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Hawaii • Mental Health
People with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Hawaii may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Hawaii's Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI). Each program has different eligibility rules and application steps.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with PTSD, you must show that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses strict medical criteria to decide if PTSD qualifies as a disability. You must provide medical records, mental health evaluations, and proof that your symptoms limit your ability to work. If approved, you may receive monthly payments through SSDI (if you have a work history) or SSI (if you have limited income and resources) [^1].
Both SSDI and SSI require regular reporting of changes in your condition or income. You may also qualify for Medicaid or Medicare if you receive federal disability benefits [^2].
In Hawaii, people with PTSD may qualify for Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) if their condition prevents them from working due to a non-work-related illness or injury. To be eligible, you must have worked at least 14 weeks in the past year and have paid into the TDI program through payroll deductions. TDI benefits are paid for up to 26 weeks and cover 58% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $837 per week in 2025 [^3].
Employers in Hawaii must offer TDI coverage, but the state does not administer the benefits directly. Instead, employers use private insurance plans to pay benefits. You must file a claim within 90 days of becoming disabled to avoid losing benefits [^4].
Federal disability programs for PTSD in Hawaii include:
Hawaii’s main disability program for PTSD is the Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) program. TDI provides partial wage replacement for up to 26 weeks if you are unable to work due to a non-work-related illness or injury, including PTSD. Benefits are paid through private insurance plans chosen by your employer. The maximum weekly benefit in 2025 is $837, which is 58% of your average weekly wage [^3].
Employers in Hawaii must offer TDI coverage, but the state does not administer the benefits directly. You must file a claim with your employer or insurance carrier within 90 days of your disability start date to avoid losing benefits [^4].
Other state resources include the Hawaii Employees' Retirement System (ERS), which offers disability retirement benefits for state employees who are permanently disabled [^5].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for federal benefits like SSI and Medicaid. In Hawaii, you can open an ABLE account to pay for qualified disability expenses, such as medical care, education, and housing. Contributions to ABLE accounts are not taxed, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free [^6].
Federal disability programs have strict income and resource limits. For SSI, the income limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2025. SSDI payments are based on your work history and average earnings. Hawaii TDI benefits are based on your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $837 per week in 2025 [^3].
If you receive too much in disability benefits, you may have to repay the overpayment. It is important to report any changes in your income, resources, or medical condition to the SSA or your TDI insurance carrier. Failure to report changes can result in penalties or loss of benefits [^7].
File your Hawaii TDI claim within 90 days of your disability start date to avoid losing benefits. Federal disability claims have strict deadlines for appeals and reporting changes.
Yes, PTSD can qualify for both federal and state disability benefits in Hawaii if it is severe enough to prevent you from working. You must provide medical evidence and meet the eligibility criteria for each program.
Hawaii TDI pays up to 58% of your average weekly wage, with a maximum of $837 per week in 2025. The exact amount depends on your earnings and the length of your disability.
Yes, you must file a claim for Hawaii TDI within 90 days of your disability start date. Late claims may result in partial or complete loss of benefits.
Yes, you can receive both SSDI and Hawaii TDI for PTSD. SSDI is a federal program, while TDI is a state program. Each has its own eligibility rules and application process.
You need medical records, mental health evaluations, and proof of diagnosis and treatment from licensed professionals. The SSA and TDI insurance carriers may request additional information.
The time to get a decision varies. Federal disability claims can take several months. Hawaii TDI claims are usually processed within a few weeks, but delays can occur if more information is needed.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about disability benefits in Hawaii. For specific advice, consult a qualified professional or contact the relevant agency.
Yes, you can appeal a denied disability claim. For federal claims, you have 60 days to appeal. For Hawaii TDI, you have 20 days from the denial notice to appeal to the Disability Compensation Division.
Yes, federal programs like SSI have strict income limits. SSDI payments are based on your work history. Hawaii TDI benefits are based on your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $837 per week in 2025.
You may be able to work part-time while receiving disability benefits, but your earnings must be below certain limits. Exceeding these limits can affect your eligibility.
If you move out of Hawaii, you may lose eligibility for Hawaii TDI. Federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI are available nationwide, but you must report your change of address to the SSA.
