If you have a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Oregon, you may be eligible for federal and state disability benefits, Medicaid, short-term disability, and ABLE savings accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what to do if benefits are delayed or denied.
To receive federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) for a Traumatic Brain Injury, you must have a medically determinable impairment that prevents work for at least 12 months (SSDI) or causes severe financial need (SSI)[2][7]. SSDI requires a minimum work history; SSI is for people with little or no income or resources. For both, your impairment must meet or match the Social Security Administration’s criteria for disability. In 2025, the average SSDI payment for new Oregon beneficiaries was $1,691.39 per month[2]. For SSI, income and asset limits remain strict, with countable resources under $2,000 for an individual[2].
State-specific information is limited for Traumatic Brain Injury; start with the Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Department of Human Services for Medicaid waivers (HCBS) and other state programs. For public employees, Oregon’s Short Term Disability plan covers up to 60% of earnings for 4–13 weeks, but only permanent state employees qualify[4]. The 2025 PERS disability changes focus on police and firefighters, but OPSRP members with disabilities can earn limited income without losing benefits[1]. For children, some conditions may qualify for faster SSI payments. Always check for the latest federal and state eligibility rules, as changes in funding and program requirements can affect access to services.
If you have TBI and need help, start by applying for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov or call 1‑800‑772‑1213[2]. Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) for Oregon-specific help: call 1‑855‑673‑2372 or visit adrcoforegon.org[5]. Apply for SNAP and Medicaid through the Oregon Department of Human Services online portal. If benefits are delayed due to a federal shutdown, check your EBT card balance and look for emergency food resources[5][6].
Step 1: Gather your medical and work/tax documents — This includes medical records (doctors’ notes, test results, therapy logs), proof of income, assets, and work history. For SSDI, have your Social Security statement to confirm work credits[2][7].
Step 2: Apply for SSI/SSDI — You can do this online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at your local Social Security office. Children and adults may qualify for SSI; adults with a work history may qualify for SSDI. Be prepared for follow-up medical exams and paperwork[2].
Step 3: Apply for Oregon Medicaid and HCBS waivers — Use the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) application online or contact your local ADRC[5]. Ask about Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people with disabilities, which can pay for in-home care, therapies, and equipment.
Step 4: Check for state benefits — Public employees can contact their human resources department about short-term disability options[4]. Join social security work incentive programs if you hope to work part-time while keeping benefits.
Step 5: Stay in touch — If benefits are denied or delayed, appeal promptly. Sign up for state alerts and check your messages regularly. For food help, contact local food banks or 211info during federal shutdowns[5][6].
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) are the primary federal programs for people with disabilities, including Traumatic Brain Injury[2][7]. SSI is for those with low income and assets; SSDI requires a prior work history. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicare may also be available if you meet income and disability criteria. For tax-free savings, consider opening an ABLE account (up to $15,060 allowed from earnings in 2025)[8].
Oregon’s Medicaid (Oregon Health Plan) covers medical care, therapies, and some home services for people with disabilities, including those with Traumatic Brain Injury. The Oregon Department of Human Services manages SNAP and Medicaid applications. For public employees, the Public Employees’ Benefit Board (PEBB) offers Short Term Disability for permanent staff, paying up to 60% of your weekly earnings for 4–13 weeks[4]. The Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) is a statewide help line for navigating benefits (1-855-673-2372)[5]. State-specific Home and Community-Based Services waivers (HCBS) may provide additional support; check with the Oregon Health Authority for current waiver details. Stay informed about possible federal funding cuts that could impact Oregon disability programs[3][5].
Oregon residents with disabilities, including Traumatic Brain Injury, can open an ABLE savings account to save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other means-tested programs. In 2025, you can deposit up to $15,060 of your own earnings (or the amount you earned if less) into your ABLE account, in addition to the standard annual contribution limit[8].
For SSI, you must have very limited income and resources—no more than $2,000 for an individual ($3,000 for couples) in 2025[2]. For SSDI, there is no asset limit, but you generally cannot earn more than $1,620/month from work (higher for blind individuals)[2]. Always report changes in income, living situation, or work to the Social Security Administration and Oregon DHS to avoid overpayments or benefit loss.
If your income, marital status, or living situation changes, you must report it immediately to the Social Security Administration and Oregon DHS to prevent benefit overpayments. If you get a notice of overpayment, you may request a waiver or set up a repayment plan. Keep track of your benefits and deductions, and consider using the Oregon ABLE account to protect savings[8].
If there’s a federal shutdown and your SNAP benefits are paused, Oregon will pay you retroactively once funding returns. Until then, visit the Oregon Department of Human Services Food Resources page, call 211, or contact your local ADRC for help finding free or low-cost food in your community[3][5][6].
If you’re a permanent Oregon state employee, you may be eligible for short-term disability through PEBB, which covers up to 60% of your earnings for 4–13 weeks. Seasonal and temporary workers are not eligible. Apply during open enrollment or contact your HR department for details[4].
Yes, you can work part-time with SSDI or SSI, but your earnings must stay under the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit ($1,620/month in 2025). If you are blind, the SGA limit is higher. Oregon ABLE accounts let you save work income without penalty[2][8].
Apply online through the Oregon Health Plan website or contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Connection. If eligible, you can also ask about Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for additional supports.
SSI is for people with disabilities who have low income and assets, while SSDI is for those with a work history. See our <a href="/guides/ssi-ssdi">SSI vs SSDI</a> guide for details.
If the shutdown continues past October 31, 2025, Oregon cannot issue November SNAP benefits. You will be paid retroactively once federal funding is restored. In the meantime, check emergency food resources via 211info[5][6].
Only permanent state employees are eligible for the Oregon Public Employees’ Benefit Board (PEBB) Short Term Disability plan, which pays up to 60% of your earnings for 4–13 weeks[4]. Others should consider private short-term disability insurance.
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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Children may be eligible for SSI, Medicaid, and special education services through their school district. Some medical conditions may qualify for faster SSI payments[2]. Contact your local ADRC and school district for support.
If SSI or SSDI is denied, request a reconsideration within 60 days. If that is denied, you can request a hearing with an administrative law judge. For Oregon Medicaid, follow the appeal instructions in your denial letter.
Update your information online through your ONE account, by phone, or at a local DHS office. Keeping your information current helps avoid benefit delays or overpayments.
ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for people whose disability began before age 26. In 2025, you can save up to $15,060 of your earnings without losing benefits[8].
Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Connection for help finding community resources, support groups, and advocacy organizations. The ADRC can also help you apply for benefits and find emergency food if SNAP is delayed[5].
