Dyslexia Benefits in Hawaii: 2025 Guide

Dyslexia is a learning disability that may qualify for federal benefits if it severely limits your ability to work or perform daily activities. To qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must provide medical evidence showing that your dyslexia causes significant functional limitations. 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 a formal application and review process.

For children, SSI may be available if dyslexia causes marked or severe functional limitations. Adults must show that dyslexia prevents them from doing substantial gainful activity. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses specific criteria to evaluate learning disabilities, including documentation from doctors, schools, and other professionals.

If you qualify, you may also be eligible for Medicaid, Medicare, and work incentives that help you keep benefits while working.

In Hawaii, people with dyslexia may qualify for state-specific programs such as Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can provide support for education, therapy, and daily living. To qualify, you must meet both federal and state eligibility requirements, including income and functional limitations. Hawaii also offers Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), which provides partial wage replacement if dyslexia causes a non-work-related disability that prevents you from working. Eligibility for TDI requires at least 14 weeks of Hawaii employment, with 20 hours or more paid per week, and a claim must be filed within 90 days of disability.

Hawaii’s Department of Labor and Industrial Relations oversees TDI and provides guidance on eligibility and claims. Employers must comply with state requirements, and private plans are available for businesses. State-specific resources include the Disability Compensation Division and the Department of Health, which can help you navigate eligibility and application processes.

• Gather medical and educational records showing dyslexia diagnosis and functional limitations.
• Contact Social Security to apply for SSI or SSDI.
• Apply for Medicaid waivers through the Hawaii Department of Health.
• For workplace accommodations, talk to your employer or HR department.
• If you need temporary disability benefits, file a claim with your employer or insurer.

• Step 1: Collect documentation, including a formal dyslexia diagnosis, school records, and medical reports.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. Provide all required documentation.
• Step 3: If you need Medicaid, apply through the Hawaii Department of Health’s QUEST Integration program. You may need to provide proof of income and disability.
• Step 4: For workplace accommodations, request them under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Your employer must provide reasonable accommodations unless it causes undue hardship.
• Step 5: If you need temporary disability benefits due to dyslexia, file a claim with your employer or insurer. You must have at least 14 weeks of Hawaii employment, with 20 hours or more paid per week, and file within 90 days of disability.
• Step 6: Follow up on your applications and appeals if necessary. Keep copies of all correspondence and documentation.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who have a disability, including dyslexia, that causes significant functional limitations.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and have a disability that prevents them from working.
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities, including those with dyslexia, who meet income and functional requirements.
• Medicare: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities who receive SSDI for 24 months.
• Work Incentives: Programs that help people with disabilities keep benefits while working, including the Ticket to Work program and Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS).

• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Hawaii offers Medicaid waivers for children and adults with learning disabilities, providing support for education, therapy, and daily living.
• Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): Provides partial wage replacement if dyslexia causes a non-work-related disability that prevents you from working. The maximum weekly benefit in 2025 is $837, and eligibility requires at least 14 weeks of Hawaii employment with 20 hours or more paid per week.
• Disability Compensation Division: Oversees TDI and provides guidance on eligibility, claims, and appeals.
• Department of Health: Administers Medicaid waivers and other state disability programs.
• Department of Labor and Industrial Relations: Provides information and support for TDI and workplace accommodations.

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. In Hawaii, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. Contributions are limited to $18,000 per year, and funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other qualified expenses.

SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual, with additional state supplements in Hawaii. SSDI payments vary based on your work history. Medicaid eligibility depends on income, resources, and functional limitations. ABLE accounts have annual contribution limits of $18,000 and lifetime limits based on your state’s 529 plan.

If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to repay the overpayment. Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. You can appeal an overpayment decision if you believe it is incorrect. Keep records of all payments and changes to help resolve disputes.

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm

  Website

  Apply for SSI, SSDI, and get help with disability benefits.
• Hawaii Department of Health
  Phone: 1-800-316-8005

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45am-4:30pm

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid and HCBS waivers.
• Hawaii Disability Compensation Division
  Phone: 808-586-9188

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45am-4:30pm

  Website

  Get help with TDI eligibility and claims.

• Can dyslexia qualify for disability benefits in Hawaii?

  Yes, dyslexia can qualify for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid waivers in Hawaii if it causes significant functional limitations. You must provide medical and educational documentation to support your claim.

• How do I apply for SSI or SSDI for dyslexia in Hawaii?

  Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. Provide medical records, school reports, and other documentation showing how dyslexia affects your daily life.

• What is Hawaii’s Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) for dyslexia?

  TDI provides partial wage replacement if dyslexia causes a non-work-related disability that prevents you from working. You must have at least 14 weeks of Hawaii employment and file a claim within 90 days of disability.

• Are there Medicaid waivers for dyslexia in Hawaii?

  Yes, Hawaii offers Medicaid waivers for children and adults with learning disabilities, including dyslexia. These waivers provide support for education, therapy, and daily living.

• How do I get workplace accommodations for dyslexia in Hawaii?

  Request accommodations under the ADA from your employer or HR department. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations unless it causes undue hardship.

• What is an ABLE account and how can it help with dyslexia?

  An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other qualified expenses.