Open a Purple account in minutes. Banking built for people with disabilities.
Oregon • Mental Health
If you have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Oregon, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), your condition must meet the Social Security Administration's (SSA) definition of disability. This means your OCD must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA) and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For adults, SGA in 2025 means earning more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind). You must also have enough work credits for SSDI, usually 40 credits with 20 earned in the last 10 years. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources, typically less than $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Children with OCD may qualify for SSI if their condition severely limits their activities and meets SSA's criteria[6][2].
In Oregon, people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder may qualify for state-specific programs like Medicaid waivers, which provide home and community-based services. Oregon also offers the ABLE Savings Program, allowing you to save up to $15,060 in 2025 from wages without losing benefits. The state's Public Employees' Benefit Board (PEBB) provides short-term disability for eligible public employees, covering 60% of earnings for up to 13 weeks. Recent changes to Oregon's Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) may affect disability eligibility for police and firefighters, but these changes do not directly impact general OCD disability claims. State-specific rules may apply, so check with Oregon agencies for details[1][4][7].
The Oregon ABLE Savings Program lets people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing benefits. In 2025, you can contribute up to $15,060 from wages, or your total wages, whichever is less. Funds can be used for things like housing, education, transportation, and personal support. Learn more and apply at Oregon ABLE Savings Program[7].
For SSI in Oregon, the income limit is typically less than $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 be considered disabled. For Medicaid (OHP), income limits vary based on household size and other factors. Check with Oregon Health Plan for current limits[2][6].
You must report changes in income, employment, or health to Social Security and Oregon agencies to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes as soon as possible to keep your benefits and avoid penalties[2].
Contact your local Social Security office or Oregon Health Plan for help with your application. Disability advocates and legal aid organizations can also provide support.
Yes, OCD can qualify for disability benefits in Oregon if it meets Social Security's definition of disability. This means it must be severe enough to prevent you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You must also meet income and resource limits for SSI[6][2].
SSDI is for people with OCD who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with OCD who have limited income and resources. Both programs provide monthly payments, but eligibility and payment amounts differ[2].
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office. For Medicaid, apply through Oregon Health Plan online or by phone. For ABLE accounts, apply through the Oregon ABLE Savings Program[6][7][2].
You need records from a licensed mental health professional showing your OCD diagnosis, treatment history, and how it limits your daily life and ability to work. These records should be detailed and up-to-date[6].
Yes, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit. In 2025, this is $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind). If you earn more, you may lose benefits. Social Security offers work incentives to help you try working without losing benefits[6][2].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing benefits. In Oregon, you can contribute up to $15,060 in 2025 from wages. Funds can be used for things like housing, education, and personal support[7].
Medicaid waivers provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities in Oregon. These may include personal care, respite care, and other support. Apply through Oregon Health Plan or contact a local agency for help[2].
If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. Get help from a disability advocate or legal aid if needed. You may need to provide more medical evidence or attend a hearing[6].
Report changes to Social Security and Oregon agencies as soon as possible. You can do this online, by phone, or in person. Reporting changes helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits[2].
Yes, children with OCD may qualify for SSI if their condition severely limits their activities and meets SSA's criteria. They may also qualify for Medicaid and other state programs. Apply through Social Security or Oregon Health Plan[6][2].
