Washington Disability Benefits for Rheumatoid Arthritis

To qualify for federal disability benefits with rheumatoid arthritis, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work and expected to last at least 12 months or result in death[3].

• SSDI: Requires enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. Generally, you need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled[3][8].
• SSI: Based on limited income and resources, not work history. Benefits help those with little to no income who are aged, blind, or disabled[3][4].

Both programs use the same medical standards, but financial rules differ. The Social Security Administration (SSA) makes the final decision[3][7].

Washington offers extra help for people with disabilities who have low incomes:

• Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) Cash Assistance: For Washington residents age 65+, blind, or with a health condition (like rheumatoid arthritis) expected to prevent work for at least 12 months. You must meet strict income and resource limits, and you cannot already receive SSI[5].
• State Supplementary Payment (SSP): Adds to federal SSI for eligible residents. As of 2025, the federal SSI payment is $967/month for individuals; Washington may supplement this amount based on living costs, but specific 2025 SSP rates are not published[4].
• Paid Family and Medical Leave: Available if you have lost wages due to a serious health condition. No specific diagnosis is required, but your doctor must certify your need for leave[6].

You must apply for all federal benefits you may qualify for to get state assistance[5].

• Apply for federal benefits (SSI/SSDI) first—use the SSA website or call 1-800-772-1213[7][8].
• Check eligibility for Washington ABD Cash Assistance—contact DSHS or visit your local Community Services Office[5].
• Apply for Medicaid—coverage is often automatic with SSI, or apply separately if needed.
• Consider Paid Family and Medical Leave if you need time off work—apply through the Washington Employment Security Department[6].
• Talk to a benefits counselor for help with complex cases.

Federal Benefits (SSI/SSDI):

1. Gather your medical records showing your rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, treatment, and how it limits your ability to work.
2. Complete the online application at the SSA’s disability benefits portal or call 1-800-772-1213 to start your claim[7][8].
3. Submit all required documentation, including work history, medical evidence, and proof of income/resources for SSI.
4. Work with Washington’s Disability Determination Services (DDS)—they review your medical information and decide if you meet SSA’s disability rules[7].
5. Appeal if denied—many applicants are denied at first but win on appeal with more evidence.

Washington State Benefits:

1. Apply for ABD Cash Assistance if your income is very low. You can do this at a DSHS Community Services Office or online. You must also apply for SSI if you might qualify[5].
2. Ask about the State Supplementary Payment (SSP) when applying for SSI. SSP amounts can change each year, so check with DSHS for current rates[4].
3. Apply for Medicaid—this often happens automatically with SSI, but you can also apply through the Washington Health Plan Finder if you don’t qualify for SSI.
4. Paid Family and Medical Leave: If you need time off work, apply through the Washington Employment Security Department’s Paid Leave program. Your doctor must certify your condition[6].

General Tips:

Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash assistance for people with low income and limited resources who are aged, blind, or disabled (including rheumatoid arthritis)[3][4].

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly benefits based on your work history and Social Security tax payments. You must have earned enough credits to qualify[3][8].

Medicare: Health insurance for people receiving SSDI after a 24-month waiting period. Medicare may also cover some people with certain disabilities or End-Stage Renal Disease.

Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income individuals, often automatic with SSI. Provides access to doctors, hospitals, prescriptions, and sometimes home and community-based services.

Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) Cash Assistance: Provides up to $450/month for a single person or $570 for a married couple if you are over 65, blind, or have a disability (including rheumatoid arthritis) that prevents work for 12+ months. You must have very low income and resources, and you cannot already get SSI[5]. ABD also helps with applying for SSI/SSDI and offers case management[5].

Washington State Supplementary Payment (SSP): Adds to federal SSI for eligible residents. As of 2025, the federal SSI payment is $967/month for individuals; Washington may supplement this, but rates vary and are not always published[4].

Paid Family and Medical Leave: Washington’s program pays up to 90% of your wages (capped at $1,542/week in 2025) if you need time off work for a serious health condition, including rheumatoid arthritis[6]. There is no elimination period for family leave, and benefits start after a 7-day waiting period for disability leave[2][6].

Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) Referral: ABD participants may get help with housing and basic necessities through a referral[5].

Medicaid in Washington: Offers health coverage, often with no or low cost. Some people with disabilities may qualify for Medicaid waivers that provide home- and community-based services.

Washington ABLE Accounts: ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as housing, transportation, and healthcare. Earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed.

SSI Income Limits: In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $967/month for individuals and $1,450 for couples. To qualify, your income and resources must be below strict federal limits[4].

ABD Cash Assistance: Washington has even lower income and resource limits for ABD—check DSHS rules for current amounts (WAC 388-478-0090)[5].

Paid Family and Medical Leave: There are no income limits to qualify for paid leave, but your benefit amount is based on your wages[6].

Reporting Changes: You must report changes in income, living situation, assets, or marital status to SSA and DSHS to avoid overpayments[5]. Overpaid benefits usually must be repaid, which can be financially stressful. Washington is phasing out its state payback rule for ABD recipients who later qualify for SSI, but until October 2025, you may still need to pay back ABD benefits if you receive SSI later[1]. For more tips, see our guide on avoiding overpayments.

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Mon–Fri, 7am–7pm

  Website

  Apply for SSI, SSDI, and get benefit information.
• Washington DSHS Community Services Office
  Phone: 1-877-501-2233

  Hours: Vary by location

  Website

  Apply for ABD, Medicaid, and other state assistance.
• Washington Employment Security Department (Paid Leave)
  Phone: 833-717-2273

  TTY: 711

  Hours: Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm

  Website

  Apply for Paid Family and Medical Leave.

• Does rheumatoid arthritis qualify for disability benefits in Washington?

  Yes, if your rheumatoid arthritis is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI, SSDI, or Washington’s ABD Cash Assistance program[3][5].

• How much is the SSI payment in Washington in 2025?

  The federal SSI payment in 2025 is $967/month for individuals. Washington may offer a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) on top of this, but the exact amount varies and is not always published[4].

• Can I work and still get disability benefits?

  Yes, both SSI and SSDI have work incentives. You can try working for at least 9 months without losing benefits (trial work period). After that, benefits may continue if your earnings are below a certain level[10].

• How do I apply for ABD Cash Assistance in Washington?

  Apply at a DSHS Community Services Office or online. You must also apply for SSI if you might qualify. ABD helps with the SSI application process[5].

• What is Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program?

  This program pays a portion of your wages if you need time off work for a serious health condition, including rheumatoid arthritis. Apply through the Washington Employment Security Department[6].

• Can I save money without losing my benefits?

  Yes, an ABLE account lets you save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses.