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Washington • Sensory
If you are hard of hearing in Washington, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI. Washington does not have its own state disability program, but offers extra support through Medicaid and state supplements to SSI. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits 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 Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). For 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 SSI, you must have limited income and resources, regardless of work history. If you are hard of hearing, your condition must be severe enough to meet SSA’s criteria for disability, which includes significant limitations on your ability to work[1][2][8].
Washington does not have its own state disability insurance program. Residents must apply for federal SSDI and SSI. However, Washington does offer a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) to SSI recipients, which provides extra monthly support to help with the high cost of living. The SSP is only available to those who qualify for federal SSI. If you are hard of hearing and meet SSI income and resource limits, you may receive both federal SSI and the Washington SSP. Medicaid (Apple Health) is also available for those with low income and limited resources, including people who are hard of hearing[3][5][6].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use ABLE funds for qualified disability expenses, including hearing aids and communication devices. Washington residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program[ABLE Accounts].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $967 per month for individuals and $1,450 for couples. Washington’s State Supplement (SSP) may add extra monthly support. Income limits for Medicaid (Apple Health) vary by household size and situation[3][6].
You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Report changes promptly to Social Security or DSHS[5][6].
Contact your local Social Security office or a disability advocate for help with your application. They can guide you through the process and answer your questions.
Yes, if your hearing loss is severe enough to prevent substantial work for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. The Social Security Administration reviews medical evidence to decide if your condition meets their criteria[2][8].
No, Washington does not have a state disability insurance program. Residents must apply for federal SSDI and SSI. However, Washington does offer a State Supplement to SSI for extra monthly support[5][3].
The average SSDI payment in Washington is $1,371.51 per month. The basic federal SSI payment is $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples. Washington’s State Supplement may add extra monthly support[5][3].
The SSP is extra monthly payment for SSI recipients in Washington. It helps with the high cost of living. The amount varies based on your living situation and income[3].
Yes, you can work and still get disability benefits. Social Security offers work incentives, including a trial work period. You must report any income to avoid overpayments[9][5].
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records and information about your work history and income[5][8].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
You need medical records, audiograms, and statements from doctors about your hearing loss and how it affects your ability to work. The Social Security Administration reviews this evidence to decide if you qualify[2][8].
Yes, Medicaid (Apple Health) is available for those with low income and limited resources, including people who are hard of hearing. You can apply through the Washington Healthplanfinder[6].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for qualified disability expenses, including hearing aids and communication devices. Washington residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s program[ABLE Accounts].
It takes an average of 6.1 months to get an initial decision in Washington. Most people are initially denied and need to appeal, which can take around two years on average[5].
