Dysgraphia Benefits in Oregon: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits with dysgraphia, you must have a medically determinable impairment that prevents you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months. For SSI, you must also have limited income and resources. For SSDI, you need enough work credits and a disability that stops you from working. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict definition of disability, and dysgraphia must be severe enough to meet their criteria. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for most people, and $2,700 for those who are blind. Children with dysgraphia may qualify for SSI if the condition causes marked and severe functional limitations. [^1][^2]

In Oregon, people with dysgraphia may qualify for state-specific programs like Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which help with care and support. Oregon also offers the ABLE savings program, which lets eligible people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Recent changes to Oregon’s Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) may affect disability benefits for public employees, but these changes do not directly impact most people with dysgraphia. Oregon’s SNAP program has new work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents, but people with disabilities are exempt. [^3][^4][^5]

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact Oregon’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC).
• For ABLE accounts, apply through the Oregon ABLE Savings Program.
• For SNAP, apply through the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).

• Step 1: Get a diagnosis and supporting documentation from a qualified medical professional.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov or in person at a Social Security office. You’ll need to provide medical records, work history, and proof of income.
• Step 3: If denied, you can appeal the decision. The appeals process can take several months.
• Step 4: For Medicaid waivers, contact Oregon’s ADRC to learn about eligibility and application steps. Waivers may have waiting lists.
• Step 5: For ABLE accounts, apply online at oregonablesavings.com. You must have a diagnosis of a disability that began before age 26.
• Step 6: For SNAP, apply online at benefits.oregon.gov or by phone. You’ll need to provide proof of income and household size.
• Step 7: Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. [^6][^7][^8]

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people with disabilities who have a work history.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities, often linked to SSI.
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Food assistance for low-income individuals and families.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities after a 24-month waiting period from SSDI approval.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. [^9][^10]

• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Oregon offers several Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) waiver and the Physical Disabilities (PD) waiver. These waivers provide services like personal care, respite care, and supported employment.
• Oregon ABLE Savings Program: Allows people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. The 2025 contribution limit is $15,060 or total wages, whichever is less.
• SNAP: Oregon’s food assistance program. People with disabilities are exempt from new work requirements.
• PERS Disability Benefits: For public employees with disabilities, including police and firefighters. Recent changes may affect eligibility and appeals. [^11][^12][^13]

Oregon’s ABLE Savings Program lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. The 2025 contribution limit is $15,060 or total wages, whichever is less. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and transportation. [^14]

For SSI in 2025, the income limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but earnings must be below the SGA limit of $1,620 per month. For SNAP, income limits vary by household size and composition. [^15]

If your income, resources, or living situation changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to repayment demands or loss of benefits. Report changes to Social Security, ODHS, or your Medicaid waiver case manager as soon as possible. [^16]

• Oregon Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)
  Phone: 1-855-673-2372

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  Free help with benefits applications and questions.

• Can dysgraphia qualify for SSI or SSDI in Oregon?

  Yes, if dysgraphia is severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial gainful activity for at least 12 months. You must provide medical evidence and meet income and resource limits for SSI, or have enough work credits for SSDI. [^17]

• What is the Oregon ABLE Savings Program?

  The Oregon ABLE Savings Program lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. The 2025 contribution limit is $15,060 or total wages, whichever is less. [^18]

• Are there Medicaid waivers for people with dysgraphia in Oregon?

  Yes, Oregon offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including the IDD and PD waivers. These waivers provide services like personal care, respite care, and supported employment. [^19]

• How do I apply for SSI or SSDI in Oregon?

  You can apply online at ssa.gov or in person at a Social Security office. You’ll need medical records, work history, and proof of income. [^20]

• What are the new SNAP work requirements in Oregon?

  Able-bodied adults without dependents must work, volunteer, or train for at least 80 hours/month to remain eligible for SNAP. People with disabilities are exempt. [^21]

• How do I report changes to my benefits in Oregon?

  Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security, ODHS, or your Medicaid waiver case manager as soon as possible to avoid overpayments. [^22]