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Washington • Learning
People with dyscalculia in Washington may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI) and state programs if their condition severely limits their ability to work or live independently. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Washington, you must have a medical condition that stops you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the same rules for everyone in the U.S., including those with dyscalculia. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. Most adults need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require that your condition meets SSA’s definition of disability, which includes significant limits on your ability to work or do daily activities[1][3][8].
In Washington, people with dyscalculia may also qualify for state programs if their condition is severe enough to limit work or daily living. The Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) cash assistance program helps low-income individuals who are likely to meet SSI disability criteria, including those with learning disabilities that severely affect their ability to work. To get ABD, you must be at least 18, have a qualifying health condition, and meet income and resource limits. Washington also offers a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) to boost SSI payments for eligible residents. The SSP helps make up for Washington’s high cost of living. You cannot get ABD if you are already receiving SSI benefits[5][4].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Washington residents with dyscalculia may open an ABLE account if their condition started before age 26. ABLE accounts can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other disability-related expenses[internal_link_ABLE_Accounts].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $967 per month for individuals and $1,450 for couples. Washington’s ABD program has its own income and resource limits, which are updated yearly. You can check the current limits on the DSHS website[5][4].
If you get too much money from SSI, SSDI, or ABD, you may have to pay it back. Always report changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to avoid overpayments. Washington’s payback rules for ABD are changing, but you should still report changes as soon as possible[2][internal_link_Avoiding_Overpayments_Reporting_Changes].
Contact Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) for help with ABD, SSP, or Medicaid applications. Local disability advocates can also help with SSDI and SSI paperwork.
Yes, if dyscalculia severely limits your ability to work or live independently for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must provide medical proof and meet financial criteria[1][3][8].
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSDI is for those with a qualifying work history and paid Social Security taxes. Both require a severe disability[1][3][8].
SSI pays up to $967/month for individuals in 2025. SSDI amounts depend on your work history. Washington also offers extra cash through ABD and SSP programs[4][5].
You must be unable to do substantial work due to your disability. Social Security allows some trial work, but your earnings must stay below the SGA limit ($1,550/month in 2025)[1][9].
Yes, Washington’s ABD program can provide cash assistance while you wait for SSI or SSDI approval, if you meet income and disability criteria[5][2].
You need records from doctors, therapists, or schools that show how dyscalculia affects your ability to work or do daily tasks. This can include evaluations, treatment plans, and school reports[1][3].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult a professional for your specific situation.
You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. For state programs like ABD, apply through DSHS. You may need to provide medical and financial documents[1][5].
Yes, Social Security allows a trial work period. You can work for up to 9 months and still get full benefits, as long as your earnings stay below the SGA limit[9].
Washington’s SSP adds extra money to SSI payments to help with the high cost of living. The amount depends on your living situation and income[4].
Washington’s payback rules for ABD are changing. As of 2025, the requirement to pay back ABD benefits when you get SSI is being phased out, but you should still report changes to avoid issues[2].
