People with Spina Bifida in Oregon can access federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, state programs for medical and financial support, and special accounts to save without losing benefits. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and key resources.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Oregon, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) medical and financial rules. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a qualifying work history and a disability that prevents you from doing substantial work. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and a disability that meets SSA’s definition. Spina Bifida is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book under neurological disorders, so it often qualifies if it causes significant limitations. Children with Spina Bifida may also qualify for SSI if their family meets income limits. In 2025, the monthly earnings limit for SSDI is $1,620, or $2,700 if you are blind. SSI considers little or no income as $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. The SSA reviews medical records and work history to decide eligibility[2][4][6][7].
In Oregon, people with Spina Bifida may qualify for Medicaid waivers that cover home and community-based services, such as personal care, therapy, and assistive devices. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) manages these programs. Oregon also has a Paid Leave program that provides up to 14 weeks of wage replacement for medical reasons, including treatment for Spina Bifida. Public employees with Spina Bifida may be affected by recent changes to the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) disability rules. As of May 2025, police and firefighter members are considered disabled if they cannot perform their previous job, not any job. For other public employees, the rules may vary. Oregon’s ABLE program lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits[1][4][5][8].
Review SSA Medical Criteria: Spina Bifida is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book under neurological disorders. Make sure your medical records show how Spina Bifida limits your ability to work or function[6].
Gather Documents: Collect medical records, proof of income, work history, and identification. For children, include school records and family income[4].
Apply for Federal Benefits: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local SSA office. The SSA will review your application and may request more information[4][6].
Apply for Oregon Medicaid Waivers: Contact ODHS to apply for Medicaid waivers. These cover home and community-based services for people with disabilities. You may need to provide medical and financial information[4].
Apply for Oregon Paid Leave: If you need time off for medical treatment, apply for Oregon’s Paid Leave program through your employer or the state. You can get up to 14 weeks of wage replacement for medical reasons[5].
Open an ABLE Account: If you want to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid, open an Oregon ABLE account. The 2025 limit for additional ABLE to Work contributions is $15,060 or your total wages, whichever is less[8].
Report Changes: If your income, resources, or medical condition changes, report it to SSA and ODHS to avoid overpayments[4].
Oregon’s ABLE Savings Program lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In 2025, you can contribute up to $15,060 from work income to your ABLE account, or your total wages, whichever is less. This helps you save for expenses related to Spina Bifida, like medical care or assistive devices, without affecting your benefits[8].
If your income, resources, or medical condition changes, report it to SSA and ODHS to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you don’t report changes, and you may have to pay back benefits. Oregon’s guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes can help you stay compliant[4].
Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. For Oregon-specific programs, call the Oregon Department of Human Services at 1-800-699-9075.
Yes, Spina Bifida often qualifies for federal SSI and SSDI if it causes significant limitations. Oregon also offers Medicaid waivers and other state programs for people with Spina Bifida[4][6].
You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local SSA office. You’ll need medical records and proof of income[4][6].
Oregon’s Paid Leave program provides up to 14 weeks of wage replacement for medical reasons, including treatment for Spina Bifida. You can apply through your employer or the state program[5].
Yes, you can open an Oregon ABLE account. In 2025, you can contribute up to $15,060 from work income to your ABLE account, or your total wages, whichever is less, without losing SSI or Medicaid[8].
Oregon Medicaid waivers cover home and community-based services, such as personal care, therapy, and assistive devices, for people with Spina Bifida. These help you live independently[4].
Recent changes to Oregon’s PERS disability program mean police and firefighter members are considered disabled if they cannot perform their previous job, not any job. Other public employees may have different rules[1].
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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SSI considers little or no income as $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. If your income or resources are higher, you may not qualify for SSI[2][7].
Yes, children with Spina Bifida may qualify for SSI if their family meets income limits and their condition meets SSA medical criteria[2][4].
If your income, resources, or medical condition changes, report it to SSA and ODHS to avoid overpayments. Oregon’s guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes can help you stay compliant[4].
You can get help from the Social Security Administration, Oregon Department of Human Services, or local nonprofits. The SSA and ODHS websites have guides and contact information[4].
