SSI is a needs-based financial assistance program to adults, children, or people with disabilities that have limited income & resources. This program pays disabled individuals who are unable to work AND have limited income/resources.
SSI recipients automatically qualify for health coverage through Medicaid (in most states, including Oregon)
Average monthly benefit (as of Jan. 2022): $624
For questions, concerns, or assistance call 1-800-772-1213. Plan ahead and be prepared to wait. It can take a number of follow-up calls and wait times can be long before getting the information you need.
Eligibility requirements:
Be disabled, blind, or age 65
Have limited income and resources
Be a U.S. citizen or national or a lawfully permitted alien meeting additional requirements.
Reside in one of the 50 states
Other factors may affect your eligibility, including:
Marital status.
Income and resources of certain members in your household, like a spouse or a parent of a minor child
Social Security definition of disability relates to one's ability to perform work and the projected length of the disability (National Council on Aging, 2022). This requires submission of medical records to support application.
Oregon legal aid office: They assist only with SSI & SSDI overpayments and termination only
Oregon public benefits information & hotline: They provide legal advice & representation for low income people living in Oregon who are having problems with Social Security, SSI, Medicaid/OHP, coordinated care organizations, medical billing/debt, Medicare, Food Stamps, overpayments, and more
This program supports individuals (with monthly payments), who are disabled and have qualifying work history, either through their own employment or a family member (spouse/parent). Determination is based on disability and work credits (National Council on Aging, 2022).
Automatically qualify for Medicare after 24 months of receiving disability payments.
Average monthly payments: $1,223
**See "Legal & Financial" page to learn more about the application/appeal process
Oregon legal aid office: They assist only with SSI & SSDI overpayments and termination only
Heatherly Disability Representatives: Firm in Portland that assists individuals with the SSDI process.
SNAP is a federal nutrition assistance program to eligible low-income individuals and families.
Eligibility:
Countable resources less than $2,500 or $3,750 if a member of the household is 60+ or disabled. Certain resources are not counted such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or retirement/pension plans
The total of your monthly income, cash and money in the bank is less than your total housing and utility costs for a month
Are a migrant or seasonal farm worker
You must be able to show proof of your identity (drivers license, birth certificate, Social Security card)
Fill out an application here, print and mail or this PDF SNAP application, or email it to SSP.StatewideWorkshare@dhsoha.state.or.us or call (800) 723-3628
The local SNAP office or state agency will process the application and send you a notice within 30 days on their decision
During the 30 days, you will need to complete an eligibility interview and give proof (verification) of the information you provided. The interview is typically completed over the telephone or in-person
If you are found eligible, you will receive benefits based on the date you submitted your application
ARDC search engine (food resources): including food stamps, meal programs, and food boxes/programs
Oregon public benefits information & hotline: They provide legal advice & representation for low income people living in Oregon who are having problems with Social Security, Medicaid/OHP, coordinated care organizations, medical billing/debt, Medicare, Food Stamps, overpayments, and more
EPD is a Medicaid program administered by Oregon DHS that provides medical coverage and long-term services to people with disabilities who are employed.
Eligibility:
Physical, cognitive, mental health, or developmental disability
Employed receiving a taxable wage or are self-employed
Countable resources less than $5,000
Earned income of no more than 250 percent of federal poverty level for a family of one after DHS- allowed deductions**
DHS determines whether your disability qualifies based on the SSA definition of disability. If you receive SSDI, you meet the definition.
Application: contact local DHS office. For Marion, Polk, Yamhill, Tillamook, and Clatsop county, contact NW Senior disability services
** Current federal poverty level is $13,590 as of 2022. 250% of that is $543.6
The GA program is designed to help individuals with severe disabilities who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness.
Eligibility:
Be homeless or at risk of homelessness
Be an adult between 18-64 with no minor children living with them
Have a severe disability that meets SSD (Social Security disability) criteria
Be receiving presumptive Medicaid medical assistance
Meet all eligibility criteria for supplemental Social Security Income (SSI)
Apply for SSI and appeal any denials received
Sign an interim assistance agreement (IAR), allowing DHS to recover GA funds paid to them once awarded SSA benefits
Program benefits: up to $545/month in housing assistance, $90/month in utility assistance, $60/month in cash and free assistance with Social Security application and appeals.
To apply: email dbl.referral@dhsoha.state.or.us or call (866) 535-8431
Consider this:
If you are houseless, do you have a phone to make the call? Do you you have a computer to fill out the application? or an email to apply? How do you know this program exists?
Veterans who have service-connected brain injuries are eligible. Veterans who also have a second illness that is considered service connected will have an easier path to receive disability benefits through Veteran Affairs. Second illnesses include: Parkinson's, certain types of dementia, depression, unprovoked seizures, or certain disease's of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands.
For more information, check out the Veteran Affairs website or click here to apply for benefits