People in Hawaii with mobility impairments can access state and federal disability benefits. These include Hawaii Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), federal programs like SSI and SSDI, and Medicaid waivers. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
Federal disability programs like SSI and SSDI are available to people with mobility impairments in Hawaii. To qualify for SSI, you must have limited income and resources and meet medical criteria. SSDI requires a qualifying work history and medical disability. Both programs are managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Eligibility is based on your medical condition, income, assets, and work credits. You must provide medical evidence showing your mobility impairment prevents you from working. SSI is for those with low income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have paid Social Security taxes through work.
For more details, visit the SSA website or contact your local SSA office. You can also use the SSI Income Estimator tool to see if you might qualify.
In Hawaii, the Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) program provides partial wage replacement for non-work-related disabilities, including mobility impairments. To be eligible, you must have at least 14 weeks of Hawaii employment, with at least 20 hours paid each week. You must file your claim within 90 days of your disability start date. Benefits are paid for up to 26 weeks and are calculated as 58% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $837 per week in 2025. Employers or shared contributions fund the program. Job protection is not provided by TDI, but may be available under federal or state leave laws like FMLA or HI FLL.
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility for Hawaii TDI. You must have at least 14 weeks of Hawaii employment, with at least 20 hours paid each week.
Step 2: Notify your employer of your disability as soon as possible.
Step 3: Obtain the required claim forms from your employer or the Disability Compensation Division.
Step 4: Complete the claim form and gather supporting documents, including medical evidence of your mobility impairment.
Step 5: Submit your claim within 90 days of your disability start date. Late claims may result in loss of benefits.
Step 6: Wait for a decision. If your claim is denied, you will receive a written notice. You can appeal within 20 days of the notice.
Step 7: If approved, you will receive benefits for up to 26 weeks, starting on the 8th day of your disability.
Step 8: For federal programs like SSI or SSDI, apply online at the SSA website or visit your local SSA office.
Step 9: For Medicaid waivers, contact the Hawaii Department of Human Services.
Step 10: For ABLE accounts, visit the official ABLE website or your financial institution.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly cash benefits to people with disabilities who have a qualifying work history. Benefits are based on your earnings record.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly cash benefits to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. Benefits are not based on work history.
Medicare: Available to people who receive SSDI after a 24-month waiting period.
Medicaid: Available to people who receive SSI or meet other eligibility criteria.
Work Incentives: Programs that help people with disabilities return to work without losing benefits.
Hawaii Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): Provides partial wage replacement for up to 26 weeks for non-work-related disabilities. Benefits are 58% of your average weekly wage, up to $837 per week in 2025. Funded by employer or shared contributions.
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Help cover home and community-based services for people with disabilities. These waivers can provide support for daily living, personal care, and other services.
Hawaii ABLE Accounts: Allow tax-advantaged savings for disability-related expenses. Accounts are available to people with disabilities who became disabled before age 26.
State Family Leave Law (HI FLL): May provide job protection for eligible employees taking leave for family or medical reasons.
Hawaii ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI or Medicaid. You can contribute up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit). Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other qualified expenses. To open an account, visit the official Hawaii ABLE website or your financial institution.
For Hawaii TDI, there is no income limit for eligibility, but benefits are based on your average weekly wage. For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2025. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must have a qualifying work history. For Medicaid, income limits vary based on household size and program. For ABLE accounts, you must have become disabled before age 26.
If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to repay the overpayment. Report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. For SSI and SSDI, report changes online or by phone. For Hawaii TDI, report changes to your employer or the Disability Compensation Division. For Medicaid, report changes to the Department of Human Services.
Contact the Hawaii Disability Compensation Division or your local Social Security office for help with your application. Many agencies offer free assistance with forms and documentation.
Hawaii TDI provides partial wage replacement for up to 26 weeks if you cannot work due to a non-work-related disability, including mobility impairments. Benefits are 58% of your average weekly wage, up to $837 per week in 2025. You must have at least 14 weeks of Hawaii employment to qualify.
To apply for Hawaii TDI, file a claim with your employer or the Disability Compensation Division within 90 days of your disability start date. You will need to provide medical documentation and complete the required forms. Your employer will help you with the process.
The maximum weekly benefit for Hawaii TDI in 2025 is $837. This is 58% of your average weekly wage, up to the maximum. Benefits are paid for up to 26 weeks.
Hawaii TDI does not provide job protection. However, you may be eligible for job protection under federal or state leave laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or the Hawaii Family Leave Law (HI FLL).
Medicaid waivers in Hawaii help cover home and community-based services for people with disabilities. These waivers can provide support for daily living, personal care, and other services. Contact the Hawaii Department of Human Services for more information.
An ABLE account in Hawaii allows people with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits. You can contribute up to $18,000 per year. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other qualified expenses.
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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To qualify for SSI, you must have limited income and resources and meet medical criteria. For SSDI, you must have a qualifying work history and medical disability. Both programs require medical evidence of your disability. Contact the Social Security Administration for more information.
If your Hawaii TDI claim is denied, you will receive a written notice. You can appeal within 20 days of the notice. Submit your appeal to the Disability Compensation Division in Honolulu or your nearest District Office.
Yes, you can receive both Hawaii TDI and federal benefits like SSI or SSDI. However, rules vary by program. Contact the relevant agencies for details on how benefits may interact.
You can get help with your disability benefits application from the Disability Compensation Division, Social Security Administration, or local nonprofit organizations. Many agencies offer assistance with forms and documentation.
