Government programs
Government Programs & Benefits
Income support, health coverage, help getting back to work, and more. These are the programs Oregonians with limb loss ask us about most, with official links and Lane County contacts.
Talk With a Peer Visitor →Where to Start
Government programs can feel like a maze, especially when you're still healing. If you only make one call, make it to the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC). Their trained staff can talk with you about your situation and connect you to resources.
Each agency decides who qualifies for its programs, so we describe them in the agencies' own words and link you straight to the source. Last checked: November 2026.
Social Security Disability
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Serves: Nationwide
Social Security says SSDI "provides monthly payments to people who have a disability that stops or limits their ability to work." Benefits "may include a monthly payment and Medicare."
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Serves: Nationwide
"SSI provides monthly payments to people with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income or resources."
Eugene Social Security Office
Serves: Lane County
2504 Oakmont Way, Eugene (off Coburg Road, behind Albertsons). Open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. Social Security suggests making an appointment before you visit.
Ticket to Work
Serves: People getting Social Security disability benefits
Social Security's Ticket to Work program "offers free support to help people with disabilities explore work."
Is an amputee considered disabled?
It depends on the program. Each program has its own definition, and Social Security decides disability claims under its own rules, so an amputation alone doesn't settle the question either way. The surest way to find out is to apply, or ask the agency. If you're turned down, see our Legal Help page for free help with appeals.
Health Coverage
Oregon Health Plan (OHP)
Serves: Oregon
"OHP is Oregon's Medicaid program. It covers medical, dental, prescription and behavioral health care at no cost to members." Apply online, by phone, or in person; help from an OHP-certified community partner is free.
Medicare: Artificial Limbs
Serves: People with Medicare
"Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers medically necessary artificial eyes, legs, and arms when a doctor or other health care provider orders them." After the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.
SHIBA: Free Medicare Counseling
Serves: Oregon
"SHIBA certified counselors provide local, confidential one-on-one help to Oregonians who have questions about Medicare." The service is free. In Lane County, Willamalane's Adult Activity Center offers one-on-one SHIBA help: request an appointment online.
Medicare Savings Programs
Serves: Oregonians with Medicare
"There are four different Medicare Savings Programs to help people pay their Medicare costs." Apply through the ADRC or online.
Getting Back to Work
Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
Serves: Oregon · Lane County office in Eugene
"We help people with all kinds of disabilities find jobs that match their skills, interests and abilities." Start with a referral form, which you or someone helping you can send in; VR then sets up an intake meeting. VR currently places eligible applicants on a waitlist, so it helps to apply early. Lane County VR: 18 Shelton McMurphey Blvd, Eugene. Having trouble with VR services? Disability Rights Oregon's Client Assistance Program can help (see Legal Help).
Help at Home and Long-Term Care
Senior & Disability Services (Lane Council of Governments)
Serves: Lane County
Lane County's Area Agency on Aging, which handles Medicaid long-term care services for older adults and adults with physical disabilities, including care in your own home. It's also Lane County's ADRC. 1015 Willamette St, Eugene.
ODHS Aging and Disability Services
Serves: Oregon
"The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) provides services for people living with disabilities and people who need support as they age."
Driving and Parking
How do I get a disabled parking permit in Oregon?
Apply to Oregon DMV using the application form, which a qualifying healthcare provider, such as your doctor, physician associate, or nurse practitioner, certifies. DMV says permits "are available at no charge to qualifying Oregon residents (and visitors) with disabilities." You can apply in person at a DMV office or send the form by mail, fax, or email; placards sent by mail can take up to three weeks.
Can amputees drive?
Many do. Oregon DMV, citing the American Occupational Therapy Association, notes that changes from medical conditions don't always mean turning in the keys, and that driver rehabilitation specialists and occupational therapists offer driving evaluations and work with mobility equipment dealers to fit your vehicle.
For Veterans
VA Amputation System of Care
Serves: Veterans nationwide
VA offers amputation specialty care "at over 140 sites across the country." To get started, "call the main number of the hospital and ask to be scheduled into amputation specialty care clinic." The Northwest's Regional Amputation Center is in Seattle.
VA Roseburg Health Care and the Eugene VA Clinic
Serves: Southwest Oregon, including Lane County
The Roseburg VA Medical Center offers prosthetics and rehabilitation. The Eugene VA Clinic is at 3355 Chad Drive, phone 541-607-0897.
Lane County Veterans Services
Serves: Lane County veterans, dependents, and survivors
Accredited Veteran Service Officers help with disability claims, VA health care applications, military records, and survivor benefits, by appointment in person or by phone. 151 W. 7th Ave, Suite 460, Eugene.
Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs (ODVA)
Serves: Oregon
Oregon's agency for connecting veterans and their families with earned state and federal benefits.
Help With Housing and Energy Bills
Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)
Serves: Oregon
OHCS funds help with rent, weatherization, and energy bills, and works through local Community Action agencies to deliver it, so that's where you apply.
Your Local Community Action Agency
Serves: Every Oregon county
Takes applications for rent help, weatherization, and energy assistance. Most of these programs are based on household income; weatherization gives priority to people with disabilities and older adults. In Lane County: Lane County Human Services for energy bill help (541-682-3378, website) and Homes for Good for weatherization (541-682-2561). Energy bill programs open for a set season and can run out of money, so call to ask what's open now.
Not Sure Who to Call? Try 211
211info connects people in Oregon with local services. Dial 211 or 1-866-698-6155 (weekdays, 8 am to 6 pm), or text your ZIP code to 898211 (weekdays, 9 am to 5 pm). 211info.org →
Not Sure Where to Start?
Our certified peer visitors have been where you are, from benefit forms to insurance calls to the hard days in between. Talk with someone who gets it.