People with Tourette Syndrome in Oregon may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and important state-specific rules.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that prevents you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months. For SSDI, you need enough work credits and must be unable to do any job you are qualified for. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. In 2025, SGA is $1,620 per month for most people, or $2,700 if blind. Children with disabilities may also qualify for SSI if their condition severely limits their activities.
Tourette Syndrome can qualify if symptoms are severe enough to meet these criteria. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a "Blue Book" to list qualifying conditions and symptoms. Tourette Syndrome is evaluated under neurological disorders (Section 11.00) or mental disorders (Section 12.00), depending on symptoms.
Oregon does not have a separate state disability program for adults, but residents may qualify for state-funded services through Medicaid waivers, such as Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). These waivers can help with in-home care, respite, and other supports for people with Tourette Syndrome.
Oregon also offers the ABLE Savings Program, which allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. The 2025 contribution limit is $15,060 or total wages, whichever is less.
Changes to Oregon PERS disability rules in 2025 affect police and firefighters, but not general PERS members. For most Oregon residents, federal rules apply.
Source: Oregon.gov, 2025-11-06 Source: Oregon ABLE Savings, 2025-11-06
Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06 Source: Oregon.gov, 2025-11-06 Source: Oregon ABLE Savings, 2025-11-06
Source: Oregon.gov, 2025-11-06 Source: Oregon ABLE Savings, 2025-11-06 Source: Oregon.gov PERS, 2025-11-06
The Oregon ABLE Savings Program allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. The 2025 contribution limit is $15,060 or total wages, whichever is less. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses, such as education, housing, and transportation.
Source: Oregon ABLE Savings, 2025-11-06
For SSI, the 2025 income limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but earnings must be below SGA ($1,620 per month for most people, $2,700 if blind). ABLE account contributions do not count as income for SSI or Medicaid.
If your income, resources, or medical status changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment or loss of benefits. Report changes to SSA or Oregon DHS as soon as possible.
Contact Oregon DHS or your local Area Agency on Aging for help applying for disability benefits. They can guide you through the process and answer questions.
Yes, if symptoms are severe enough to prevent substantial gainful activity for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration evaluates Tourette Syndrome under neurological or mental disorders.
In 2025, the SSI income limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. ABLE account contributions do not count as income.
Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. Oregon Disability Determination Services will review your application.
Medicaid waivers provide in-home care, respite, and other supports for people with disabilities. Contact Oregon DHS or your local Area Agency on Aging.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for disability-related expenses. The 2025 contribution limit is $15,060 or total wages, whichever is less.
No, recent changes to Oregon PERS disability rules only affect police and firefighters, not general PERS members.
Overpayments can result in repayment or loss of benefits. Report changes to SSA or Oregon DHS as soon as possible to avoid overpayments.
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, if their condition severely limits their activities and meets SSA criteria for childhood disability.
A federal shutdown may temporarily pause SNAP benefits and other federal programs. Stay informed through Oregon DHS and local agencies.
Contact Oregon DHS, your local Area Agency on Aging, or the Social Security Administration for help applying for benefits.
