People with short stature in Hawaii can access federal and state disability benefits, including SSI/SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. Hawaii also offers Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) for non-work-related health issues, providing partial wage replacement. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) medical criteria and income/resource limits. 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 medical condition that limits your ability to work for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. Short stature may qualify if it meets SSA’s Blue Book criteria or is severe enough to prevent substantial gainful activity.
For SSI, you must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, reside in the U.S., and have limited income and resources. SSDI requires a sufficient work history. Both programs have strict rules about what counts as income and resources, and you must report changes to avoid overpayments.
For more details, see SSA’s Blue Book listings for endocrine disorders or consult a disability expert.
In Hawaii, people with short stature may qualify for state disability benefits if their condition meets medical criteria and affects their ability to work. Hawaii’s Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) program provides partial wage replacement for non-work-related disabilities, including short stature if it causes a health issue that prevents work. Eligibility for TDI requires at least 14 weeks of employment and a claim filed within 90 days of disability.
Hawaii does not have a state-administered disability program, but employers must provide TDI coverage through private plans. Benefits are 58% of average weekly wages, up to $837 per week in 2025. You can take up to 26 weeks of paid leave for personal health reasons.
For Medicaid waivers, Hawaii offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people with disabilities who need support to live independently. Eligibility depends on income, resources, and functional needs.
Gather Medical Records: Collect documentation from your doctor that shows how short stature affects your ability to work or live independently.
Apply for SSI/SSDI: Visit the Social Security Administration website or local office to apply. You’ll need to provide personal information, work history, and medical evidence. The SSA will review your application and may request additional information.
Check TDI Coverage: If you’re employed in Hawaii, ask your employer about Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI). If your employer offers TDI, file a claim with them or their insurance carrier within 90 days of your disability. You’ll need to provide medical documentation and employment history.
Apply for Medicaid Waivers: Contact the Hawaii Department of Human Services to apply for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. You’ll need to provide income, resource, and functional need information. The department will review your application and may require an assessment.
Open an ABLE Account: Visit the ABLE National Resource Center to learn about opening an ABLE account in Hawaii. This account allows you to save money for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
Report Changes: If your income, resources, or medical condition changes, report it to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments.
Federal disability programs in Hawaii include SSI and SSDI. SSI provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. SSDI provides benefits to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and are now disabled. Both programs have strict eligibility rules and require regular reporting of changes.
SSI: Monthly payments based on income and resources.
SSDI: Monthly payments based on work history and earnings.
Both programs may provide access to Medicaid or Medicare.
SSA SSI Program (accessed 2025-11-05)
SSA SSDI Program (accessed 2025-11-05)
Hawaii’s main disability benefit is Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), which provides partial wage replacement for non-work-related disabilities. TDI is funded by employer or shared contributions, and benefits are 58% of average weekly wages, up to $837 per week in 2025. You can take up to 26 weeks of paid leave for personal health reasons.
Hawaii also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities who need support to live independently. These waivers provide services like personal care, home modifications, and respite care.
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. In Hawaii, you can open an ABLE account through the ABLE National Resource Center. The account has annual and lifetime contribution limits, and funds can be used for expenses like education, housing, transportation, and personal support.
Federal SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual. Hawaii may supplement this amount. SSDI payments depend on your work history and earnings. For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size.
If your income, resources, or medical condition changes, you must report it to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits. Keep records of all changes and report them promptly.
Contact the Hawaii Disability Resource Center or your local Social Security office for help with applications and questions.
Hawaii’s TDI provides partial wage replacement for non-work-related disabilities, including short stature if it causes a health issue that prevents work. Benefits are 58% of average weekly wages, up to $837 per week in 2025, for up to 26 weeks.
Visit the Social Security Administration website or local office to apply. You’ll need to provide personal information, work history, and medical evidence. The SSA will review your application and may request additional information.
Medicaid waivers in Hawaii provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities who need support to live independently. Eligibility depends on income, resources, and functional needs.
Yes, you can open an ABLE account in Hawaii through the ABLE National Resource Center. This account allows you to save money for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
In 2025, Hawaii TDI pays 58% of average weekly wages, up to $837 per week. You can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks for non-work-related disabilities.
Yes, you must report changes in income, resources, or medical condition to Social Security to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits.
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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If your employer doesn’t offer TDI, you may contact the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations for assistance. Employers are required to provide TDI coverage or meet state requirements.
Short stature may qualify for disability benefits if it meets SSA’s Blue Book criteria or is severe enough to prevent substantial gainful activity. You’ll need medical documentation to support your claim.
Contact the Hawaii Department of Human Services to apply for Medicaid waivers. You’ll need to provide income, resource, and functional need information. The department will review your application and may require an assessment.
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs have strict eligibility rules and require regular reporting of changes.
