If you have Cerebral Palsy in Hawaii, you may be eligible for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and Hawaii’s Temporary Disability Insurance program. This guide explains how to apply, navigate financial options, and connect to key agencies for support.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), you must have a medical condition expected to last at least one year or result in death. For SSI, income and resource limits are strict—the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at your household assets and income. SSDI is for people with a work history, based on Social Security credits earned from paying into the system.
In Hawaii, anyone with Cerebral Palsy can apply for Medicaid (with income limits) or Medicaid waivers for home and community-based support. For Hawaii Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), you must have worked at least 14 weeks (20+ hours per week) in Hawaii to qualify for wage replacement due to non-work-related illness or injury[5]. State retirement disability is an option for public employees. There is no state-administered SSI/SSDI—only the federal SSA runs these, but Hawaii Medicaid, TDI, and ABLE accounts add important layers of support.
Start by gathering medical records, proof of income, and work history. Apply online for SSI/SSDI at ssa.gov. For Hawaii Medicaid, apply online or through a local office. For TDI, file a claim with your employer or insurance carrier as soon as possible after your disability begins. Always ask for written explanations if denied, and appeal if needed.
Step 1: Gather your documents: medical records, pay stubs, and Social Security card. Step 2: For SSI/SSDI, apply online at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. Step 3: For Hawaii Medicaid, visit med-quest.us or your local office. Step 4: If you need home and community-based services, ask about Medicaid waivers when you apply for Medicaid. Step 5: For TDI, notify your employer immediately if you have a non-work-related illness or injury. File a claim within 90 days—delays can reduce benefits. If denied, you have 20 days to appeal by sending two copies of your disagreement to the Disability Compensation Division[5]. Step 6: Explore ABLE accounts if you qualify for SSI or SSDI—these let you save money without losing benefits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to low-income individuals with disabilities, including children and adults with Cerebral Palsy. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays benefits to those with a qualifying work history. Both programs are run by the Social Security Administration. Medicaid (Med-QUEST in Hawaii) provides health coverage and waivers for home and community-based services, such as personal care, therapies, and respite.
Hawaii requires all employers to provide Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), which offers up to 26 weeks of partial wage replacement if you cannot work due to a non-work-related illness or injury, including Cerebral Palsy-related medical complications[2][3]. TDI is paid by private insurers or covered by employer self-insurance. In 2025, the maximum benefit is $837 per week (58% of average weekly wage up to the cap)[1][3]. The state does not pay these benefits directly—you must file with your employer or insurer. Hawaii Medicaid and public employee disability retirement are additional state resources. For full compliance, employers must withhold the correct TDI contribution, up to $7.21 per week in 2025[1].
Hawaii residents with disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy, can open an ABLE account to save for qualified expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. The account balance can grow tax-free, and withdrawals for disability-related expenses are not taxed. Check the ABLE National Resource Center for details.
SSI has strict income and asset limits—individuals typically cannot have more than $2,000 in resources ($3,000 for couples). Your household income must also be low. Medicaid has similar limits, but some waivers and spend-down options may apply. TDI and SSDI do not have asset limits, but SSDI is based on work history.
If you receive benefits, you must report any changes in income, living situation, or disability status. Overpayments can happen if you do not report changes promptly. If you get a notice about an overpayment, work with the agencies to set up a repayment plan. Appeals are possible if you disagree with the decision.
If your income, household, or disability status changes, report it immediately to SSA, Medicaid, and your employer/insurer. This helps prevent overpayments and keeps your benefits active.
If your SSI/SSDI or TDI claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. For TDI, you have 20 days from the denial notice to file your appeal with the Disability Compensation Division[5].
Remember, Hawaii does not pay state SSI or SSDI—these are federal programs. Hawaii’s main disability benefits are Medicaid, TDI, and ABLE accounts. Always check both federal and state options.
Yes, if your child has a severe disability and your family meets income and resource limits, your child may qualify for SSI. SSI provides cash payments and often leads to Medicaid eligibility, which offers health coverage and HCBS waivers.
No, SSI and SSDI are federal programs. Hawaii does not run its own, but you can apply locally. The state offers Medicaid, TDI, and ABLE accounts as additional resources.
Hawaii TDI provides partial wage replacement for up to 26 weeks if you cannot work due to a non-work-related illness or injury, including Cerebral Palsy. It is funded through employer or shared contributions, not by the state directly[2][3].
Apply online at med-quest.us, by mail, or in person at a local office. Be sure to mention Cerebral Palsy and ask about Medicaid waivers for HCBS. You will need to provide medical and financial documents.
In 2025, the maximum TDI benefit in Hawaii is $837 per week, which is 58% of your average weekly wage, up to the cap[1][3].
Processing times vary. Initial claims can take 3–5 months, but some cases take longer, especially if appeals are needed. Online applications may be faster.
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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Yes, with an ABLE account. You can save up to $100,000 without affecting your SSI eligibility. ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged and can be used for qualified disability expenses.
You will get a written notice with three copies of Form TDI-46 if your claim is denied. You have 20 days from the mailing date to appeal—explain why you disagree and send two copies to the Disability Compensation Division[5].
Notify Social Security, Medicaid, and your employer or insurer immediately for TDI. Updates help prevent overpayments and ensure your benefits continue. Keep records of all communications.
Hawaii Medicaid HCBS waivers can help with therapies and support, but there is no waiver just for Cerebral Palsy. Apply for Medicaid and ask about waivers that fit your needs, such as those for developmental disabilities.
