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Hawaii • Sensory
If you are Hard of Hearing in Hawaii, you may qualify for federal disability income, Hawaii Medicaid, ABLE accounts, and state programs like Temporary Disability Insurance. This guide explains eligibility, application steps, and options to help you and your family pay for living and medical expenses.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI), you must have a medical condition (like being Hard of Hearing) that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death and severely limits your ability to work. SSI also has strict income and asset limits, while SSDI is based on work credits. Children may also qualify for SSI under different rules[9]. Both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Hawaii Medicaid covers low-income adults and children, including those Hard of Hearing. Eligibility is based on income, household size, and disability. Medicaid waivers may cover extra services like hearing aids and home modifications. Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) is for temporary, non-work illness or injury—not usually long-term hearing loss. To get TDI, you must have worked at least 14 weeks (20+ hours each) in the past year[4]. You may also qualify for Hawaii’s Employees’ Retirement System disability retirement if you are a public employee and can no longer work due to disability[7]. Always contact your local office for the latest rules and to check if you qualify.
\n- SSI/SSDI: Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone (800-772-1213), or at your local Social Security office. You’ll need medical records and work history[Internal_links: SSI vs SSDI].[9]\n- Hawaii Medicaid: Apply online via the Hawaii Department of Human Services (Hawaii.gov) or in person at a local office. Gather proof of income, disability, and residency.[Internal_links: Medicaid vs Medicare]\n- TDI: File your claim within 90 days of becoming disabled. Contact your employer or insurance carrier for forms. If denied, appeal within 20 days[4].
SSI/SSDI Application\n\n1. Gather Documents: Collect medical records, proof of hearing loss, work history, and tax information.\n2. Start Your Claim: Begin your application online at ssa.gov or call 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778). Children’s SSI applications can be started by a parent or guardian.\n3. Follow Up: Check your application status online. Respond quickly if the SSA requests more information.\n\nHawaii Medicaid Application\n\n1. Check Eligibility: Review income and disability requirements online at hawaii.gov/dhs.\n2. Complete Application: Fill out the application online or visit your nearest Eligibility Office. Bring documents proving income, residency, and disability.\n3. Wait for Decision: Processing may take a few weeks. If denied, you can appeal.\n\nTemporary Disability Insurance\n\n1. File Promptly: Submit your claim within 90 days of disability to avoid losing benefits[4].\n2. Provide Certification: Have your doctor complete the required paperwork.\n3. Appeal if Needed: If denied, appeal within 20 days of the denial notice[4].\n\nFor other programs, contact the relevant agency directly for application steps.
SSI and SSDI are the main federal cash benefits for people who are Hard of Hearing and meet disability and income rules. SSI is for low-income individuals with limited assets; SSDI is for those with enough work credits. Both require medical proof of disability. You may receive both SSI and Medicaid in Hawaii. For children, SSI can help with medical and living costs. Medicare may be available after two years on SSDI.\n\nSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are also available based on income and household size.\n\nABLE Accounts let people with disabilities—including hearing loss—save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility[Internal_links: ABLE Accounts].
Medicaid covers adults and children with disabilities, including those Hard of Hearing, who meet income guidelines. It can pay for doctor visits, hospital care, and sometimes hearing aids or assistive devices. Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) can expand services, such as home modifications, personal care, and respite care, depending on need and eligibility[Internal_links: Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)].\n\nTemporary Disability Insurance (TDI) offers partial wage replacement (up to 26 weeks) if you can’t work due to a non-work illness or injury, but not for long-term hearing loss[1][2][6]. Benefits are about 58% of your average weekly wage, up to $837/week in 2025[2][6]. There is no job protection with TDI, but federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Hawaii Family Leave Law (HI FLL) may help you keep your job while on leave[2].\n\nDisability Retirement is available for Hawaii public employees who become permanently unable to work due to disability[7].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities (including hearing loss) to save up to $18,000 per year (as of 2025) without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. These accounts can cover disability-related expenses such as assistive technology, medical care, education, and housing. Earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed[Internal_links: ABLE Accounts].
SSI income limits are set by the federal government and change every year. In 2025, the monthly income limit for an individual is about $943 (check SSA for updates). Medicaid income limits in Hawaii also vary by household size and program. Always report income changes promptly to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits[Internal_links: Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
If you receive more benefits than you’re eligible for, you may have to pay back the overpayment. To avoid this, report all income, household, and life changes (like marriage, moving, or work status) right away to SSA for SSI/SSDI and to Hawaii DHS for Medicaid. For TDI, inform your employer or carrier of any wage or work changes[4][Internal_links: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
The application process for federal disability benefits can take months. Start early, keep records, and respond promptly to requests for more information. This helps avoid delays in receiving benefits.
If you qualify for Hawaii Medicaid, hearing aids and related services may be covered. Children especially may get help. Always check with your Medicaid plan or caseworker for the latest coverage details.
Hawaii’s Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) is mainly for temporary, non-work injuries or illnesses—not long-term hearing loss. For permanent disability, focus on SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid.
Hawaii Medicaid may cover hearing aids for eligible children and adults. Medicaid waivers may also help with assistive devices. Check with your Medicaid plan or caseworker for details. Private insurance or nonprofit programs may offer additional help.
It can take 3–5 months to get an initial decision, but appeals can take longer. Filing online, providing complete medical records, and responding quickly to requests can speed up the process.
You have the right to appeal. For SSI/SSDI, file a request for reconsideration within 60 days. For TDI in Hawaii, you have 20 days from the denial notice to appeal[4].
SSI and SSDI have work incentives and allow some earnings. Too much income can reduce or stop benefits, so always report work activity[Internal_links: Work Incentives].
Contact the Hawaii Department of Human Services to see if you qualify for a Medicaid waiver. Waivers can help cover additional services not included in standard Medicaid.
ABLE accounts are savings accounts for people with disabilities that began before age 26. They let you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free[Internal_links: ABLE Accounts].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Program rules and benefits change frequently; always confirm details with official agencies.
Hawaii offers Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) for non-work illnesses or injuries, but it does not provide paid family leave. Federal FMLA and state family leave laws may protect your job during unpaid leave.
In 2025, you can get about 58% of your average weekly wage, with a maximum weekly benefit of $837. Benefits last up to 26 weeks and start after an 8-day waiting period[2][6].
You can get free help from SSA, Hawaii DHS, local nonprofits, or legal aid. Always use official sources for the most accurate information.
Report income, address, and household changes immediately. Keep copies of all documents. If you get a notice about an overpayment, contact the agency right away to discuss payment options[4][Internal_links: Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
