People who are hard of hearing in Oregon may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. Recent changes in 2025 affect eligibility and reporting for some programs. This guide explains how to apply and what benefits are available.
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 |
| 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 |
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]
Recent changes in 2025 affect disability eligibility and reporting for some programs. Check official sources for the latest information.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, you must report any changes in your situation (income, address, medical status) to avoid overpayments. Report changes online, by phone, or in person.
Oregon offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, including communication devices and interpreters. Local agencies also provide support for people with disabilities.
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, able-bodied adults without dependents must work, volunteer, or train for at least 80 hours/month to remain eligible for SNAP. People with disabilities may be exempt.
If you are a permanent PEBB employee, apply for short-term disability through your employer's PEBB plan. Coverage is 60% of earnings for up to 13 weeks.
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.
Yes, you can apply for SNAP food assistance. People with disabilities may be exempt from work requirements. Contact your local DHS office for more information.
