Washington offers federal and state programs for people with Intellectual Disability, including SSI, SSDI, Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) cash assistance, and Medicaid waivers. These programs help with cash, housing, medical care, and daily support. This guide explains who is eligible and how to apply in Washington, including state-specific supplements, work incentives, and ABLE accounts.
To qualify for federal disability benefits for Intellectual Disability in Washington, you must meet the U.S. Social Security Administration's (SSA) definition of disability: a severe medical condition (including intellectual disability) that prevents substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death[3]. For SSDI, you need enough work credits—generally 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years—which most people with lifelong intellectual disability won’t have unless they worked[1][3]. For SSI, the focus is on income and resources; you must have limited assets and low income, regardless of work history[3][5]. Your doctor must confirm your condition and limitations, and you must cooperate with Social Security’s application process. The SSA uses a five-step process to decide if you qualify, including whether you can do any past work, other jobs, or meet the listing for intellectual disability[3]. SSI also limits the value of things you own (like cash, bank accounts, and property) and has strict income rules for living arrangements.
Washington has its own Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) cash assistance program for people with low income who are 65+, blind, or have a disability (including intellectual disability) expected to last 12 months or more[4][6]. To qualify, you must meet state income and resource limits, and not be receiving TANF or federal SSI[4][6]. ABD pays up to $450/month for individuals and $570/month for couples, and provides referrals to housing and essential needs (HEN) supports while you apply for SSI[4][6]. Washington also offers a State Supplemental Payment (SSP) for SSI recipients, but you must already qualify for federal SSI to get this extra state help[5]. If you receive ABD and later qualify for SSI, you won’t have to pay back ABD benefits after October 2025[2]. You must pursue federal disability benefits and provide medical proof to get state benefits. DSHS Disability Determination Services makes the call on whether you’re eligible for state programs in Washington[7].
To apply for Intellectual Disability benefits in Washington:
Applying for SSI/SSDI:
Applying for ABD/HEN:
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are federal programs that provide monthly cash payments to people with disabilities, including intellectual disability. SSI is needs-based and for those with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes[3][5]. Both use the same medical definition of disability, and both can provide access to Medicaid or Medicare[5]. SSI recipients in Washington may get a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) on top of the federal benefit to help with higher living costs[5]. The SSA has work incentives like the Ticket to Work program, which can help you try working without losing your benefits right away[10].
Washington offers Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) Cash Assistance—a state-funded program for low-income individuals with intellectual disability (or age 65+, blind) who are not yet on SSI. Benefits include a cash grant (up to $450/month single, $570/month couple), help applying for SSI/SSDI, and a referral to Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) for people who are disabled and homeless or at risk of homelessness[4][6]. You cannot get ABD if you are already getting SSI or TANF[4][6]. The State Supplemental Payment (SSP) is extra cash for SSI recipients in Washington[5].
Washington also has Medicaid waivers (HCBS), which provide in-home support, respite, job coaching, and other services to help people with intellectual disability live in the community instead of institutions. These waivers have their own eligibility rules and waiting lists, so apply early[see callout].
The ABLE program lets people with disabilities save money in special accounts without losing their SSI or Medicaid benefits[internal links]. If you get ABD, you must apply for federal benefits and show good cause if you stop—refusal means you could lose state help[6].
DSHS Disability Determination Services decides if you meet state disability rules for these programs[7].
ABLE accounts are a special savings option for people with disabilities in Washington. You can save up to $100,000 without it counting against your SSI resource limit. Earnings in the account grow tax-free. ABLE accounts can pay for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and healthcare. Learn more at the WA ABLE website[internal links]. If you have an intellectual disability and receive SSI or Medicaid, an ABLE account can help you plan for a more secure future.
SSI has strict income and resource limits: in 2025, the basic federal SSI payment is $967/month for individuals, $1,450/month for couples[5]. Washington’s SSP may add a small amount. Your income includes wages, Social Security, and help from others. Resources (things you own) must be under $2,000 (single) or $3,000 (couple), with some exceptions like your home and car. ABD also has income and resource limits, which you can check at Washington Connection[4][6]. SSDI does not have income limits, but if you earn over $1,550/month (non-blind) in 2025, you may not qualify as disabled[1].
If you get more benefits than you should—an overpayment—you must report it and pay it back. For SSI/SSDI, report changes in your income, living situation, or resources right away to Social Security to avoid owing money later[internal links]. In Washington, if you receive ABD and later get SSI, you may have to repay some ABD benefits until October 2025, when the payback rule ends[2]. Always keep Social Security and DSHS updated about changes in your life to prevent problems.
Washington’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers help people with intellectual disability stay in their homes instead of moving to an institution. These waivers cover things like personal care, respite, job coaching, and more. There are waiting lists and specific eligibility rules—apply early and ask DSHS about Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) waivers.
You must have a medically documented condition that severely limits mental functioning and daily life, is expected to last at least 12 months, and prevents you from working. This must be verified by a doctor or psychologist, and evaluated by the SSA or DSHS[3][6][7].
Yes, but earnings must stay below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit: $1,550/month in 2025 for non-blind people[1]. SSI permits some income and has work incentives. Always report wages to avoid overpayments[internal links].
SSI is for people with low income and assets, while SSDI is for those with a work history who paid Social Security taxes. Both use the same medical rules, but have different financial eligibility[3][5]. See our SSI vs SSDI guide[internal links].
SSI/SSDI decisions average 3–6 months, but may take longer if you appeal a denial. ABD is often faster and can help while you wait for federal benefits[2].
Yes. Washington’s ABD and HEN programs specifically help people who are homeless or at risk. Nearly 30% of ABD recipients are homeless, and HEN provides housing support and essential needs[2][4][6].
No. ABD is for people waiting to get SSI; once you get SSI, ABD stops. However, you may get extra cash from Washington’s State Supplement if you qualify for SSI[4][5][6].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Yes. Washington has ABLE accounts, which let people with disabilities save money for qualified expenses without affecting their SSI or Medicaid eligibility (up to $100,000 in ABLE savings)[internal links].
You can appeal within 60 days. Most people are denied at first—get help from a legal aid office or disability attorney. You must follow all appeal steps to keep your claim alive.
Yes. SSI recipients get Medicaid automatically in Washington. SSDI recipients get Medicare after a waiting period. See our Medicaid vs Medicare guide for details[internal links].
Contact DSHS’s Disability Determination Services, your local Community Services Office, or a nonprofit like Disability Rights Washington for free help with forms, appeals, and understanding your rights[7].
