If you are blind in Hawaii, you may qualify for federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and Hawaii’s Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI). This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
If you are blind, you may qualify for federal benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs require medical proof of blindness. Blindness is defined as having central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correction, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. You must also meet non-medical requirements, such as citizenship and residency. For more details, see the Social Security Administration’s definition of blindness [SSA.gov, 2025-11-05].
In Hawaii, blindness may qualify you for state disability programs, including Hawaii’s Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI). TDI provides up to 26 weeks of partial wage replacement for non-work-related disabilities, including blindness. To be eligible, you must have at least 14 weeks of Hawaii employment, with at least 20 hours paid each week. The maximum weekly benefit in 2025 is $837, which is 58% of your average weekly wage. Employers must offer TDI coverage, but the state does not pay benefits directly. Instead, employers must provide private insurance or self-insure. For more information, see the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations [labor.hawaii.gov, 2025-11-05].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Hawaii, you can open an ABLE account to pay for disability-related expenses like education, housing, and transportation. The account has annual and lifetime contribution limits, but earnings grow tax-free. For more information, see the ABLE National Resource Center [ablenrc.org, 2025-11-05].
For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual. Hawaii may have higher limits for Medicaid. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not be able to do substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2025, SGA is $1,550 per month for most people, but higher for those who are blind. For more details, see SSA.gov [ssa.gov, 2025-11-05].
If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to repay the overpayment. Report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you disagree with an overpayment, you can request a waiver or appeal. For more information, see the SSA guide on reporting changes [ssa.gov, 2025-11-05].
Contact your local Social Security office or the Hawaii Department of Human Services for help with applications and eligibility questions.
Blindness is defined as having central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correction, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. You must also meet non-medical requirements, such as citizenship and residency.
You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records, work history, and proof of income.
TDI provides up to 26 weeks of partial wage replacement for non-work-related disabilities, including blindness. The maximum weekly benefit in 2025 is $837. Employers must offer coverage, but the state does not pay benefits directly.
Contact the Hawaii Department of Human Services for application forms and eligibility requirements. Medicaid waivers provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including blindness.
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for disability-related expenses like education, housing, and transportation.
TDI does not provide job protection, but federal and state laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Hawaii Family Leave Law may offer some protection for eligible employees.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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The maximum weekly benefit for TDI in Hawaii in 2025 is $837, which is 58% of your average weekly wage.
If your claim is denied, you can appeal within 20 days of receiving the denial notice. Submit your appeal to the Disability Compensation Division in Honolulu or the nearest Department of Labor and Industrial Relations District Office.
Yes, you can work while receiving SSI or SSDI, but there are limits on how much you can earn. Work incentives programs can help you keep your benefits while working.
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs require medical proof of blindness.
