Mobility Impairment Benefits in Washington: 2025 Guide

• You must have a severe medical condition that stops you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. In 2025, you earn 1 credit for each $1,810 in wages or self-employment income, up to 4 credits per year. Most people need 40 credits, with at least 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. The SSA determines if your condition meets its criteria for disability, including significant limitations on your ability to work.
• Both SSDI and SSI use the same medical definition of disability, but eligibility requirements differ based on work history and income.

Sources: Social Security Administration - How to Qualify for Disability, Social Security Administration - Disability Work Incentives

• In Washington, you may qualify for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) cash assistance program if you are at least 18 years old, have a health condition that stops you from working for at least 12 months, and meet income and resource requirements.
• The ABD program provides a maximum monthly cash grant of $450 for a single person or $570 for a married couple. Recipients also get help applying for federal SSI and SSDI benefits.
• Washington offers a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) to SSI recipients, providing additional financial support.
• Paid Family and Medical Leave is available for eligible employees, including those with mobility impairments, providing up to 12 weeks of paid leave for qualifying events.
• As of October 2025, Washington will end the requirement that ABD recipients pay back their benefits if they later qualify for federal disability payments.

Sources: Washington Department of Social and Health Services - ABD Program, Washington Department of Social and Health Services - Disability Determination Services, PubliCola - State Will Continue Requiring Low-Income People to Pay Back Disability Benefits Through 2025

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Contact the Social Security Administration to apply for SSI or SSDI.
• Apply for the ABD cash assistance program through the Washington Department of Social and Health Services.
• If eligible, apply for Washington’s State Supplementary Payment (SSP) for SSI recipients.
• For paid family and medical leave, apply through your employer or the Washington Employment Security Department.

Sources: Social Security Administration - How to Apply for Disability, Washington Department of Social and Health Services - ABD Program

• Step 1: Collect all necessary documents, including medical records, proof of income, and identification.
• Step 2: Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit their website to apply for SSI or SSDI. You can also visit a local Social Security office.
• Step 3: Apply for the ABD cash assistance program by contacting your local Community Services Office or visiting the Washington Department of Social and Health Services website.
• Step 4: If you qualify for SSI, apply for Washington’s State Supplementary Payment (SSP) through the Department of Social and Health Services.
• Step 5: For paid family and medical leave, check with your employer or the Washington Employment Security Department to see if you qualify and how to apply.
• Step 6: Follow up on your applications and provide any additional information requested.
• Step 7: If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision.

Sources: Social Security Administration - How to Apply for Disability, Washington Department of Social and Health Services - ABD Program, Washington Department of Social and Health Services - Disability Determination Services

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who have a disability and a work history.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities who meet income and resource requirements.
• Medicare: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities who have received SSDI for 24 months.

Sources: Social Security Administration - Disability Benefits, Medicaid.gov, Medicare.gov

• Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) Cash Assistance Program: Provides a maximum monthly cash grant of $450 for a single person or $570 for a married couple. Recipients also get help applying for federal SSI and SSDI benefits.
• State Supplementary Payment (SSP): Provides additional financial support to SSI recipients in Washington.
• Paid Family and Medical Leave: Provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave for qualifying events, including disability.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Provides home and community-based services to people with disabilities.

Sources: Washington Department of Social and Health Services - ABD Program, Washington Department of Social and Health Services - Disability Determination Services, Washington Employment Security Department - Paid Family and Medical Leave

• ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and Medicaid. In Washington, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program.
• Contributions to ABLE accounts are not taxed, and withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are tax-free.
• The maximum annual contribution is $18,000 in 2025.

Sources: ABLE National Resource Center, Washington ABLE Program

• For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple. Washington’s SSP may provide additional support.
• For ABD cash assistance, income and resource limits are set by the state and can be found in WAC 388-478-0090.
• For Medicaid, income limits vary based on household size and other factors.

Sources: Social Security Administration - SSI Income Limits, Washington Department of Social and Health Services - ABD Program

• If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you must report the overpayment to the agency that paid it.
• Overpayments can happen if your income or resources change, or if you receive benefits from multiple programs.
• You may be required to repay the overpayment, but you can request a waiver if you cannot afford to pay it back.

Sources: Social Security Administration - Overpayments, Washington Department of Social and Health Services - Overpayments

• Washington Department of Social and Health Services
  Phone: 1-877-501-2233

  TTY: 1-800-848-5429

  Email: dshs@dshs.wa.gov

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  For questions about ABD, Medicaid, and other state programs.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Email: ssa.gov

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

  Website

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

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI in Washington?

  SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSDI is for people with a disability and a work history. Both programs provide monthly payments, but eligibility requirements differ.

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Washington?

  You can apply for SSI or SSDI by calling the Social Security Administration, visiting their website, or going to a local office. For state programs like ABD, apply through the Washington Department of Social and Health Services.

• What is the ABD cash assistance program?

  ABD provides a monthly cash grant to low-income individuals with disabilities who are not eligible for federal SSI or SSDI. The maximum grant is $450 for a single person or $570 for a married couple.

• Does Washington offer a supplement to SSI?

  Yes, Washington offers a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) to SSI recipients, providing additional financial support to help with the cost of living.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits in Washington?

  Yes, you can work for at least 9 months and still get your full disability payment. This is called a trial work period. After that, your benefits may be reduced based on your earnings.

• What is paid family and medical leave in Washington?

  Paid family and medical leave provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave for qualifying events, including disability. The premium rate for 2025 is 0.92% of gross wages.