People with schizophrenia in Washington can qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), state cash assistance (ABD), Medicaid, and other supports. Eligibility depends on income, resources, and medical documentation. This guide explains how to apply and what benefits are available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) with schizophrenia, you must have a severe medical condition that prevents you from working 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 programs. For SSDI, you need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources, regardless of work history. The SSA evaluates your condition and work ability to decide if you meet their criteria for disability.
Source: SSA.gov, 2025 Source: SSA.gov, 2025
In Washington, people with schizophrenia may qualify for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) cash assistance program if they are low-income, age 65 or older, blind, or have a health condition that stops them from working for at least 12 months. ABD provides a monthly cash grant and help applying for federal SSI or SSDI benefits. You cannot get ABD if you are already receiving SSI. The state also offers a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) to boost SSI payments for those who qualify. Medicaid is available for those with low income and resources. Washington requires most ABD recipients to repay benefits if they later qualify for SSI, but this payback requirement will end in October 2025.
Source: DSHS WA, 2025 Source: PubliCola, 2024 Source: SSA.gov, 2025
Source: DSHS WA, 2025 Source: SSA.gov, 2025 Source: Washington Connection, 2025
Source: SSA.gov, 2025 Source: SSA.gov, 2025
Source: DSHS WA, 2025 Source: Washington Connection, 2025 Source: SSA.gov, 2025
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Washington, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. The account has annual and lifetime limits. Money in an ABLE account does not count toward SSI or Medicaid resource limits.
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $967 per month for individuals and $1,450 for couples. Washington’s ABD program has its own income and resource limits, which are lower. The State Supplementary Payment (SSP) may affect your total income. Always check current limits with DSHS or SSA.
Source: SSA.gov, 2025 Source: DSHS WA, 2025
You must report changes in income, resources, or health to Social Security and DSHS. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Reporting changes helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits accurate. If you get an overpayment notice, contact the agency to set up a repayment plan.
Washington will stop requiring ABD recipients to repay benefits once they qualify for SSI starting October 2025. If you are affected, check with DSHS for updates.
Yes, if your schizophrenia is severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months. You can apply for SSI or SSDI through Social Security. Washington also offers state cash assistance (ABD) and Medicaid for those with low income.
Gather your medical records and apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide proof of your diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work.
ABD is a state cash assistance program for low-income people who are aged, blind, or disabled. It provides a monthly cash grant and help applying for federal disability benefits. You cannot get ABD if you are already receiving SSI.
Yes, until October 2025. Washington requires most ABD recipients to repay benefits if they later qualify for SSI. This payback requirement will end in October 2025.
SSP is extra money for SSI recipients in Washington. The amount depends on your living situation. You may get SSP if you qualify for SSI and live in certain types of housing.
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 change based on your earnings.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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If you get SSI or have low income, you may qualify for Medicaid. Apply through your local DSHS office or Washington Connection. Medicaid covers health care for people with disabilities.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the money for disability-related expenses. Washington offers ABLE accounts through WA ABLE.
If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. Ask for help from a disability advocate or lawyer. You may need to provide more medical records or attend a hearing.
Report changes in income, resources, or health to Social Security and DSHS. Reporting changes helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits accurate. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person.
