Prader-Willi Syndrome Benefits in Washington

To qualify for federal disability benefits in Washington, you must have a severe medical condition that prevents substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the same medical definition for both SSI and SSDI. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. 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. The number of credits needed can vary by age[1][3][9].

If you are working, your earnings must be below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold. In 2025, this is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for blind individuals[1]. If you earn above these amounts, you are generally not eligible for benefits, regardless of your medical condition.

Washington offers several programs for people with disabilities, including Prader-Willi Syndrome. The Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) cash assistance program provides up to $450 per month for individuals while they wait for SSI approval. To qualify, you must be 18 or older with a disability that prevents work for at least 12 months, meet income and resource limits, and not be eligible for SSI or TANF[4].

Washington also provides a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) to SSI recipients, increasing their monthly benefit to help cover the high cost of living[5]. Medicaid waivers, such as HCBS waivers, may be available for additional support with home and community-based services[internal_link:Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)].

ABD recipients are still required to repay benefits once they start receiving SSI, as the law suspending repayment has been delayed until 2028[4].

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Check eligibility for SSI, SSDI, and state programs like ABD.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or in person at a local Social Security office.
• For ABD, apply through Washington Connection.
• Report any changes in income or health to avoid overpayments.

• Step 1: Collect all necessary documents, including medical records, proof of income, and identification.
• Step 2: Review eligibility requirements for SSI, SSDI, and state programs like ABD and Medicaid waivers[1][3][4][5].
• Step 3: Apply for federal benefits online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office[1][3][9].
• Step 4: For state benefits like ABD, apply through Washington Connection[4].
• Step 5: If approved for SSI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid and the state supplement[5].
• Step 6: Report any changes in income, resources, or health to the SSA and DSHS to avoid overpayments and maintain eligibility[internal_link:Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
• Step 7: If denied, you can appeal the decision within 60 days[1].

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or 65 or older[5].
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people who are disabled and have a qualifying work history[1][3][9].
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income individuals, including those with disabilities[internal_link:Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)].

• ABD (Aged, Blind, and Disabled): Cash assistance for low-income individuals with disabilities while they wait for SSI approval. Provides up to $450 per month for individuals and $570 for couples[4].
• State Supplementary Payment (SSP): Additional monthly payment for SSI recipients to help cover the high cost of living in Washington[5].
• Medicaid Waivers: Programs that provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including Prader-Willi Syndrome[internal_link:Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)].
• Paid Family and Medical Leave: Provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave for eligible employees with a serious health condition[6][10].

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and other benefits. Washington offers ABLE accounts for residents with disabilities that began before age 26[internal_link:ABLE Accounts].

For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $967 per month for individuals and $1,450 for couples. Washington's SSP may increase this amount. For ABD, income and resource limits apply and are based on federal poverty guidelines[4][5].

It is important to report any changes in income, resources, or health to the SSA and DSHS to avoid overpayments. If you receive an overpayment, you may be required to repay it. Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes[internal_link:Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].

• Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
  Phone: 1-877-501-2233

  TTY: 1-800-833-6384

  Email: [email protected]

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

  Website

  For state benefits and Medicaid waivers.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Email: ssa.gov/contact

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

  Website

  For federal disability benefits.

• What is Prader-Willi Syndrome?

  Prader-Willi Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that causes developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and a constant feeling of hunger. It often meets the SSA's definition of disability due to its severe impact on daily life.

• Can I get SSI for Prader-Willi Syndrome in Washington?

  Yes, if your condition prevents you from working and you meet the income and resource limits, you may qualify for SSI. Medical records must show the severity of your disability[5].

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?

  SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those with a qualifying work history. Both programs use the same medical definition of disability[internal_link:SSI vs SSDI].

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Washington?

  You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. For state benefits like ABD, apply through Washington Connection[1][4].

• What is ABD cash assistance?

  ABD is a state program that provides cash assistance to low-income individuals with disabilities while they wait for SSI approval. It is not available if you already receive SSI[4].

• Do I have to repay ABD benefits?

  Yes, ABD benefits are considered a loan. You must repay them once you start receiving SSI, as the law suspending repayment has been delayed until 2028[4].