How can the ABD Cash Assistance Program help me?

Are you a blind or disabled person in Washington State who could use some cash help each month?  Are you over the age of 65 and needing financial help?  The ABD Cash Assistance Program may be able to help you!

What is the ABD Cash Assistance Program?

The Aged, Blind, or Disabled program is called the ABD Cash Assistance Program.  It is a state-funded program run by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.

How does the ABD Cash Assistance Program help?

The ABD Cash Assistance Program can provide monthly grants for eligible candidates.  This can mean $197 for a single candidate, or $284 for a married couple.  The ABD Cash Assistance Program also can help connect recipients with Social Security Income benefits.

How do I know if I’m eligible for ABD Cash Assistance Program benefits?

To be eligible for ABD Cash Assistance Program help, applicants must:

• live in Washington state
• be 65 years of age or older
• be blind or have a long-term disability that prevents you from working fulltime for at least 12 months
• not be disabled primarily due to drug or alcohol addiction
• have income and resources within requirements
• meet requirements for citizenship or alien status
• provide a social security number

What may disqualify me from receiving help from the ABD Cash Assistance Program?

You cannot receive funds from the ABD Cash Assistance Program if:

• you are eligible for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
• you are eligible for the State Family Assistance Program
• you do not participate in substance use treatment when required
• you do not participate in a vocational rehabilitation program when required
• you do not complete the Social Security Income application process
• you are eligible for Social Security Income benefits
• you are an ineligible spouse of a Social Security Income recipient
• you are incarcerated or placed in a work release program
• you do not follow Social Security Administration rules
• Social Security Administration has terminated your benefits

What are the income limits for me to receive help from the ABD Cash Assistance Program?

According to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) #38-478-0090, the current limits for income for an individual must not be more than $399, or no more than $428 for a couple.

What are the federal disability criteria?

One of the qualifications for receiving benefits from the ABD Cash Assistance Program is that the recipient be blind or have another disability that would likely meet the federal disability criteria.

Federal disability criteria includes evaluation of substantial gainful activity limitations based on medical conditions or impairments that have lasted or expected to last a year or more.

What are some examples of disabilities that might qualify?

The Social Security Administration has 14 different sections of types of medical conditions that may qualify as disabilities.  If you are living with a disability, you can check the Social Security Administration Disability Evaluation site to see if it may qualify you for benefits from the ABD Cash Assistance Program!

Types of disabilities include:

• Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Special Senses and Speech
• Respiratory Disorders
• Cardiovascular System
• Digestive System
• Genitourinary Disorders
• Hematological Disorders
• Skin Disorders
• Endocrine Disorders
• Congenital Disorders (multiple body systems)
• Neurological Disorders
• Mental Disorders
• Cancer
• Immune System Disorders

I think I meet the qualifications… how do I apply?

To apply for ABD Cash Assistance benefits, you can call 877-501-2233, or reach out to one of the local service offices.  You may also apply online at the Washington Connection website.

The ABD Cash Assistance Program will require recent medical documentation of your condition to determine eligibility.  If you need help obtaining your medical records or exams, the Department of Social and Health Services can help.

Accessibility

The Washington State Department of Social and Health is dedicated to ensuring accessibility!  The application information is also available in the following languages:

• English
• Cambodian
• Chinese
• Korean
• Laotian
• Russian
• Somali
• Spanish
• Tagalong
• Tigrinya
• Ukrainian
• Vietnamese

What happens if I don’t qualify for the ABD Cash Assistance program?

If your application for the ABD Cash Assistance Program is denied, you have up to 90 days to file an appeal to be reconsidered.

There are several other programs for low income aged, blind, and disabled citizens in Washington State – the local Department of Social and Health Services that handles the ABD Cash Assistance Program applications can also direct you to additional services!

We’ve covered the requirements to receive benefits through the ABD Cash Assistance Program and where to get more information.  We have loads more financial and benefits resources that might help if you are disabled and find it a challenge to make ends meet!

Rachel Grayless

After 27 years in law enforcement and state Veterans Affairs agencies, I found myself working from home and looking for dollar-stretching resources. Government programs can be notoriously difficult to navigate and I'm happy to lend my experiences to make this easier for others!