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Hawaii • Chronic Illness
If you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Hawaii, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Hawaii’s Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), and Medicaid waivers. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
If you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and cannot work, you may qualify for federal disability benefits. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for those who worked and paid Social Security taxes. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for low-income individuals with limited resources. Both programs require medical proof that your COPD is severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a list of impairments, including respiratory disorders, to decide eligibility. You must meet specific medical criteria and work history requirements.
For more details, visit the SSA website or call 1-800-772-1213.
In Hawaii, you may qualify for Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) if you have COPD and cannot work due to your condition. To be eligible for TDI, you must have at least 14 weeks of Hawaii employment, with each week having 20 or more paid hours. The disability must be non-work-related. TDI provides partial wage replacement for up to 26 weeks. The benefit is 58% of your average weekly wage, up to $837 per week in 2025. Employers must provide TDI coverage through a private plan or by self-insuring. There is no state-administered plan; benefits are paid by private insurers or employers.
For more information, visit the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations website or contact your employer.
For more details, visit the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations website or contact your employer.
For more information, visit the SSA website or contact your local Social Security office.
For more information, visit the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations website or contact your employer.
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for federal benefits like SSI and Medicaid. In Hawaii, you can open an ABLE account to save for qualified disability expenses. Contributions are not tax-deductible, but earnings grow tax-free. Withdrawals for qualified expenses are also tax-free. The account can help with costs related to COPD, such as medical care, housing, and transportation.
For more information, visit the ABLE National Resource Center or contact your financial advisor.
Federal disability programs have strict income and resource limits. For SSI, the 2025 federal benefit rate is $943 per month for an individual. Hawaii may provide a small state supplement. The resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. For SSDI, there is no resource limit, but your income must be below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level, which is $1,550 per month in 2025. ABLE accounts have a contribution limit of $18,000 per year in 2025.
For more information, visit the SSA website or contact your local Social Security office.
If you receive too much in disability benefits, you may have to repay the overpayment. Report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you receive an overpayment notice, contact the agency to discuss repayment options. You can request a waiver if the overpayment was not your fault and you cannot afford to repay it.
For more information, visit the SSA website or contact your local Social Security office.
To avoid losing benefits, file your Hawaii TDI claim within 90 days of your disability start date. Late claims may result in partial or complete loss of benefits.
Yes, you may qualify for federal SSDI or SSI if COPD prevents you from working. You may also qualify for Hawaii’s Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) if you meet employment and medical requirements.
Hawaii TDI pays 58% of your average weekly wage, up to $837 per week in 2025. The benefit is for up to 26 weeks for non-work-related disabilities like COPD.
Yes, you must file a claim for Hawaii TDI within 90 days of your disability start date. Your employer or insurer will provide the necessary forms and instructions.
Hawaii TDI does not provide job protection. However, you may be eligible for job protection under federal or state laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or the Hawaii Family Leave Law.
Yes, if you have COPD and meet income and resource limits, you may qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid can help with medical costs and long-term care needs.
An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for federal benefits. You can use it for COPD-related costs like medical care, housing, and transportation.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
If your TDI claim is denied, you have 20 days to appeal. Explain why you disagree with the denial and send two copies of the notice to the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations in Honolulu or your nearest district office.
You may be able to work part-time while receiving disability benefits, but your earnings must be below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level. Report any changes in your income to avoid overpayments.
You need medical records that show your COPD diagnosis, treatment, and how it limits your ability to work. Include doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment plans.
The time to get a decision varies. Federal disability claims can take several months. Hawaii TDI claims are usually processed within a few weeks. Follow up regularly on your application status.
