Open a Purple account in minutes. Banking built for people with disabilities.
Oregon • Chronic Illness
If you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Oregon, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what programs are available.
To get federal disability benefits in Oregon, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) rules. For SSDI, you need a qualifying disability, enough work credits, and your condition must last at least 12 months. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is considered a disability if it meets SSA’s medical criteria and stops you from working. You can check the SSA’s Blue Book for details on qualifying conditions[5][7].
Oregon has its own rules for disability benefits. The Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) covers some public employees, including police and firefighters. As of 2025, PERS changed how disability is defined for these workers. If you are a PERS member, you may qualify for disability if you can’t do your previous job, not just any job. Oregon also has Medicaid waivers for people with chronic illnesses, which can help with home care and support services[1][5].
The Oregon ABLE Savings Program lets people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. In 2025, you can contribute up to $15,060 or your total wages, whichever is less. This can help with expenses like medical care, housing, and education[8].
For SSI, the income limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,620 per month in 2025[3].
If your income, work, or health changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. This includes changes in work hours, income, or medical status. Report changes to Social Security or Oregon DHS as soon as possible[5].
Always report changes in income, work, or health to avoid overpayments. This includes changes in work hours, income, or medical status.
Yes, if your condition meets SSA medical criteria and stops you from working. You need to provide medical records and apply through SSA or Oregon DHS[5][7].
You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. Oregon DHS will review your application and may ask for more information[5].
The income limit for SSI is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. For SSDI, you must not earn more than $1,620 per month in 2025[3].
Yes, Oregon has PERS for public employees and Medicaid waivers for people with chronic illnesses. Contact Oregon DHS for more information[1][5].
Yes, the Oregon ABLE Savings Program lets you save up to $15,060 or your total wages, whichever is less, without losing benefits[8].
Yes, report changes in income, work, or health to Social Security or Oregon DHS as soon as possible to avoid overpayments[5].
Yes, able-bodied adults without dependents must work, volunteer, or train at least 80 hours/month. Some people are exempt, including those with disabilities[2].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most up-to-date information.
Contact Oregon DHS Aging and Disability Services to apply for Medicaid waivers. These can help with home care and support services for people with chronic illnesses[5].
PERS covers public employees, including police and firefighters. As of 2025, you may qualify if you can’t do your previous job, not just any job[1].
You may get an overpayment, which you will have to pay back. Always report changes in income, work, or health to avoid this[5].
