Oregon Kidney Disease Benefits: SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, & More

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:

• Call SSA (800-772-1213) or visit ssa.gov online to apply for SSI or SSDI. These federal benefits require medical proof of kidney disease and financial information[3][7].
• Apply for Oregon Medicaid online at ONE.Oregon.gov, by phone (800-699-9075), or at a local ODHS office. You’ll need proof of income, assets, and citizenship.
• If you need in-home supports, ask ODHS about Medicaid waivers to learn about Oregon’s home and community-based programs.
• If you have a public sector job, check PEBB for short-term disability options—but these cover only temporary conditions[5].
• Contact your county’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) for local help.

To apply for SSI/SSDI for kidney disease in Oregon:

1. Gather your records: Collect all medical records, work history, tax returns, and income information. Kidney disease must be documented by a doctor.
2. Apply for benefits: Start online at SSA.gov or call 800-772-1213 to file for SSI or SSDI. Expect to answer questions about your condition, work, and finances[3][7].
3. Cooperate with SSA workers: You may need a consultative exam. Keep copies of all paperwork and track deadlines.
4. Check your application status online or by phone. Denials are common at first; you have the right to appeal.
5. Apply for Oregon Medicaid: Visit ONE.Oregon.gov or your local ODHS office. Include proof of income, assets, and disability. You’ll need to recertify annually.
6. Talk to ODHS about waivers: If you need home care, dialysis support, or other services, ask about Oregon’s Medicaid waivers.
7. Ask about local resources: Contact your county’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) for help navigating all programs.
8. If employed by the State of Oregon, ask HR about PEBB short-term disability—but know this is not for lifelong kidney disease[5].
9. Stay compliant: Report any income or health changes to SSA, ODHS, and your care team to avoid overpayments.

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.

• Social Security Administration (SSI/SSDI)
  Phone: 800-772-1213

  TTY: 800-325-0778

  Hours: Mon–Fri, 8am–7pm

  Website

  Apply for SSI or SSDI by phone or online
• Oregon Department of Human Services (Medicaid, Waivers)
  Phone: 800-699-9075

  TTY: 711

  Hours: Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid, SNAP, or waivers by phone, online, or in person
• Oregon Aging and Disability Resource Connection
  Phone: 855-673-2372

  Website

  Local help with food, housing, and health programs

• Can I work and still get SSI or SSDI for kidney disease in Oregon?

  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.

• Does Oregon Medicaid cover dialysis and transplants?

  Yes, Oregon Medicaid covers dialysis, transplant care, medications, and many related services for eligible members. Waivers may help pay for home care.

• How do I apply for Oregon Medicaid if I have kidney disease?

  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.

• What’s the difference between SSI and SSDI for 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.

• Can I get short-term disability from the State of Oregon for kidney disease?

  Public employees may get short-term disability, but it only covers temporary conditions (4–13 weeks), not lifelong kidney disease. Private employer coverage varies.

• What’s an ABLE account and how does it help?

  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.