If you have a spinal cord injury in Hawaii, you may qualify for several benefits, including Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), Medicaid waivers, SSI/SSDI, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
People with a spinal cord injury in Hawaii may qualify for federal benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is for those who worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with limited income and resources. Both programs require medical proof of disability. For more details, see the SSA website.
For more information, visit the SSA website or call 1-800-772-1213.
In Hawaii, people with a spinal cord injury may qualify for Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) if they have worked at least 14 weeks in Hawaii and were paid for 20 hours or more each week. TDI pays up to 58% of your average weekly wage, with a maximum of $837 per week in 2025. Benefits can last up to 26 weeks for non-work-related disabilities. Employers must offer TDI coverage, but the state does not pay benefits directly. Private plans are common.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Hawaii, you can open an ABLE account through the state program. The account can hold up to $100,000 without affecting SSI, and up to $16,000 per year can be contributed. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and more.
For SSI in Hawaii, the income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple in 2025. For Medicaid waivers, income limits vary by program. For ABLE accounts, you can contribute up to $16,000 per year. For TDI, benefits are based on your average weekly wage, up to $837 per week in 2025.
If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. For SSI/SSDI, report changes online or by phone. For Medicaid waivers, report changes to the Hawaii Department of Human Services. For TDI, report changes to your employer or insurance carrier.
To avoid losing benefits, file your TDI claim within 90 days of your disability. If you miss the deadline, you may lose some or all benefits.
If your TDI claim is denied, you can appeal within 20 days. Send a written explanation and evidence to the Disability Compensation Division.
TDI in Hawaii pays up to 58% of your average weekly wage, with a maximum of $837 per week in 2025. It covers non-work-related disabilities for up to 26 weeks. Employers must offer coverage, but the state does not pay benefits directly.
File a TDI claim within 90 days of your disability. Use Form TDI-46, provided by your employer or insurance carrier. Submit medical records and proof of employment. If denied, you can appeal within 20 days.
Medicaid waivers in Hawaii help pay for services like home care, therapy, and assistive devices for people with disabilities. Contact the Hawaii Department of Human Services for more information and to apply.
Yes, you may qualify for SSI/SSDI if you have a spinal cord injury. SSDI is for those who worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with limited income and resources. Both require medical proof of disability.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Hawaii, you can open an account through the state program. The account can hold up to $100,000 without affecting SSI.
You can receive TDI benefits for up to 26 weeks for non-work-related disabilities in Hawaii. Benefits are paid based on your average weekly wage, up to $837 per week in 2025.
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 TDI claim is denied, you can appeal within 20 days by sending a written explanation to the Disability Compensation Division. Include evidence like pay slips or check stubs to support your appeal.
Yes, report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. For SSI/SSDI, report changes online or by phone. For Medicaid waivers, report changes to the Hawaii Department of Human Services.
TDI is for non-work-related disabilities, so you cannot work while receiving benefits. If you return to work, your benefits will stop. For work incentives, see the SSI/SSDI Work Incentives guide.
The income limit for SSI in Hawaii is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple in 2025. For Medicaid waivers, income limits vary by program.
