Hard of Hearing Benefits in Oregon: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that prevents you from doing substantial gainful activity for at least 12 months. For SSDI, you need enough work credits and must meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. In 2025, the monthly earnings limit for SSDI is $1,620, or $2,700 if you are blind. SSI considers 'little or no' income as $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Children may also qualify if they have a qualifying disability. ^1

| Program | Key Eligibility Criteria | |---------|------------------------| | SSDI | Work credits, disability prevents work for 12+ months | | SSI | Limited income/resources, qualifying disability | | Medicaid Waivers | Qualifying disability, income/resource limits | | ABLE | Eligible for SSI/SSDI, disability onset before age 26 |

In Oregon, people who are hard of hearing may qualify for state-specific programs such as Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can help with communication devices, interpreters, and other supports. The Oregon ABLE Savings Program allows eligible individuals to save up to $15,060 in 2025 without losing benefits. Recent 2025 legislation changed disability eligibility for police and firefighters, but most other state disability programs follow federal guidelines. Oregon also has work requirements for SNAP benefits, but people with disabilities may be exempt. ^3^5

| Program | Oregon-Specific Eligibility | |---------|---------------------------| | Medicaid Waivers | Qualifying disability, income/resource limits, Oregon residency | | ABLE Accounts | Oregon residency, eligible for SSI/SSDI, disability onset before age 26 | | SNAP | Oregon residency, income/resource limits, work requirements may apply |

• Check if you meet federal and state eligibility for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, or ABLE accounts.
• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security or DHS office.
• Report any changes in your situation to avoid overpayments.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or Disability Services office.
• For ABLE accounts, apply through the Oregon ABLE Savings Program website. [^6][^7]

• Step 1: Review eligibility for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. Use the SSI Income Estimator and check federal and state requirements.
• Step 2: Gather required documents, including medical records, proof of income, and identification.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. For Medicaid waivers, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or Disability Services office. For ABLE accounts, apply online at oregonablesavings.com.
• Step 4: Report any changes in your situation (income, address, medical status) to avoid overpayments.
• Step 5: If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. For Medicaid waivers, you may need to wait for an opening if the program is full.
• Step 6: For SNAP, apply online at oregon.gov/dhs or in person at your local DHS office. Report any changes in your situation.
• Step 7: For short-term disability, apply through your employer's PEBB plan if you are a permanent employee.

| Step | Action | |------|--------| | 1 | Review eligibility | | 2 | Gather documents | | 3 | Apply online, by phone, or in person | | 4 | Report changes | | 5 | Appeal if denied | | 6 | Apply for SNAP | | 7 | Apply for short-term disability |

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash benefit for people with limited income and resources who have a qualifying disability.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly cash benefit for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and have a qualifying disability.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including communication devices and interpreters.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Food assistance for low-income individuals and families, including people with disabilities. [^8][^9]

• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Oregon offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with communication devices, interpreters, and other supports for people who are hard of hearing.
• Oregon ABLE Savings Program: Allows eligible individuals to save up to $15,060 in 2025 without losing benefits.
• Short-Term Disability: For permanent PEBB employees, covers 60% of earnings for up to 13 weeks.
• SNAP: Food assistance for low-income individuals and families, including people with disabilities. Recent changes may affect eligibility and work requirements.
• Disability Support Services: Local agencies provide support for people with disabilities, including those who are hard of hearing. [^10][^11][^12]

The Oregon ABLE Savings Program allows eligible individuals to save up to $15,060 in 2025 without losing benefits. To qualify, you must be eligible for SSI or SSDI and have a disability that began before age 26. ABLE accounts can be used for disability-related expenses, such as communication devices, interpreters, and other supports. [^13]

For SSI, 'little or no' income is considered $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. For SSDI, the monthly earnings limit in 2025 is $1,620, or $2,700 if you are blind. For SNAP, income limits vary by household size and may be affected by recent changes. [^14]

You must report any changes in your situation (income, address, medical status) to avoid overpayments. If you receive an overpayment, you may be required to repay the amount. For SSI and SSDI, report changes online, by phone, or in person. For Medicaid waivers and SNAP, report changes to your local DHS office. [^15]

• Oregon Department of Human Services
  Phone: 1-800-283-4692

  TTY: 711

  Email: [email protected]

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

  Website

  For Medicaid, SNAP, and other state benefits.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Email: ssa.gov

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, and ABLE accounts.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?

  SSI is for people with limited income and resources who have a qualifying disability. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and have a qualifying disability. Both programs provide monthly cash benefits.

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers in Oregon?

  Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or Disability Services office to apply for Medicaid waivers. You will need to provide medical records and proof of income. Waivers can help with communication devices and interpreters.

• Can I save money in an ABLE account without losing benefits?

  Yes, you can save up to $15,060 in 2025 in an Oregon ABLE account without losing SSI or SSDI benefits. ABLE accounts are for disability-related expenses.

• What are the income limits for SSI and SSDI?

  For SSI, 'little or no' income is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. For SSDI, the monthly earnings limit in 2025 is $1,620, or $2,700 if you are blind.

• Do I need to report changes in my situation?

  Yes, you must report any changes in your situation (income, address, medical status) to avoid overpayments. Report changes online, by phone, or in person.

• What support is available for people who are hard of hearing?

  Oregon offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, including communication devices and interpreters. Local agencies also provide support for people with disabilities.