Diabetes Benefits in Washington: 2025 Guide

• To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) with diabetes, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the same medical definition for both SSDI and SSI, but eligibility differs.
• SSDI requires enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. Typically, you need 40 credits, with at least 20 earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled, though this can vary by age.
• SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require a medical evaluation to confirm your disability.
• Diabetes is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book under Section 9.00, Endocrine Disorders, but you must meet specific criteria for automatic approval or prove your condition is equally severe.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06

• Washington state offers the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) cash assistance program for low-income individuals who are likely to meet SSI disability criteria, including those with diabetes that prevents work for at least 12 months.
• To qualify for ABD, you must be 65 or older, blind, or at least 18 with a qualifying disability, meet income and resource requirements, and not be receiving SSI or TANF.
• ABD provides up to $450 per month for a single person or $570 for a married couple, plus help applying for SSI and referrals to other support programs.
• Washington also offers a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) to SSI recipients, which can increase monthly benefits to help cover the cost of living.
• If you are approved for federal SSI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid and other state benefits.

Source: DSHS WA, 2025-11-06, SSDLawyersSpokane, 2025-11-06

• Check if your diabetes meets SSA’s disability criteria.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply for SSI or SSDI online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
• If denied, you can appeal the decision.
• Apply for Washington state benefits (ABD, Medicaid) through Washington Connection.
• Report any changes in your condition or income to avoid overpayments.

• Step 1: Review the SSA’s disability criteria for diabetes. Make sure your condition is severe enough to prevent substantial work for at least 12 months.
• Step 2: Collect medical records, lab results, and treatment history from your healthcare providers.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office.
• Step 4: If you are denied, you can appeal within 60 days. You may need to attend a hearing.
• Step 5: Apply for Washington state benefits, such as ABD or Medicaid, through Washington Connection (wa.gov/Connection).
• Step 6: If approved for SSI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid and the state supplement.
• Step 7: Report any changes in your condition, income, or living situation to avoid overpayments and keep your benefits.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06, DSHS WA, 2025-11-06, Washington Connection, 2025-11-06

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people with a qualifying disability and enough work credits.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income individuals with disabilities.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with long-term disabilities, usually after 24 months of SSDI.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06

• Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) Cash Assistance: Up to $450 per month for a single person or $570 for a married couple, plus help applying for SSI and referrals to other programs.
• State Supplementary Payment (SSP): Additional monthly payment for SSI recipients to help cover the cost of living.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income individuals with disabilities, including those with diabetes.
• Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave: Provides partial wage replacement for qualifying medical events, including diabetes-related hospitalizations.
• Housing and Essential Needs (HEN): Referral for housing and utility assistance for ABD recipients.

Source: DSHS WA, 2025-11-06, SSDLawyersSpokane, 2025-11-06, WA Paid Family and Medical Leave, 2025-11-06

• Washington residents with diabetes may qualify for an ABLE account if their disability began before age 26.
• ABLE accounts allow you to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits.
• Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, including medical care, housing, and education.

Source: WA ABLE, 2025-11-06

• For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple.
• Washington’s ABD program has its own income and resource limits, which are lower than SSI.
• Income from work, investments, and other sources can affect your eligibility.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06, DSHS WA, 2025-11-06

• You must report any changes in your condition, income, or living situation to avoid overpayments.
• Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits.
• Report changes promptly to the Social Security Administration and Washington DSHS.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06, DSHS WA, 2025-11-06

• Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
  Phone: 1-877-501-2233

  TTY: 1-800-368-5577

  Email: dshs@dshs.wa.gov

  Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  For questions about ABD, Medicaid, and other state benefits.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

  Website

  For questions about SSI, SSDI, and federal disability benefits.

• Can diabetes qualify for disability benefits in Washington?

  Yes, if your diabetes causes severe complications that prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. Washington also has state programs for low-income people with disabilities.

• How much can I get from disability benefits in Washington?

  Federal SSI pays up to $967 per month for an individual in 2025. Washington’s ABD program pays up to $450 per month, and SSI recipients may get a state supplement.

• Do I need to be blind or over 65 to get ABD in Washington?

  No, you can qualify for ABD if you are at least 18 with a qualifying disability, including diabetes, that prevents work for at least 12 months, and you meet income and resource requirements.

• What medical evidence do I need for a disability claim?

  You need medical records, lab results, and treatment history showing your diabetes is severe enough to prevent substantial work for at least 12 months.

• Can I work while getting disability benefits in Washington?

  Yes, but there are limits on how much you can earn. SSI and SSDI have work incentives to help you transition back to work without losing benefits.

• How do I apply for Washington state disability benefits?

  Apply for federal benefits (SSI/SSDI) through SSA.gov or a local office. Apply for state benefits (ABD, Medicaid) through Washington Connection.