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Oregon • Chronic Illness
People with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis in Oregon may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSDI, SSI, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. Eligibility depends on medical evidence, income, and work history. Oregon also offers specific programs for those with chronic illnesses.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, you must have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that prevents you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months or results in death. For SSDI, you need enough work credits and must meet the SGA limit. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for most people, or $2,700 if you are blind. For SSI, you must have little or no income and resources, with a limit of $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Children with disabilities may also qualify for benefits if they meet the criteria. The Social Security Administration uses the "Blue Book" to evaluate medical conditions, including chronic illnesses like Myalgic Encephalomyelitis[6][4].
In Oregon, people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis may qualify for state-specific programs such as Medicaid waivers, which provide home and community-based services. Oregon also has the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) for public employees, which has specific rules for disability eligibility. As of 2025, police and firefighter members are considered disabled if they are unable to perform the work they did at the time of disability, not any work for which they are qualified. Oregon residents can also apply for the ABLE Savings Program, which allows tax-advantaged savings for people with disabilities. State-specific income and resource limits apply for Medicaid and SSI[1][7][4].
The Oregon ABLE Savings Program allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits. In 2025, the limit for additional ABLE to Work contributions is up to $15,060 or the total of their wages, whichever is less. This program is designed to help people with disabilities save for expenses related to their disability[7].
For SSI, the income limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. For SSDI, the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month in 2025, or $2,700 if you are blind. Medicaid and SNAP have their own income and resource limits, which vary by program and household size[6][4].
If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you must report it to the Social Security Administration or Oregon Department of Human Services. Overpayments can result in repayment or reduction of future benefits. It is important to report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments[4].
Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) for free help with applications and resources.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is a chronic illness characterized by severe fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and other symptoms that can significantly impact daily life. It is recognized as a disability if it meets federal criteria[6].
You can apply for SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need to provide medical records and work history. Oregon's Disability Determination Services will review your application[4].
The income limit for SSI in Oregon is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. These limits apply to both income and resources[6].
Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits, but your earnings must be below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for most people, or $2,700 if you are blind[6].
The Oregon ABLE Savings Program allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits. The limit for additional ABLE to Work contributions in 2025 is up to $15,060 or the total of their wages, whichever is less[7].
You can apply for Medicaid through the Oregon Department of Human Services. They offer Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services for people with disabilities[4].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult official sources for the most current information.
As of 2025, police and firefighter members are considered disabled if they are unable to perform the work they did at the time of disability, not any work for which they are qualified. This change applies to PERS disability benefits[1].
The substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit for SSDI in 2025 is $1,620 per month for most people, or $2,700 if you are blind. Earnings above this limit may affect your eligibility for SSDI[6].
Yes, children with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis may qualify for SSI or SSDI if they meet the criteria. Children's benefits may continue into adulthood if they have a qualifying disability[6].
If you receive an overpayment of benefits, you must report it to the Social Security Administration or Oregon Department of Human Services. Overpayments can result in repayment or reduction of future benefits[4].
