Spinal Cord Injury Benefits in Washington: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits in Washington, you must have a severe medical condition that stops you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the same medical definition for both SSDI and SSI. 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. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources, regardless of work history. If you earn more than $1,550 per month (non-blind) in 2025, you generally cannot qualify for SSDI or SSI unless your work is an unsuccessful attempt due to your disability[1][3][8].

In Washington, people with a spinal cord injury may also qualify for state programs. The Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) cash assistance program helps low-income individuals while they wait for federal SSI approval. To qualify for ABD, you must be 18 or older, have a disability that keeps you from working for at least 12 months, and meet income and resource limits. You cannot get ABD if you already receive SSI or TANF. Washington also offers a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) to boost SSI payments for eligible residents. As of 2025, ABD recipients are still required to pay back benefits once they start receiving SSI, but this rule is set to change in 2028[2][4][5].

• Check if your spinal cord injury meets SSA’s definition of disability.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply for SSDI or SSI online, by phone, or at a local SSA office.
• If you have low income, apply for Washington’s ABD program while waiting for SSI.
• Contact a local facilitator for help with applications and appeals.

• Step 1: Review the SSA’s definition of disability. Your spinal cord injury must prevent substantial work for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death[8].
• Step 2: Collect medical records, including doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment plans.
• Step 3: Get your work history and Social Security number ready.
• Step 4: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office[8].
• Step 5: If you have low income and resources, apply for Washington’s ABD program through Washington Connection. You will be assigned a facilitator to help with your SSI application[4].
• Step 6: If approved for SSI, you may also get a Washington State Supplementary Payment (SSP) to boost your monthly benefit[5].
• Step 7: If denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Ask for help from a disability advocate or lawyer if needed[1].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people with a qualifying work history and severe disability. Payments are based on your earnings record.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. The federal SSI payment is $967/month for individuals in 2025[5].
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income people with disabilities. You may qualify for Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services[internal_link: Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)].

• Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD): Washington’s cash assistance program for low-income people with disabilities. Provides $450/month for individuals or $570/month for couples while waiting for SSI approval. You must repay ABD benefits once you start receiving SSI, but this rule is set to change in 2028[2][4].
• State Supplementary Payment (SSP): Extra money for SSI recipients in Washington to help with the cost of living. The amount depends on your living situation and other income[5].
• Housing and Essential Needs (HEN): Referral program for ABD recipients to help with housing and basic needs[4].

Washington residents with a spinal cord injury may 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) for disability-related expenses. Learn more about Washington ABLE accounts and how to apply[internal_link: ABLE Accounts].

• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than $1,550/month (non-blind) in 2025 from substantial work.
• SSI: In 2025, the federal SSI income limit is $967/month for individuals and $1,450/month for couples. Washington’s SSP may increase this amount[5].
• ABD: Must meet low-income and resource limits. Check Washington Connection for current limits[4].

If you get too much in benefits, you may have to pay back the overpayment. Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to SSA and DSHS right away. Learn how to avoid overpayments and what to do if you get one[internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  For federal disability benefits.
• Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
  Phone: 1-877-501-2233

  TTY: 1-800-368-5577

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

  Website

  For state benefits like ABD and SSP.

• What medical proof do I need for a spinal cord injury disability claim in Washington?

  You need medical records showing your spinal cord injury, how it limits your ability to work, and that it is expected to last at least 12 months. Include doctor’s notes, imaging results, and treatment plans[1][3].

• Can I work while applying for disability with a spinal cord injury in Washington?

  You can try to work, but if you earn more than $1,550/month (non-blind) in 2025, you may not qualify. Short work attempts that fail due to your disability are allowed[1][10].

• How long does it take to get disability benefits in Washington?

  The process can take several months to over a year. ABD can help with cash while you wait for SSI, which usually takes about seven months to approve[2][4].

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

  SSDI is for people with a work history and enough work credits. SSI is for those with low income and resources, regardless of work history. Both use the same medical definition of disability[internal_link: SSI vs SSDI].

• Do I have to pay back ABD benefits in Washington?

  Yes, as of 2025, ABD recipients must repay benefits once they start receiving SSI. This rule is set to change in 2028[2][4].

• Can I get help with my disability application in Washington?

  Yes, ABD recipients are assigned a facilitator to help with SSI applications. You can also get help from disability advocates or lawyers[4].