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Washington • Physical/Mobility
People with Muscular Dystrophy in Washington can access federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, plus state programs such as ABD cash assistance and Medicaid waivers. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources for 2025.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Washington, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. Muscular Dystrophy is considered a qualifying disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA). For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. SSDI requires a work history and enough Social Security credits. Both programs require medical proof of disability and regular reporting of changes in your situation [ssa.gov/disability/qualify.html, accessed 2025-11-06].
Washington state offers the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) cash assistance program for low-income adults with disabilities, including Muscular Dystrophy. To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old, have a condition 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 a bridge benefit while you wait for federal SSI approval. You must also pursue federal aid and follow the SSI application process [dshs.wa.gov/esa/community-services-offices/aged-blind-or-disabled-cash-program, accessed 2025-11-06].
Washington residents with Muscular Dystrophy can open an ABLE account to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. ABLE accounts let you save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) and grow savings tax-free. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other disability-related expenses [able.gov, accessed 2025-11-06].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $967 per month for individuals and $1,450 for couples. Washington state adds a supplement. For ABD, income must be below state limits, which change yearly. Check with DSHS for current limits [ssa.gov, accessed 2025-11-06; dshs.wa.gov, accessed 2025-11-06].
If you get too much money from SSI, SSDI, or ABD, you may have to pay it back. Report changes in income, address, or health to avoid overpayments. If you get an overpayment notice, contact the agency right away to set up a repayment plan [dshs.wa.gov, accessed 2025-11-06; ssa.gov, accessed 2025-11-06].
Contact your local DSHS office or a disability lawyer for help with your application. They can help you fill out forms and gather medical records.
Yes, if you meet the rules for both programs. SSI is for low-income people with limited resources. SSDI is for people with a work history. You can get both if you qualify [ssa.gov, accessed 2025-11-06].
ABD is a state cash assistance program for low-income adults with disabilities. It gives $450 per month to help while you wait for SSI approval. You must repay ABD if you later get SSI, but this requirement is suspended until 2028 [dshs.wa.gov, accessed 2025-11-06].
Apply through Washington Connection or your local DSHS office. Medicaid waivers help pay for home care and other services for people with disabilities. You must meet income and disability rules [dshs.wa.gov, accessed 2025-11-06].
The Washington State Supplement (SSP) is extra money for SSI recipients to help with living costs. The amount depends on your living situation and other benefits [dshs.wa.gov, accessed 2025-11-06].
Yes, SSI and SSDI have work incentives. You can try working for up to 9 months without losing benefits. After that, your benefits may change based on your income [ssa.gov/work, accessed 2025-11-06].
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can open one online through the Washington ABLE program. The 2025 limit is $17,000 per year [able.gov, accessed 2025-11-06].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
It takes about 6–7 months for an initial decision. Most people are denied at first and need to appeal. The full process can take up to 2 years if you go to a hearing [atticus.com, accessed 2025-11-06].
Yes, but the repayment requirement is suspended until 2028. After that, you may have to repay ABD benefits if you get SSI [blog.homelessinfo.org, accessed 2025-11-06].
If denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Most people who appeal get a hearing. You can get help from a disability lawyer or legal aid [ssa.gov, accessed 2025-11-06].
Contact your local DSHS office, a disability lawyer, or a nonprofit group. They can help you fill out forms and gather medical records [dshs.wa.gov, accessed 2025-11-06].
