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Hawaii • Neurodegenerative
If you have Parkinson’s Disease in Hawaii, you could qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Hawaii’s Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI). This guide walks you through eligibility, applying, and maximizing your support—with official links and clear steps.
To qualify for SSI or SSDI with Parkinson’s Disease, you must have medical proof that your condition severely limits your ability to work for at least 12 months (or is expected to result in death). SSI has strict income and resource limits, while SSDI requires enough work credits. Children with disabilities may qualify for SSI if family income is low. For federal Medicaid, eligibility is usually linked to receiving SSI, but Hawaii also has expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. If you’re unsure about your federal eligibility, always check with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Hawaii’s Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) covers employees unable to work due to non-work-related illness, including Parkinson’s, after 14 weeks of employment. Benefits are up to 26 weeks and replace 58% of your average weekly wage (max $837/week in 2025)[1][3][5]. The state does not pay TDI directly—employers or private insurers do—so check with your employer about your coverage. For long-term or permanent disability, SSI and SSDI are your main options. Hawaii Medicaid may cover additional services through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for those who need nursing-home-level care but want to stay at home. Eligibility for these waivers depends on medical need and income.
For SSI/SSDI: Apply online at ssa.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office. For Hawaii Medicaid: Apply online at mybenefits.hawaii.gov, by phone, or in person. For TDI: Contact your employer or their insurance carrier—Hawaii does not run a state TDI fund. For waivers: Ask your doctor or caseworker about HCBS options. Keep copies of all medical records and application materials.
1. Gather your information: Collect medical records, work history, ID, and financial documents. For Parkinson’s Disease, include a diagnosis and treatment history from your neurologist. 2. Apply for federal benefits: For SSI/SSDI, start your application online at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. The process may take several months; respond quickly to any requests for more information. 3. Apply for Medicaid separately: Even if you get SSI/SSDI, you may need to apply for Medicaid through mybenefits.hawaii.gov. 4. Check TDI with your employer: Ask your HR department for details on Hawaii TDI coverage, since it’s managed privately. File a claim within 90 days of becoming disabled to avoid losing benefits[4]. 5. Explore waivers: If you need help at home, ask your doctor or a caseworker about HCBS waivers. 6. Set up an ABLE account: These accounts let you save for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI eligibility. 7. Report changes: Always update Social Security, Medicaid, and your employer about income, work, or health changes to avoid overpayments or benefit cuts.
SSI and SSDI are the main federal disability programs for people with Parkinson’s Disease. SSI provides monthly payments to low-income children and adults with disabilities, while SSDI is for those with enough work credits. Medicare starts 24 months after SSDI approval. ABLE accounts help you save for disability expenses without losing benefits. Virginia Medicaid covers many with SSI, but Hawaii has expanded Medicaid for more residents.
Hawaii Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) provides short-term income replacement for employees with non-work-related illness (including Parkinson’s), but only if your employer has coverage—Hawaii does not have a state-run fund[1][3][5]. Hawaii Medicaid may offer extra services through HCBS waivers for those who need nursing-home-level care but want to stay at home. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations oversees TDI compliance, but does not pay benefits directly[4][7]. If your employer does not have TDI, contact the Disability Compensation Division for help[4]. For state retirement disability (if you worked for the state), see the Employees’ Retirement System[6].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities (onset before age 26) save up to $18,000/year (2025) without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Funds can pay for qualified disability expenses. ABLE accounts are a smart way to manage savings, pay for care, and build financial independence while keeping your benefits.
SSI has strict income and resource limits: In 2025, individual monthly income must be below $943, and resources under $2,000 (some assets, like a home, don’t count). Medicaid in Hawaii has higher limits due to expansion. TDI replaces 58% of your average weekly wage, up to $837/week in 2025[1][3][5]. Always check current limits, as they change yearly.
You must report changes in income, work, or living situation to Social Security, Medicaid, and your employer to avoid overpayments. If you get too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Keep records, respond to letters quickly, and ask for help if you’re unsure. See our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for tips.
Hawaii’s Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) is required by law but paid through private employers or insurance carriers—not by the state. Always ask your employer about your TDI coverage, and contact the Disability Compensation Division if your employer does not provide it[1][3][4].
If you need nursing-home-level care but want to stay at home with Parkinson’s Disease, ask your doctor about applying for a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver through Hawaii Medicaid. These waivers can pay for in-home help, respite, and more.
Yes, if your employer offers TDI and you meet the 14-week employment requirement. TDI covers non-work-related illness, but benefits are managed privately, not by the state. Check with your employer about your plan details[1][3][5].
SSI is for low-income individuals with disabilities, regardless of work history. SSDI is for those with enough work credits. Both programs have different rules and payment amounts. See our SSI vs SSDI guide for more details.
Hawaii offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for those who need nursing-home-level care but want to stay at home. Ask your doctor or caseworker if you qualify for these extra services.
In 2025, your monthly income must be below $943 (individual) and resources under $2,000. Some income and assets don’t count. Always check the latest limits with Social Security.
ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses without affecting SSI eligibility. You can save up to $18,000/year (2025), and funds grow tax-free. See our ABLE Accounts guide for more.
Apply for SSI/SSDI as soon as possible. You may also qualify for Hawaii TDI if your employer has coverage, but this is only short-term. For long-term needs, federal programs are your best option.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or financial advice. Always confirm eligibility and application details with official agencies and your healthcare provider. Laws, benefits, and processes can change.
If your TDI claim is denied, you’ll get a written notice. You have 20 days to appeal by writing to the Disability Compensation Division. Include evidence like pay stubs to support your case[4].
Apply online at mybenefits.hawaii.gov, by phone, or in person. If you get SSI, you may be auto-enrolled, but always confirm with the state.
If you get SSDI, you’ll be eligible for Medicare 24 months after your disability approval date. Medicare does not depend on age for SSDI recipients.
Yes, through SSI & SSDI work incentives. You can try working without losing benefits right away. Always report your earnings to Social Security and ask about work incentive programs.
