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Oregon • Chronic Illness
If you have diabetes in Oregon, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid waivers, and the Oregon ABLE Savings Program. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available for Oregon residents with diabetes.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with diabetes, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. This means your diabetes must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA) and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For SSDI, you need enough work credits. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. The SSA uses a medical guide called the “Blue Book” to evaluate conditions, including diabetes complications like neuropathy, vision loss, or kidney disease. If your diabetes causes these complications, you may qualify for benefits.
Children with diabetes may also qualify for benefits if their condition meets the SSA’s criteria.
Source: SSA Disability Qualification [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
In Oregon, people with diabetes may qualify for state disability programs and Medicaid waivers. The Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) offers disability benefits for public employees, including those with diabetes-related disabilities. As of 2025, police and firefighter members are considered disabled if they cannot perform the work they did when they became disabled. For other public employees, disability benefits may be available if diabetes prevents you from working.
Oregon also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can help with care needs related to diabetes. These waivers may cover services like nursing, therapy, and support for daily living.
If you receive disability benefits, you can earn up to 10% of your previous monthly salary in “irregular or unpredictable” income each month without losing benefits. If you earn more, your benefits may end.
Source: Oregon PERS 2025 Legislation [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
Source: Oregon DHS Federal Benefits [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
Source: SSA Disability Qualification [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
Source: Oregon DHS Federal Benefits [Accessed: 2025-11-06] Source: Oregon ABLE Savings Program [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
The Oregon ABLE Savings Program lets people with diabetes save money without losing federal benefits. In 2025, you can contribute up to $15,060 or your total wages, whichever is less, to your ABLE account. These funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, like medical care, education, and housing.
Source: Oregon ABLE Savings Program [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
For SSDI, earning more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) in 2025 is considered substantial gainful activity (SGA) and may disqualify you. For SSI, your total income and resources must be below certain limits. If you receive Oregon PERS disability benefits, you can earn up to 10% of your previous monthly salary in “irregular or unpredictable” income each month without losing benefits. If you earn more, your benefits may end.
Source: SSA Disability Qualification [Accessed: 2025-11-06] Source: Oregon PERS 2025 Legislation [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
If your income or health changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. For SSDI and SSI, report changes online, by phone, or in person. For Oregon PERS disability benefits, report any earned income that exceeds 10% of your previous monthly salary. Overpayments can lead to repayment or loss of benefits.
Source: SSA Reporting Changes [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
Contact your local Social Security office or Oregon Department of Human Services for help with applications and questions.
Yes, if your diabetes is severe enough to prevent you from working and meets the Social Security Administration’s criteria. You may qualify for SSDI or SSI based on your work history and income.
In 2025, earning more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) is considered substantial gainful activity and may disqualify you from SSDI.
Yes, but your earnings must stay below the SGA limit. If you earn too much, you may lose your benefits. Oregon PERS allows up to 10% of your previous salary in irregular income.
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or the Oregon Department of Human Services. They can help you apply for home and community-based services for diabetes care.
It’s a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities, including those with diabetes. You can save up to $15,060 or your total wages in 2025 without losing federal benefits.
Yes, children with diabetes may qualify for SSI if their condition meets the SSA’s criteria and their family has limited income.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Report changes in income or health to the Social Security Administration online, by phone, or in person. For Oregon PERS, report any earned income that exceeds 10% of your previous salary.
ArrayRx is Oregon’s prescription drug program. It offers a discount card for lower prices on medications, including insulin and diabetes supplies.
Yes, Oregon offers paid caregiving services for people with diabetes who need help with daily living. These services may be covered by state or local programs.
If you earn more than the SGA limit for SSDI or more than 10% of your previous salary for Oregon PERS, your benefits may end. Report changes to avoid overpayments.
