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Hawaii • Mental Health
If you have depression that limits your ability to work in Hawaii, you may qualify for state and federal disability benefits. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what programs are available.
If your depression is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for federal disability benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with limited income and resources. Both programs require medical proof that your depression limits your ability to work. You can learn more about SSI vs SSDI and how to apply on the Social Security Administration website.
For SSDI, you must have enough work credits. For SSI, your income and assets must be below certain limits. Both programs require a detailed medical review to confirm your disability. You can use the SSI Income Estimator to see if you might qualify for SSI.
If you qualify for SSDI or SSI, you may also be eligible for Medicaid or Medicare, depending on your situation.
In Hawaii, you may qualify for Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) if your depression prevents you from working for a non-work-related reason. To be eligible for TDI, you must have at least 14 weeks of Hawaii employment, with 20 or more hours paid each week, during the 52 weeks before your disability. Your doctor must certify that your depression is disabling and that you cannot work. TDI covers up to 26 weeks of partial wage replacement, paying up to 58% of your average weekly wage, up to $837 per week in 2025. You must file your claim within 90 days of your disability to avoid losing benefits.
If you are a Hawaii state employee, you may also qualify for a disability retirement benefit if your depression prevents you from working permanently. This is a separate program from TDI and has different eligibility rules.
Federal disability programs for depression include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with limited income and resources. Both programs require medical proof that your depression limits your ability to work. If you qualify, you may also be eligible for Medicaid or Medicare. You can learn more about these programs and how to apply on the Social Security Administration website.
If you are working and have depression, you may also qualify for work incentives and Medicaid waivers that help you keep your benefits while you try to work. These programs are designed to help people with disabilities return to work without losing their benefits.
Hawaii’s main disability program for depression is Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI). TDI provides partial wage replacement for up to 26 weeks if your depression prevents you from working for a non-work-related reason. TDI pays up to 58% of your average weekly wage, up to $837 per week in 2025. To qualify, you must have at least 14 weeks of Hawaii employment with 20+ hours each week in the 52 weeks before your disability. Your doctor must certify that your depression is disabling.
If you are a Hawaii state employee, you may also qualify for a disability retirement benefit if your depression prevents you from working permanently. This is a separate program from TDI and has different eligibility rules. You can learn more about disability retirement benefits on the Hawaii Employees' Retirement System website.
If you have depression and are under age 26, you may qualify for an ABLE account. ABLE accounts let you save money without losing your eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. You can use the money for qualified disability expenses, like medical care, education, and housing. To open an ABLE account, you must have a disability that started before age 26. You can learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one on the official ABLE account website.
For SSI, your income and resources must be below certain limits. In 2025, the federal SSI income limit is $943 per month for an individual. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not be able to work. For Hawaii TDI, there is no income limit, but you must have earned at least 14 weeks of Hawaii employment with 20+ hours each week in the 52 weeks before your disability. You can use the SSI Income Estimator to see if you might qualify for SSI.
If you receive disability benefits and your situation changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Changes include getting a job, earning more income, or your condition improving. If you do not report changes, you may have to pay back benefits. You can learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes on the official Social Security Administration website.
To avoid losing benefits, file your Hawaii TDI claim within 90 days of your disability. If you wait longer, you may lose part or all of your benefits.
You must have a doctor certify that your depression is disabling and prevents you from working. This is required for both state and federal disability benefits.
Yes, if your depression prevents you from working, you may qualify for Hawaii Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) or federal disability programs like SSDI or SSI. You must have a doctor certify your disability and meet other eligibility rules.
Hawaii TDI pays up to 58% of your average weekly wage, up to $837 per week, for up to 26 weeks. The exact amount depends on your earnings and how long you are disabled.
To qualify for Hawaii TDI, you must have at least 14 weeks of Hawaii employment with 20+ hours each week in the 52 weeks before your disability. Your doctor must certify that your depression is disabling.
Talk to your doctor, get a medical certification, and file a claim with your employer or their insurance carrier for Hawaii TDI. For federal benefits, apply for SSDI or SSI online or at your local Social Security office.
Yes, you can receive both Hawaii TDI and federal disability benefits like SSDI or SSI if you meet the eligibility rules for each program. However, the total benefits may be limited by federal rules.
If your Hawaii TDI claim is denied, you have 20 days to appeal. Submit your appeal with any additional evidence, such as pay stubs or medical records, to the Disability Compensation Division.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice about your specific situation.
If you are receiving Hawaii TDI, you cannot work during the period you are disabled. For federal benefits, there are work incentives that let you try to work without losing your benefits. You must report any changes in your situation.
SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with limited income and resources. Both require medical proof that your depression limits your ability to work.
If you qualify for SSI or SSDI, you may also be eligible for Medicaid in Hawaii. Medicaid covers medical care, including mental health services, for people with disabilities.
The time to get disability benefits varies. Hawaii TDI claims are usually processed within a few weeks. Federal disability claims can take several months. You must file your claim within 90 days of your disability to avoid losing benefits.
