If you are deaf in Oregon, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Oregon, you must have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that prevents you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA). For adults, this means you cannot work and earn more than $1,620 per month in 2025 (or $2,700 if you are blind). Children under 18 may qualify if their impairment severely limits their activities. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a detailed medical guide, called the "Blue Book," to evaluate claims. You must also meet work credit requirements for SSDI or income/resource limits for SSI. [^1][^2]
Oregon has specific rules for disability benefits. For example, police and firefighter members of the Oregon Public Service Retirement System (OPSRP) are considered disabled if they cannot perform the work they did when they became disabled, not any work. OPSRP members receiving disability benefits can earn up to 10% of their previous monthly salary from irregular or unpredictable work each month without losing benefits. If earnings exceed 10%, benefits end. Oregon also offers Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts for people with disabilities, including deafness. [^3][^4]
Oregon’s ABLE Savings Program lets people with disabilities save up to $15,060 in 2025 from their own wages, or their total wages if less. These funds can be used for qualified disability expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. [^11]
For SSDI in 2025, you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind). For SSI, the income limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Oregon’s OPSRP disability benefits allow up to 10% of previous monthly salary from irregular work each month. [^12][^13]
You must report any changes in income, work, or living situation to the SSA and Oregon agencies. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties. [^14]
Contact the Oregon Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) for free help with applications and support.
In 2025, you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month from work if you are deaf and receiving SSDI. If you are blind, the limit is $2,700 per month. Earning above this amount may affect your benefits.
Yes, you can work, but your earnings must stay below the SGA limit. For OPSRP disability, you can earn up to 10% of your previous monthly salary from irregular work each month without losing benefits.
Contact Oregon’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) or visit the Oregon Department of Human Services website. They can help you apply for Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. In Oregon, you can save up to $15,060 in 2025 from your wages, or your total wages if less, without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
Yes, you must report any changes in income, work, or living situation to the SSA and Oregon agencies. Not reporting can lead to overpayments and penalties.
You need audiograms, doctor’s notes, and other medical records that prove your deafness and how it affects your ability to work or perform daily activities.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Yes, children under 18 with deafness may qualify for SSI if their impairment severely limits their activities and meets income/resource limits.
The process can take several months. The SSA and Oregon’s Disability Determination Services will review your medical evidence and may request additional information.
If denied, you can appeal the decision. The SSA provides information on how to appeal and what steps to take next.
Yes, Oregon has programs for deaf and blind students, but recent federal funding cuts may affect some services. Contact local education agencies for current support options.
