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Hawaii • Neurological/Developmental
Hawaii residents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may be eligible for federal and state disability benefits, Medicaid waivers, and support programs. This guide covers SSI/SSDI, Hawaii Temporary Disability Insurance, Medicaid, ABLE accounts, and how to apply. Most ADHD cases do not qualify for state disability payments, but federal benefits and Medicaid may apply depending on severity and impact on daily life.
To qualify for SSI or SSDI with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, your ADHD symptoms must significantly impair your ability to perform gainful work. For SSI, there are strict income and resource limits. SSDI requires a work history and enough Social Security credits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a medical guide to evaluate ADHD cases, focusing on functional limitations, not diagnosis alone.
Hawaii’s Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) program is for employees with a non-work-related illness or injury causing inability to work for up to 26 weeks. ADHD rarely qualifies unless it causes a severe short-term medical crisis. Most TDI claims require a medical certification. For Medicaid, eligibility is based on income and disability severity. Medicaid waivers (HCBS) have additional criteria for services like therapy or in-home support. Check with the Hawaii Department of Human Services for details.
Apply for federal benefits at your local Social Security office or online at ssa.gov. For Hawaii Medicaid, apply online, by mail, or in person with the Department of Human Services. If you have a private employer, Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) is managed by your employer or their insurer—contact HR or your insurance provider. Always gather medical records and proof of disability before applying.
Federal Benefits (SSI/SSDI): Complete an application at your local Social Security office or online at ssa.gov. Prepare medical records, employment history (for SSDI), and financial documents (for SSI). The SSA will review your case and may request additional exams. If denied, you can appeal. Visit our SSI vs SSDI guide for more.
Hawaii Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): If you are employed and unable to work due to a short-term medical issue, contact your employer or HR department. They will guide you through filing a claim with their TDI insurer. Claims must be filed within 90 days of disability to avoid losing benefits. If denied, you can appeal within 20 days[4].
Hawaii Medicaid: Apply online through the Hawaii Department of Human Services portal, by mail, or in person. Provide proof of income, residency, and disability. If you need help, contact a Medicaid office directly.
ABLE Accounts: Open an account through the HI ABLE Savings Program if you have a qualifying disability. This helps you save money without losing SSI eligibility.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are the main federal disability benefit programs. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those with a work history. Both require your disability—such as severe ADHD—to significantly limit your ability to work. You can work part-time and still receive SSI/SSDI under certain rules (see SSI & SSDI Work Incentives).
Medicaid provides health coverage, including mental health services, for eligible low-income individuals with disabilities. Medicare may also be available after 24 months of SSDI benefits. Learn more about how these programs differ in our Medicaid vs Medicare guide.
Hawaii Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) offers short-term wage replacement (up to 26 weeks) for employees unable to work due to a non-work-related illness or injury. In 2025, benefits equal 58% of average wages, up to $837 per week[1][3]. TDI is employer-funded; state government does not pay benefits. ADHD rarely qualifies unless it leads to a medical crisis causing inability to work. Employers may use a private plan if approved by the state[2][3][5].
Hawaii Medicaid and Medicaid HCBS Waivers may cover therapy, medication, and supports for children and adults with ADHD if they meet income and functional need criteria. Services can include behavioral therapy, psychiatric care, and in-home supports. Eligibility and covered services vary, so contact the Hawaii Department of Human Services for details. For ABLE Accounts, Hawaii participates in the National ABLE Alliance, letting residents save for disability expenses without affecting SSI eligibility.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for qualified expenses without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. Hawaii residents can open an ABLE account through the National ABLE Alliance. These accounts can help pay for medical care, education, housing, and more. Learn more at ABLE Accounts.
For SSI, limits in 2025 are $1,971/month for a couple and $1,415/month for an individual (federal rates). Medicaid has similar strict income and asset limits. For TDI, there is no income limit to apply, but benefits are capped at $837/week in 2025. Private disability plans may have their own rules.
Always report changes in your income, living situation, or medical condition to avoid overpayments. For SSI/SSDI and Medicaid, report changes as soon as possible. If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Learn how to prevent and manage overpayments at Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
If your TDI claim is denied, you have 20 days to appeal to the Disability Compensation Division in Honolulu or your nearest Labor & Industrial Relations District Office[4]. For federal benefits, appeal within 60 days of denial. Always include medical evidence and documentation.
ADHD alone rarely qualifies unless symptoms are severe enough to prevent gainful work. Social Security evaluates your functional limitations, medical evidence, and ability to perform daily activities—not just your diagnosis.
Most ADHD cases do not qualify for TDI, which is for short-term medical conditions causing inability to work. If your ADHD leads to a severe medical crisis (documented by your doctor and your employer), you may qualify for a short-term claim.
Apply online, by mail, or in person with the Hawaii Department of Human Services. Provide medical records showing you need treatment for ADHD. Medicaid may cover therapy, medication, and other services if you meet eligibility criteria.
SSI income limits are set federally. In 2025, an individual cannot have income over $1,415/month, and couples cannot have more than $1,971/month. Countable resources are also limited.
There are no state-specific disability benefits. Children with ADHD may qualify for SSI, Medicaid, or Medicaid waivers if they meet federal criteria for disability and low income.
An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Hawaii participates in the National ABLE Alliance for account management.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information. Benefit rules can change. Always consult official agency sources for current eligibility and application details.
Yes, both programs allow some work activity under their work incentive rules. Earnings must stay below certain limits, and rules vary for SSI vs. SSDI. Visit [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives) for details.
SSI/SSDI applications can take several months. Initial denials are common; appeals can take even longer. Provide thorough medical evidence to reduce delays.
Report changes in income, living situation, or medical condition directly to Social Security for SSI/SSDI and to the Hawaii Department of Human Services for Medicaid.
For SSI/SSDI, file an appeal within 60 days of denial. For TDI, appeal within 20 days of denial notice. For Medicaid, contact the Hawaii Department of Human Services for appeal options.
