Can amputation qualify me for disability benefits in Washington?

Yes, if your amputation prevents you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for federal SSI or SSDI and state programs like ABD or Medicaid [^1][^2].

How do I apply for disability benefits after amputation?

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit www.ssa.gov/disability for federal benefits. For state benefits, apply at Washington Connection or a local DSHS office [^2][^5].

What is the ABD program in Washington?

ABD is cash assistance for low-income Washington residents who are aged, blind, or disabled, including people with amputations who are waiting for SSI or are temporarily disabled [^2].

Does Washington offer extra help for SSI recipients?

Yes, Washington provides a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) to add to federal SSI benefits for eligible people with amputations [^3].

Can I work while getting disability benefits?

Yes, Social Security has work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits right away. Ask about the trial work period [^7].

What medical coverage is available for amputees in Washington?

Medicaid (Apple Health) and Healthcare for Workers with Disabilities (HWD) programs offer medical coverage for people with amputations who meet income and disability rules [^2].

How do I avoid overpayments on my disability benefits?

Report any changes in your income, resources, or health to DSHS and Social Security as soon as possible to avoid overpayments [^6].

What is a Washington ABLE account?

An ABLE account lets people with disabilities, including amputations, save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You must have a qualifying disability that started before age 26 [^8].

How much does Washington pay for disability in 2025?

Federal SSI pays $967/month for individuals in 2025. Washington’s SSP may add more. ABD and Medicaid amounts depend on your income and needs [^3][^2].

What is Paid Family and Medical Leave in Washington?

PFML provides short-term wage replacement if you need time off work due to your amputation. Benefits start after 7 days off work [^4].

Amputation Benefits in Washington: 2025 Guide

People in Washington with amputations may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), state cash and medical assistance, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key programs for amputation-related needs.

Amputation can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it prevents work for at least 12 months.
Washington offers extra cash and medical help for disabled residents.
State programs include ABD cash aid, Medicaid, and paid leave.
Reporting changes is important to avoid overpayments.
Work incentives let you try returning to work without losing benefits.

Last reviewed: 2025-11-06

Eligibility

To get federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI), you must have a severe medical condition that stops you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death [^1].
For SSDI, you need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. Most people need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled [^1].
For SSI, you must have limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSI is for people with low income and few assets [^1].
The Social Security Administration (SSA) decides if your amputation meets their definition of disability, based on how much it limits your ability to work [^1].

In Washington, people with amputations may qualify for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) cash assistance program if they have low income and resources [^2].
ABD helps some of the state’s poorest residents, including those who are temporarily disabled or waiting for federal SSI approval [^2].
Washington also offers Medicaid (Apple Health) for medical coverage, which can help with amputation-related care [^2].
The state provides a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) to add to federal SSI benefits for eligible people [^3].
Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) is available for short-term wage replacement if you need time off work due to your amputation [^4].
State rules may change, so check with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) for the latest info [^2].

How to apply in Washington

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit www.ssa.gov/disability to start your federal disability claim [^5].
Apply for Washington state benefits (ABD, Medicaid) online at Washington Connection or in person at a local DSHS office [^2].
Report any changes in your income or health to avoid overpayments [^6].

Step 1: Gather medical records showing your amputation and how it affects your ability to work.
Step 2: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit www.ssa.gov/disability to apply for SSDI or SSI. You can also find a local Social Security office near you [^5].
Step 3: Apply for Washington state benefits like ABD cash aid and Medicaid (Apple Health) at Washington Connection (wa.gov) or at a local DSHS office [^2].
Step 4: If you need short-term wage replacement, apply for Paid Family and Medical Leave through your employer or the Employment Security Department [^4].
Step 5: Report any changes in your income, resources, or health to DSHS and Social Security to avoid overpayments and keep your benefits [^6].
Step 6: If you want to try working, ask about work incentives that let you keep benefits while you test your ability to work [^7].

Programs & Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people with amputations who have enough work credits. Payments start after a 5-month waiting period [^1].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with amputations who have low income and few resources. SSI can help with basic needs [^1].
Medicare: Health coverage for people who get SSDI after 24 months of disability [^1].

Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) Cash Assistance: Monthly cash help for low-income Washington residents with amputations who are waiting for SSI or are temporarily disabled [^2].
Medicaid (Apple Health): Medical coverage for people with amputations who meet income and disability rules. Covers doctor visits, hospital care, and some home care [^2].
State Supplementary Payment (SSP): Extra cash added to federal SSI benefits for eligible people in Washington [^3].
Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML): Short-term wage replacement if you need time off work due to your amputation. Benefits start after 7 days off work [^4].
Healthcare for Workers with Disabilities (HWD): Medical coverage for people with amputations who want to work but need help with health costs [^2].

Money & Banking

Washington offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities, including amputations. These accounts let you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits [^8].
To open an ABLE account, you must have a qualifying disability that started before age 26 [^8].
ABLE accounts can help pay for disability-related expenses like medical care, housing, and education [^8].

For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $967 per month for individuals and $1,450 for couples. Washington’s SSP may add more to this amount [^3].
For ABD and Medicaid, income limits are based on the Federal Poverty Level and change each year. Check with DSHS for current limits [^2].
Earning too much can affect your benefits, so report changes to DSHS and Social Security [^6].

If you get more benefits than you should, you may have to pay back the extra money. This is called an overpayment [^6].
Report changes in your income, resources, or health to DSHS and Social Security as soon as possible to avoid overpayments [^6].
If you get an overpayment notice, contact DSHS or Social Security right away to discuss your options [^6].

Tips & Gotchas

Need Help Applying?

Contact your local DSHS office or call Social Security for help with your application. You can also get free legal help from disability advocacy groups in Washington.

Contacts

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
Phone: 1-877-501-2233
TTY: 1-800-368-5512
Email: null
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Website
For state benefits like ABD, Medicaid, and more.
Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Email: null
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–7:00 PM
Website
For federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI).

FAQs

Can amputation qualify me for disability benefits in Washington?
Yes, if your amputation prevents you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for federal SSI or SSDI and state programs like ABD or Medicaid [^1][^2].
How do I apply for disability benefits after amputation?
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit www.ssa.gov/disability for federal benefits. For state benefits, apply at Washington Connection or a local DSHS office [^2][^5].
What is the ABD program in Washington?
ABD is cash assistance for low-income Washington residents who are aged, blind, or disabled, including people with amputations who are waiting for SSI or are temporarily disabled [^2].
Does Washington offer extra help for SSI recipients?
Yes, Washington provides a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) to add to federal SSI benefits for eligible people with amputations [^3].
Can I work while getting disability benefits?
Yes, Social Security has work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits right away. Ask about the trial work period [^7].
What medical coverage is available for amputees in Washington?
Medicaid (Apple Health) and Healthcare for Workers with Disabilities (HWD) programs offer medical coverage for people with amputations who meet income and disability rules [^2].
How do I avoid overpayments on my disability benefits?

Official resources

Apply for Federal Disability (SSA)(federal)
How to Apply for Disability (SSA)(federal)

Related Purple guides

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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