eligibility.
If you get more than you should, you may have to pay it back. Report changes in income or living situation as soon as possible to avoid overpayments. Keep records of all reports and payments.
Yes, Oregon’s PERS disability rules changed in 2025. Police and firefighters must show they cannot do their previous job, not any job. They must request a hearing within 180 days of a denial to get a timely review.
You can appeal within 60 days. Oregon has new rules for police and firefighter disability appeals: hearings must be set within 180 days of request. For others, follow the standard Social Security appeal process.
Yes, children may qualify for SSI if their condition severely limits daily activities. They must meet medical and financial rules. Contact Social Security or Oregon’s ADRC for help applying.
Oregon’s ADRC, Medicaid waivers, and nonprofit groups offer support. Families can also use ABLE accounts and SNAP for food help. Contact local agencies for more resources.
