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Washington • Physical/Mobility
If you have arthritis in Washington, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These programs can help with medical costs, monthly cash, and support services. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what to expect.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with arthritis, the Social Security Administration (SSA) must decide your condition is severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months. You must also meet income and resource limits for SSI, or have enough work credits for SSDI. Both programs use the same medical definition of disability, but their rules for income and work history are different. The SSA will review your medical records and work history to make a decision.
If you are approved, you may also get Medicaid or Medicare, depending on your situation.
Source: SSA.gov, 2025 [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
In Washington, people with arthritis may qualify for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) cash assistance program if they are low-income and meet disability criteria. ABD is for those who are not eligible for SSI or are waiting for SSI approval. The program gives a monthly cash grant and helps with applying for SSI. You cannot get ABD if you are already getting SSI. The state also offers a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) to add to SSI benefits for those who qualify.
Source: DSHS WA, 2025 [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
Source: DSHS WA, 2025 [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
Source: SSA.gov, 2025 [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
Source: DSHS WA, 2025 [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for disability-related expenses like medical care, housing, or education. In Washington, you can open an ABLE account through the state program. Contributions do not count as income for SSI, but there are limits on how much you can save.
Source: WA ABLE, 2025 [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $967/month for individuals and $1,450/month for couples. Washington’s ABD program has its own income and resource rules. You must report all income to DSHS or SSA to avoid overpayments.
Source: SSA.gov, 2025 [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
If your income or health changes, you must report it to DSHS or SSA. Not reporting can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. If you get an overpayment notice, contact the agency right away. You can ask for a waiver if you cannot afford to pay.
Source: DSHS WA, 2025 [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
Until October 2025, some ABD recipients may have to pay back benefits if they later qualify for SSI. This rule is set to end in October 2025.
Yes, if your arthritis is severe and stops you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You may also get state help like ABD or Medicaid if you meet income rules.
SSI is for people with low income and few resources, while SSDI is for those with a work history. Both require that your arthritis prevents you from working for at least 12 months.
SSI pays up to $967/month in 2025. SSDI pays based on your past earnings. ABD pays up to $450/month for singles. SSP adds extra to SSI payments.
Yes, you must apply for SSI or SSDI before you can get ABD cash assistance in Washington. The state will help you apply for federal benefits.
Yes, you can try working for up to 9 months without losing your full disability payment. This is called a trial work period. After that, your benefits may change based on your earnings.
You must report any changes in income to DSHS or SSA. Not reporting can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Yes, if you get SSI or SSDI, you may also get Medicaid or Medicare. Washington also has Medicaid waivers and the HWD program for people with disabilities.
Yes, Washington offers a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) that adds extra money to SSI payments for those who qualify. This is automatic if you get SSI.
ABD is a state cash program for low-income people with disabilities who are not getting SSI. It gives a monthly grant and helps with applying for SSI. You cannot get ABD if you are already getting SSI.
Until October 2025, some ABD recipients may have to pay back benefits if they later qualify for SSI. This rule is set to end in October 2025.
