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Washington • Rare/Genetic
If you have Williams Syndrome in Washington state, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These can include monthly cash payments, medical coverage, and support services to help you live more independently. While Williams Syndrome is rare, the eligibility process focuses on how your condition limits your ability to work and your financial situation.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI), you must have a health condition—like Williams Syndrome—that prevents you from doing “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) for at least 12 months or that is expected to result in death[3]. For SSDI, you need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes[1][3]. For SSI, income and resources must be very low—there’s no work history required, but strict financial limits apply[3][5].
Washington supports people with Williams Syndrome through several state-specific programs, especially if you have low income and are waiting for SSI.
Eligibility note: ABD requires that you do not already receive SSI or TANF and that you actively pursue federal disability applications[4][6].
Start early—the process can take months.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly benefits to people with disabilities who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. The amount depends on your earnings record. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) offers monthly cash assistance to low-income individuals with disabilities, regardless of work history. Both programs use the same medical criteria but have different financial rules. For more, see our SSI vs SSDI guide[3][5].
Washington offers several unique programs for people with Williams Syndrome and other disabilities:
Washington ABLE Accounts let individuals with disabilities save up to $18,000/year (2025 limits) without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, including housing, education, transportation, and health care. This is especially helpful for rare genetic conditions like Williams Syndrome, where ongoing care costs can be high.
SSI has strict income and asset limits: in 2025, the federal SSI limit is $2,000 in assets for an individual, $3,000 for a couple, and income limits are based on the federal benefit rate ($967/month for individuals)[5]. Washington’s ABD program also has income and resource limits—check with DSHS for current numbers[4][6].
You must report changes in income, living situation, or health to Social Security and DSHS promptly to avoid overpayments. Overpayments may need to be paid back. Washington no longer requires ABD recipients to repay benefits once they qualify for SSI, but this change is only effective October 2025[2]. For more, see our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.
Washington is unique for offering temporary cash (ABD) and housing help (HEN) to low-income adults with disabilities—including rare genetic conditions like Williams Syndrome—while they wait for SSI approval. These supports can be critical during the long federal application process[4][6].
A Washington ABLE account lets you save for disability expenses without losing SSI. This is especially valuable for rare genetic conditions, where medical and support costs can be high. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and more, without penalty.
Yes, but earnings must stay below substantial gainful activity (SGA) limits: $1,550/month for non-blind individuals in 2025. Higher limits apply if you are blind. Washington recognizes “unsuccessful work attempts” if your disability forces you to stop working within six months[1].
The average SSI application takes about seven months. SSDI may take longer if your case is complex. Washington’s ABD program can provide temporary help during this wait[2][4].
SSDI is based on your work history and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is needs-based, for people with limited income and resources. Both require that your Williams Syndrome severely limits your ability to work for at least 12 months[3].
The Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) program offers temporary cash assistance ($450/month for individuals, $570 for couples) and case management to low-income adults with disabilities while they wait for SSI approval. You must pursue federal benefits to stay eligible[4][6].
Washington offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers under Medicaid. These can fund in-home care, therapies, and supports for eligible individuals with significant disabilities, including rare genetic conditions like Williams Syndrome.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Eligibility rules and benefit amounts may change. For official decisions, always consult Social Security and Washington DSHS.
Yes, through a Washington ABLE account. These accounts let you save for disability expenses without counting against SSI or Medicaid resource limits.
You can—and should—appeal. Washington’s Disability Determination Services reviews appeals. Many applicants are approved after appealing[7].
The exact amount varies, but Washington adds a supplemental payment to the federal SSI benefit to help with the state’s higher cost of living. Always check with DSHS for current rates[5].
Yes, both SSI and SSDI have work incentives. You can try working for up to nine months without losing benefits (a trial work period). See our **SSI & SSDI Work Incentives** guide for details.
Report changes immediately to Social Security and DSHS. Failing to report can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay. See **Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes** for tips.
