If you or a loved one has kidney disease in Oregon, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and waivers for home and community-based care. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what’s unique in Oregon—plus tips to avoid overpayments and use ABLE accounts to save safely.
To get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for kidney disease, you need enough work credits and proof your condition prevents ‘substantial gainful activity’ (SGA)—in 2025, that means earnings under $1,620/month for most applicants[3][7]. You must also have a qualifying medical diagnosis. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is based on low income ($2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple) and resources, plus a qualifying disability[3]. The process is slow, often taking months, and requires detailed medical records.
Oregon Medicaid covers dialysis and related kidney disease care for those under income and asset limits, and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers may help you stay at home with support (see Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)). The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) runs Medicaid; eligibility offices are county-based. State public employees may have access to short-term disability insurance, but this is not for ongoing kidney disease cases[5]. Oregon also has an Aging and Disability Resource Connection for local help. State disability benefits for kidney disease mostly involve Medicaid and waivers—there is no state-run disability insurance like SSDI. For federal disability, expect Oregon offices to follow SSA rules, though wait times may vary.
Start here:
To apply for SSI/SSDI for kidney disease in Oregon:
SSI and SSDI: Federal programs for people with disabilities. SSI is for low-income seniors, adults, and children with disabilities. SSDI is for workers who have enough Social Security credits and can’t work due to disability. Both programs define disability as a medically provable condition that prevents work, such as end-stage kidney disease[3][7].
Medicare: After 24 months of SSDI, you’ll qualify for Medicare, which covers dialysis, transplants, medications, and some home health. You may also qualify sooner if you need a transplant or are on dialysis[7].
Federal housing and nutrition programs: SNAP (food stamps) helps low-income families and individuals with disabilities buy food. Recent changes to SNAP work requirements may affect some with kidney disease, so check your status[2].
Oregon Medicaid: Covers dialysis, transplants, medications, and related care for those with low income and assets. Oregon expanded Medicaid, so more people qualify[5].
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers: Oregon offers several Medicaid waivers, such as the Aged and Physically Disabled (APD), Nursing Facility, and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities waivers—some may be relevant if your kidney disease causes significant disability and you wish to avoid nursing homes. Contact ODHS for details.
Short-Term Disability (PEBB): Oregon public employees have access to short-term disability insurance, but this is only for temporary conditions (up to 13 weeks) and doesn’t cover chronic kidney disease[5].
State-funded support: The Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) can connect you to local food, housing, and health programs if you’re affected by a federal shutdown or have trouble applying.
ABLE Savings Plan: Oregon residents may open an ABLE account to save up to $17,000/year (2025 limit) for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid—a great way to protect assets[8].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities (including kidney disease) save for long-term needs without losing SSI or Medicaid. In 2025, Oregon’s ABLE program accepts up to $17,000/year in contributions, and working beneficiaries can add wages up to $15,060/year. ABLE funds can be used for housing, food, health, and other disability costs[8].
Read more: ABLE Accounts.
SSI limits assets to $2,000 (individual) and $3,000 (couple); income limits vary by household size and other income[3]. SSDI has no asset limits but pays only if you earn less than $1,620/month (2025)[3]. Oregon Medicaid follows federal poverty guidelines; expanded Medicaid covers more people than SSI alone. ABLE accounts help you save above SSI asset limits[8].
Check your income: SSI Income Estimator.
Report changes in income, housing, or health to SSA and ODHS right away to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you earn more than allowed, move, or start/stop working. Prompt reporting keeps your benefits secure and reduces the risk of having to pay money back.
Learn more: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
For help with food costs, apply for SNAP (food stamps). Oregon has new work rules for some adults without dependents—people with kidney disease may qualify for exemptions. Check with ODHS if you have questions about SNAP and your health.
If you want to avoid a nursing home, Oregon Medicaid waivers may pay for in-home care, dialysis support, and other services. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and medical need—ask ODHS for details.
Yes, but income limits apply. For SSDI, you must earn less than $1,620/month (2025). SSI has strict income and asset limits. ABLE accounts let you save extra money without losing benefits. See SSI & SSDI Work Incentives for details.
Yes, Oregon Medicaid covers dialysis, transplant care, medications, and many related services for eligible members. Waivers may help pay for home care.
Apply online at ONE.Oregon.gov, by phone at 800-699-9075, or at a local ODHS office. You’ll need proof of income, assets, citizenship, and a doctor’s statement about your kidney disease.
SSI is for those with low income and assets; SSDI is for people who have worked enough to earn Social Security credits. Both require proof of disability. Learn more on our SSI vs SSDI page.
Public employees may get short-term disability, but it only covers temporary conditions (4–13 weeks), not lifelong kidney disease. Private employer coverage varies.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save up to $17,000/year (2025) without losing SSI or Medicaid. Funds can be used for housing, food, health, and other expenses.
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, Oregon Medicaid requires annual renewal. You’ll get a notice before your renewal date—respond promptly to avoid losing coverage.
Possibly. Oregon Medicaid waivers may pay for in-home care if you need help with daily activities and meet medical and income guidelines. Contact ODHS for details.
Appeals are common. Gather more medical evidence, consider a lawyer, and follow SSA’s appeal steps. Don’t give up—many people win on appeal.
Check your county government website or call the main ODHS number for local ADRC contact info. They help with food, housing, and health programs.
