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Hawaii • Chronic Illness
If you have asthma in Hawaii, you may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), state programs like Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), and Medicaid. This guide outlines eligibility criteria, how to apply, and key resources for managing chronic illness and financial stability.
To qualify for Social Security disability benefits (SSI/SSDI) for asthma, you must prove your condition is severe, expected to last at least 12 months (or result in death), and prevents you from working. SSI also considers income and resources, while SSDI is based on work history. Children with severe asthma may qualify for SSI. Always check the latest SSA rules before applying.
Hawaii’s Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) provides partial wage replacement for up to 26 weeks for non-work-related illness, including asthma flare-ups that temporarily prevent work. You must have at least 14 weeks of Hawaii employment (at least 20 hours per week) to be eligible. TDI does not cover long-term or permanent disabilities from chronic asthma. For federal or state retirement disability, different rules apply—contact the Hawaii Employees’ Retirement System or DCD for details. Medicaid eligibility in Hawaii is based on income and household size; some individuals with disabilities may qualify for expanded coverage.
Start online at ssa.gov for federal SSI/SSDI. For Hawaii TDI, contact your employer or HR department—TDI is typically employer-paid. For Medicaid, apply online via med-quest.hawaii.gov. Gather medical records, proof of income, and work history. If denied, you can appeal. Keep records of all communications and steps taken.
Federal SSI/SSDI: Apply online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. Provide detailed medical evidence about your asthma, including doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment history. The process can take several months; you may need to appeal if denied initially.
Hawaii TDI: If you become temporarily disabled due to asthma, immediately inform your employer. They should provide claim forms. File your claim within 90 days of disability to avoid losing benefits. If denied, you have 20 days to appeal with supporting documents.
Medicaid (Med-QUEST): Complete the online application at med-quest.hawaii.gov. Upload proof of income, disability status (if applicable), and residency. If eligible, you’ll receive a QUEST card for health services. For help, contact a community health center or Med-QUEST customer service.
Appeals: For any denial, follow instructions on your denial letter. For TDI, appeal to the Disability Compensation Division. For SSI/SSDI, request reconsideration within 60 days.
Social Security (SSI/SSDI): Provides monthly income and health insurance (Medicare with SSDI after 24 months) to those with severe, long-term disabilities. Children with very severe asthma may also qualify for SSI.
Medicaid: Offers health coverage for low-income individuals, including those with disabilities, and may cover medications, hospital stays, and doctor visits for asthma. Some people qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (“dual eligible”).
Hawaii Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): Covers up to 26 weeks of partial wage replacement (up to $837/week in 2025) for temporary disability due to illness, including asthma, if you meet work history requirements. Employers must provide TDI coverage, either through a private plan or the state. There is no state-sponsored long-term disability insurance for chronic asthma—consider SSI/SSDI for this need.
Med-QUEST: Hawaii’s Medicaid program covers doctor visits, emergency care, prescriptions, and some in-home services for eligible individuals. Apply online through the Med-QUEST portal.
Hawaii Employees’ Retirement System (ERS): State and county employees with a permanent disability may qualify for disability retirement—contact ERS directly for eligibility and application.
If you qualify for SSI/SSDI due to asthma, consider opening an ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) account. These accounts let you save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI benefits. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, including medical costs. Learn more in our ABLE Accounts guide.
SSI has strict income and resource limits (e.g., $2,000 for an individual in 2025). SSDI is based on work credits, not current income. Medicaid in Hawaii has income limits based on household size—check Med-QUEST for current thresholds. TDI replaces 58% of wages, up to $837/week in 2025, with no asset test.
Always report changes in income, living situation, or health status to SSA, Med-QUEST, and your employer (for TDI). Overpayments can happen if you don’t report changes—repayment may be required. See our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for tips.
If your Hawaii TDI claim is denied, you only have 20 days to appeal. For SSI/SSDI, you have 60 days. Gather medical records and act quickly to protect your rights.
Hawaii TDI covers only temporary disability from asthma. For long-term or permanent disability due to severe asthma, SSI/SSDI are your main options. Children with very severe asthma may also qualify for SSI.
Save copies of all medical records, denial letters, appeal paperwork, and proof of income. These are crucial for appeals and ongoing benefit management.
You may get short-term Hawaii TDI benefits if asthma temporarily prevents you from working, but not for chronic management. For long-term support, apply for federal SSI/SSDI. Severe childhood asthma may qualify for SSI. Always check current rules and provide thorough medical evidence.
TDI pays 58% of your average weekly wage, up to $837 per week in 2025, for up to 26 weeks. This is only for temporary disability. Long-term or permanent disability from asthma is not covered by TDI.
Yes, Medicaid (Med-QUEST) covers asthma medications, doctor visits, and hospital care for eligible low-income individuals, including those with disabilities. Apply online for the most current coverage details.
SSI has strict income limits—earnings may reduce or eliminate benefits. TDI is for when you cannot work due to illness. Once you return to work, TDI stops. Learn about [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives) for ways to work and keep some benefits.
For TDI, appeal in writing within 20 days of denial. For SSI/SSDI, request reconsideration within 60 days. Include medical records and any new evidence. Contact the Disability Compensation Division for TDI or your local SSA office for federal benefits.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Benefit rules and amounts may change. Always verify with official agencies.
Hawaii does not have a specific Medicaid waiver just for asthma. However, Medicaid may cover in-home services for some people with disabilities. See [Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)](/guides/medicaid-waivers) for general information.
ABLE accounts help people with disabilities (including asthma if it qualifies for SSI/SSDI) save money without losing benefits. You must have become disabled before age 26. See [ABLE Accounts](/guides/able-accounts) for details.
Work-related asthma may qualify for workers’ compensation, not TDI. Report workplace asthma to your employer and Hawaii’s workers’ compensation division for guidance.
Use our [SSI Income Estimator](/tools/ssi-income-estimator) tool for a rough estimate. Actual benefits depend on your income, living situation, and other factors.
Yes, if you qualify for SSDI (after 24 months) and meet Medicaid income limits, you can have both. See [Medicaid vs Medicare](/guides/medicaid-vs-medicare) for more on how these programs work together.
