Kidney Disease Benefits in Washington: 2025 Guide

• To get federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI), your kidney disease must be severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a medical guide called the “Blue Book” to decide if your condition qualifies. Kidney disease is listed under Section 6.00 (Genitourinary Disorders).
• For SSDI, you need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. For SSI, your income and resources must be very low, regardless of work history.
• Both programs require medical proof from your doctors that your kidney disease meets SSA’s rules for disability.
• You can check your eligibility using the SSA’s online tools or by talking to a local Social Security office.

Source: SSA Disability Qualifications (accessed 2025-11-06)

• In Washington, people with kidney disease may qualify for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) cash assistance program if they are low-income and not already getting SSI.
• ABD is meant as a temporary bridge while you wait for SSI approval, which can take several months.
• To qualify for ABD, you must be at least 18, have a disability that stops you from working for at least 12 months, and meet income and resource limits.
• If you later get SSI, you may have to repay the ABD benefits you received, unless new state laws change this rule.
• Washington also offers Medicaid and other support programs for people with chronic illnesses like kidney disease.

Source: DSHS ABD Program (accessed 2025-11-06), ABD Payback Update (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Gather your medical records showing your kidney disease diagnosis and treatment.
• Visit the Social Security Administration website to start your SSI or SSDI application.
• If you need help now, apply for Washington’s ABD cash assistance through your local Community Services Office.
• Ask for help from a case manager or social worker if you need support during the process.
• Report any changes in your income or health to avoid problems with your benefits.

• Step 1: Get medical records from your doctor that show your kidney disease diagnosis, treatment, and how it affects your ability to work.
• Step 2: Go to the Social Security Administration website and fill out the online application for SSI or SSDI. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to apply by phone or visit a local office.
• Step 3: If you need help right away, apply for Washington’s Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) cash assistance. You can apply online at Washington Connection or at your local Community Services Office.
• Step 4: Work with a case manager or facilitator to help you through the process. They can help you gather documents and apply for other programs like Medicaid.
• Step 5: If you get SSI, you may need to repay ABD benefits you received earlier. Keep records of all payments and communications.
• Step 6: Report any changes in your income, health, or living situation to both federal and state agencies to avoid overpayments.

Source: DSHS ABD Application (accessed 2025-11-06), SSA Application (accessed 2025-11-06)

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with low income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. Kidney disease can qualify if it meets SSA’s rules.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to disability. Kidney disease can qualify if it meets SSA’s rules.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and resources. Many people with kidney disease qualify for Medicaid through SSI or other programs.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities after 24 months of SSDI. People with kidney failure may qualify sooner.

Source: SSA Disability Programs (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) Cash Assistance: Temporary cash help for low-income people with disabilities while they wait for SSI approval. Maximum is $450/month for a single person.
• Housing and Essential Needs (HEN): Referral for help with rent, utilities, and other basic needs.
• Washington State Supplemental Payment (SSP): Extra money for SSI recipients to help with living costs.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Services to help people with disabilities live in the community instead of institutions.
• Paid Family and Medical Leave: Paid leave for serious health conditions, including kidney disease.

Source: DSHS ABD Program (accessed 2025-11-06), Washington SSP (accessed 2025-11-06), Paid Family and Medical Leave (accessed 2025-11-06)

• ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• You can use ABLE funds for qualified disability expenses like medical care, housing, and education.
• To open an ABLE account in Washington, visit the official ABLE website or talk to a financial advisor.

Source: ABLE National Resource Center (accessed 2025-11-06)

• SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $967/month for an individual.
• Washington’s ABD program has its own income and resource rules. You must be low-income and not getting SSI or TANF.
• Medicaid and other programs also have income limits. Check with your local Community Services Office for details.

Source: SSA SSI Limits (accessed 2025-11-06), DSHS ABD Income Rules (accessed 2025-11-06)

• If your income or health changes, you must report it to Social Security and Washington state agencies.
• Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay.
• Keep records of all payments and communications with agencies.

Source: SSA Reporting Changes (accessed 2025-11-06), DSHS Reporting Changes (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
  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 kidney disease qualify for disability benefits in Washington?

  Yes, kidney disease can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it stops you from working for at least 12 months. You need medical proof and must meet SSA’s rules for disability.

• What is the ABD program in Washington?

  ABD is a state cash assistance program for low-income people with disabilities. It helps while you wait for SSI approval, but you may have to repay it later.

• How much money can I get from ABD in Washington?

  ABD pays up to $450 per month for a single person or $570 for a married couple. This is temporary help while you apply for SSI.

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

  Yes, you usually have to repay ABD benefits if you later get SSI. State laws may change this, so check with your caseworker for the latest rules.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?

  SSI is for people with low income and resources, regardless of work history. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to disability.

• Can I get Medicaid with kidney disease in Washington?

  Yes, many people with kidney disease qualify for Medicaid through SSI or other programs. Medicaid covers medical care, including dialysis and transplants.

• What is a Washington ABLE account?