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Oregon • Chronic Illness
If you have heart disease in Oregon, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what programs can help with medical costs, income, and daily living.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medically determinable heart condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months and have enough work credits. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your heart disease must meet SSA’s disability criteria. Both programs require a review by the Social Security Administration and Oregon’s Disability Determination Services. The SSA’s Blue Book lists specific heart conditions that qualify, such as chronic heart failure or ischemic heart disease [6].
SSDI requires a specific level of work credits and a limited ability to do Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). In 2025, SGA is capped at $1,620 per month for most people, or $2,700 if you are blind [2].
SSI is for those with little or no income or resources—$2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple in 2025 [2].
In Oregon, police and firefighter members of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) have a new standard for disability eligibility: you are considered disabled if you cannot perform the work you did at the time of disability, not any work for which you are qualified. This change applies to open applications or periodic reviews not yet referred for a contested case hearing [1].
If you are an OPSRP member receiving 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 than 10%, your benefits will end [1].
Oregon also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with long-term care for chronic illnesses like heart disease. These waivers have their own eligibility rules and waiting lists [4].
Oregon’s ABLE Savings Program lets people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. In 2025, you can contribute up to $15,060 or your total wages, whichever is less, to an ABLE to Work account. This can help cover expenses related to heart disease and other needs [7].
For SSI in 2025, the income limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. For SSDI, you must earn less than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) to qualify for benefits [2]. For 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 [1].
You must report changes in income, health, or living situation to avoid overpayments. This includes earned income, changes in medical condition, or moving. Failure to report can result in overpayments and loss of benefits. Oregon’s PERS program requires reporting if you earn more than 10% of your previous monthly salary in irregular or unpredictable income [1].
Contact Oregon’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) for free help with applications and benefits planning.
Yes, heart disease can qualify for SSDI or SSI if it meets SSA’s criteria and prevents you from working for at least 12 months. You must also meet income and resource limits for SSI [6].
In 2025, the SSI income limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. These limits apply to countable income and resources [2].
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. Oregon’s Disability Determination Services will review your application [6].
The Oregon ABLE Savings Program lets people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. In 2025, you can contribute up to $15,060 or your total wages, whichever is less, to an ABLE to Work account [7].
Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits, but there are limits. For SSI, you must earn less than $1,620 per month. For Oregon PERS disability benefits, you can earn up to 10% of your previous monthly salary in irregular or unpredictable income each month [1][2].
Medicaid waivers in Oregon provide home and community-based services for people with chronic illnesses like heart disease. These waivers help with long-term care and support services, but have their own eligibility rules and waiting lists [4].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Report any changes in income, health, or living situation to avoid overpayments. This includes earned income, changes in medical condition, or moving. Failure to report can result in overpayments and loss of benefits [1].
SSDI is for those with enough work credits and a qualifying disability. SSI is for those with limited income and resources. Both programs require a review by the Social Security Administration and Oregon’s Disability Determination Services [2].
Yes, you may qualify for SNAP food assistance if you have a disability and meet income and resource limits. SNAP is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by Oregon’s Department of Human Services [5].
Police and firefighter members of PERS are considered disabled if they cannot perform the work they did at the time of disability. They can earn up to 10% of their previous monthly salary in irregular or unpredictable income each month without losing benefits [1].
