Fibromyalgia Benefits in Washington: 2025 Guide

• To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) in Washington, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the same medical definition for both SSI and SSDI, but eligibility rules differ.
• 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.
• For SSI, you must have limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSI is for people with little or no work record.
• Fibromyalgia can qualify if it causes severe, long-term limitations that meet SSA criteria. You must provide medical evidence from doctors and specialists.
• Both programs require you to follow SSA rules and report changes in your condition or income.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025 [Accessed: 2025-11-06]

• In Washington, adults with fibromyalgia may qualify for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) cash assistance program if they are low-income and likely to meet SSI disability criteria.
• To be eligible for ABD, you must be 18 or older, have a disability that stops you from working for at least 12 months, meet income and resource limits, and not be eligible for SSI or TANF.
• ABD is designed as a bridge for people waiting for SSI approval, which can take several months.
• If you later qualify for SSI, you are required to repay the state for ABD benefits you received. This payback rule is currently in effect and will continue until at least 2028.
• Washington also offers a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) to SSI recipients, which adds extra money to your monthly SSI check.
• You must pursue federal aid (like SSI or SSDI) to keep your ABD benefits.

Source: DSHS WA, 2025 [Accessed: 2025-11-06]

• Gather medical records that show your fibromyalgia diagnosis and how it limits your ability to work.
• Apply for federal disability (SSI/SSDI) online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• If you are low-income and not eligible for SSI, apply for Washington’s ABD program through Washington Connection.
• Report all changes in your condition or income to avoid overpayments.
• Ask for help from a case manager or disability advocate if needed.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025 [Accessed: 2025-11-06]

• Step 1: Get medical documentation. See your doctor and get records that show your fibromyalgia diagnosis, symptoms, treatments, and how it affects your daily life and ability to work.
• Step 2: Apply for federal disability. Go to SSA.gov and fill out the SSI or SSDI application. You can also apply in person at a Social Security office. Be ready to provide your medical records, work history, and financial information.
• Step 3: If denied, appeal. You have the right to appeal if your application is denied. Ask for help from a disability advocate or lawyer.
• Step 4: Apply for state benefits. If you are low-income and not eligible for SSI, apply for the ABD program through Washington Connection. You will need to provide proof of income, disability, and citizenship.
• Step 5: Follow up. If approved for ABD, you will be assigned a facilitator to help you apply for SSI. If you later get SSI, you must repay the state for ABD benefits.
• Step 6: Report changes. If your condition, income, or living situation changes, report it to DSHS and SSA to avoid overpayments.
• Step 7: Explore other programs. Look into Medicaid waivers, ABLE accounts, and work incentives if you want to work while getting benefits.

Source: DSHS WA, 2025 [Accessed: 2025-11-06]

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Federal program for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65+. Pays up to $967/month in 2025.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Federal program for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Pays based on your work history.
• Both programs require medical proof of disability and regular reporting of changes.
• Work incentives allow you to try working without losing benefits for a trial period.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025 [Accessed: 2025-11-06]

• ABD (Aged, Blind, or Disabled) Cash Program: Washington state program for low-income adults with disabilities. Pays up to $450/month for individuals or $570/month for couples. Designed as a bridge while waiting for SSI approval.
• State Supplementary Payment (SSP): Extra money added to SSI checks for Washington residents. Amount varies based on living situation.
• Housing and Essential Needs (HEN): Referral program for ABD recipients to help with rent and basic needs.
• Medicaid Waivers: Programs for people with disabilities who need long-term care at home instead of in a facility.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.

Source: DSHS WA, 2025 [Accessed: 2025-11-06]

• Washington residents with disabilities can open an ABLE account to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• You can save up to $17,000 per year in 2025, and the first $100,000 is not counted against SSI resource limits.
• Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and transportation.
• Learn more and apply through the Washington ABLE program.

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 SSP may add more.
• For ABD, income and resource limits are set by DSHS and change yearly. Check the current limits on the DSHS website.
• Income from work, other benefits, or savings may affect your eligibility.
• Report all income changes to avoid overpayments.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025 [Accessed: 2025-11-06]

• If you get more benefits than you are entitled to, you must repay the overpayment.
• Report changes in your condition, income, or living situation to DSHS and SSA as soon as possible.
• Overpayments can happen if you start working, get other benefits, or your condition improves.
• If you have trouble repaying, ask about repayment plans or waivers.

Source: DSHS WA, 2025 [Accessed: 2025-11-06]

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

  TTY: 1-800-833-6384

  Email: [email protected]

  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

  Email: ssa.gov/contact/

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

  Website

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

• Can fibromyalgia qualify for disability in Washington?

  Yes, fibromyalgia can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it causes severe, long-term limitations that meet SSA criteria. You must provide medical evidence from doctors and specialists.

• What is the ABD program in Washington?

  ABD is a state cash program for low-income adults with disabilities who are waiting for SSI approval. It pays up to $450/month and helps with basic needs.

• Do I have to repay ABD benefits if I get SSI?

  Yes, if you later qualify for SSI, you must repay the state for ABD benefits you received. This rule will continue until at least 2028.

• How much does SSI pay in Washington in 2025?

  The federal SSI payment is $967/month for individuals in 2025. Washington adds a State Supplementary Payment, which may increase your total monthly benefit.

• What is the State Supplementary Payment (SSP) in Washington?

  SSP is extra money added to SSI checks for Washington residents. The amount depends on your living situation and other benefits.

• Can I work while getting disability benefits?

  Yes, both SSI and SSDI have work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits for a trial period.

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Washington?

  Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov or at a Social Security office. For ABD, apply through Washington Connection.