People in Washington with a spinal cord injury may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and state programs. Eligibility depends on medical severity, work history, and income. This guide explains how to apply, what benefits are available, and how to get help.
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].
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].
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].
ABD recipients in Washington are assigned a facilitator to help with SSI applications. You can also get help from disability advocates or lawyers.
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].
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].
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].
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].
Yes, as of 2025, ABD recipients must repay benefits once they start receiving SSI. This rule is set to change in 2028[2][4].
Yes, ABD recipients are assigned a facilitator to help with SSI applications. You can also get help from disability advocates or lawyers[4].
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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SSP is extra money for SSI recipients in Washington to help with the high cost of living. The amount depends on your living situation and other income[5].
Yes, Washington offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services. These can help with personal care, housing, and other needs[internal_link: Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)].
Yes, Washington residents with a spinal cord injury can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits[internal_link: ABLE Accounts].
You can appeal within 60 days. Ask for help from a disability advocate or lawyer. You may also get help from your ABD facilitator[1].
