People with Spina Bifida in Hawaii can access state disability insurance, Medicaid waivers, and federal programs. Hawaii’s Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) provides partial wage replacement for non-work-related disabilities. Eligibility and benefits depend on employment history, income, and medical documentation.
People with Spina Bifida may qualify for federal disability programs like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI helps people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require medical proof of disability. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and medical criteria. For more details, see the SSA’s listings for Spina Bifida and related conditions.
Federal programs may provide monthly cash benefits, Medicare, or Medicaid. Work incentives can help people with disabilities keep benefits while working. Reporting changes in income or health is important to avoid overpayments.
For more information, visit the SSA website or use the SSI Income Estimator tool.
In Hawaii, Spina Bifida may qualify as a non-work-related disability under the Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) program. To be eligible, you must have at least 14 weeks of Hawaii employment, with 20 or more hours paid each week. You must file a claim within 90 days of your disability starting. If you miss this deadline, you may lose some or all benefits unless you show good cause.
TDI covers up to 26 weeks of partial wage replacement for disabilities like Spina Bifida. The benefit is 58% of your average weekly wage, up to $837 per week in 2025. Job protection is not included in TDI, but you may be eligible for job protection under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or the Hawaii Family Leave Law (HI FLL).
Private plans may also be available through employers. Employers may pay part or all of the premium. Employees cannot pay more than 0.5% of their weekly wage, up to $7.21 per week.
For more details, see the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations website.
For more information, see the SSA website or use the SSI Income Estimator tool.
For more details, see the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations website or contact the Disability Compensation Division.
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for federal benefits. In Hawaii, you can open an ABLE account to pay for qualified disability expenses. Contributions are tax-free, and earnings grow tax-free. Withdrawals for qualified expenses are also tax-free. For more information, see the ABLE National Resource Center or the Hawaii ABLE program website.
Federal programs like SSI have strict income and asset limits. In 2025, the SSI federal benefit rate is $943 per month for an individual. Hawaii may have additional state supplements. Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size. For the most current limits, check the Hawaii Department of Human Services website or use the SSI Income Estimator tool.
It is important to report changes in income, health, or employment status to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Reporting changes promptly can help you avoid penalties. For more information, see the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.
Contact the Hawaii Disability Compensation Division for assistance with TDI claims. For federal benefits, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
Hawaii offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities. These can help pay for home and community-based services. Contact the Hawaii Department of Human Services for more information.
Hawaii TDI provides partial wage replacement for up to 26 weeks if you cannot work due to a non-work-related disability like Spina Bifida. The benefit is 58% of your average weekly wage, up to $837 per week in 2025. Job protection is not included, but you may be eligible under other laws.
To be eligible, you must have at least 14 weeks of Hawaii employment, with 20 or more hours paid each week. You must file a claim within 90 days of your disability starting. Medical documentation is required.
In 2025, you can receive 58% of your average weekly wage, up to $837 per week. The benefit is paid for up to 26 weeks for non-work-related disabilities.
No, Hawaii TDI does not provide job protection. However, you may be eligible for job protection under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or the Hawaii Family Leave Law (HI FLL).
To apply, file a claim with your employer or the Disability Compensation Division within 90 days of your disability starting. Provide medical documentation and any other required information. Follow up on your claim status and appeal if needed.
If your claim is denied, you have 20 calendar days to appeal. Send your appeal to the Division in Honolulu or the nearest Department of Labor and Industrial Relations District Office. Include evidence like pay stubs or medical records.
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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Yes, Hawaii offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including those with Spina Bifida. These waivers provide home and community-based services. Contact the Hawaii Department of Human Services for more information.
Yes, you may be able to receive both federal and state disability benefits. Rules vary by program, so check eligibility requirements for each. Reporting changes in income or health is important to avoid overpayments.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. In Hawaii, you can use an ABLE account to pay for qualified disability expenses without losing eligibility for federal benefits.
Report changes in income, health, or employment status to the relevant agencies promptly. This helps you avoid overpayments and penalties. For more information, see the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.
