Amputation Benefits in Rhode Island

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): This federal program helps people with limited income and resources who are aged, blind, or disabled. If you have an amputation and meet the income and asset limits, you may qualify for monthly payments and Medicaid.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. If your amputation prevents you from working, you may get monthly payments based on your work history. After 24 months, you also get Medicare.
• Medicaid: If you qualify for SSI, you automatically get Medicaid in Rhode Island. Medicaid covers medical care, including prosthetics and durable medical equipment.
• Medicare: If you get SSDI, you get Medicare after 24 months of receiving benefits.

To qualify for federal disability programs, you must prove your amputation is severe enough to prevent you from working. The Social Security Administration uses strict medical guidelines to decide eligibility.

Sources: SSA Disability (2025-11-06), Medicaid.gov (2025-11-06)

• Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): Rhode Island’s TDI program gives short-term wage replacement if you cannot work due to a non-work-related illness or injury, including amputation. To qualify, you must have paid into the TDI fund and earned at least $16,800 in your base period (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before your claim). If you earned less, you may still qualify if you meet certain conditions, such as earning at least $2,800 in one quarter and having total base period wages of at least $5,600.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services: The Office of Rehabilitation Services helps people with disabilities, including amputations, prepare for, get, or keep a job. You must have a physical, intellectual, or emotional impairment that is a barrier to employment and need vocational rehab services to benefit from them.
• Medicaid Waivers: Rhode Island offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities who need long-term care services at home or in the community.

State programs often require proof of residency, work history, and medical documentation.

Sources: RI DLT TDI (2025-11-06), (2025-11-06), (2025-11-06)

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• For TDI, apply online at the RI Department of Labor & Training website.
• Contact the Office of Rehabilitation Services for vocational rehab.
• Apply for Medicaid and SNAP through the RI Department of Human Services.

Start with federal programs, then add state benefits as needed.

• Step 1: Get Medical Documentation

  • Ask your doctor for a detailed report of your amputation and how it affects your ability to work.
  • Include records of surgeries, prosthetics, and any related conditions.

• Step 2: Apply for Federal Benefits

  • Go to SSA.gov and apply for SSI or SSDI online.
  • You can also call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office.
  • Fill out all forms and submit your medical records.

• Step 3: Apply for State Benefits

  • For TDI, go to the RI Department of Labor & Training website and file a claim online or by phone.
  • For vocational rehab, download the application from the Office of Rehabilitation Services website or call 401-421-7005.
  • For Medicaid and SNAP, apply through the RI Department of Human Services.

• Step 4: Follow Up

  • Keep copies of all applications and correspondence.
  • Respond to any requests for more information.
  • If denied, you have 60 days to appeal.

• Step 5: Get Help

  • Contact local disability organizations for support and guidance.
  • Ask about ABLE accounts for saving without losing benefits.

Sources: SSA Apply (2025-11-06), RI DLT TDI (2025-11-06), RI ORS Vocational Rehab (2025-11-06)

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources who are aged, blind, or disabled. Covers basic needs and includes Medicaid.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Includes Medicare after 24 months.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income people, including those with disabilities. Covers medical care, prosthetics, and durable medical equipment.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities who get SSDI. Starts after 24 months of receiving SSDI.

These programs help with medical costs, lost wages, and daily living expenses.

Sources: SSA Disability (2025-11-06), Medicaid.gov (2025-11-06)

• Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): Short-term wage replacement for non-work-related injuries or illnesses, including amputation. Pays up to 30 weeks, with weekly benefits based on your earnings.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Job training, counseling, and support for people with disabilities who want to work. Includes help with durable medical equipment.
• Medicaid Waivers: Programs that let people with disabilities get long-term care services at home or in the community instead of in institutions.
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Food assistance for low-income people, including those with disabilities.
• General Public Assistance: Cash assistance for people with disabilities who do not qualify for other programs.

These programs help with lost wages, job training, healthcare, and daily living expenses.

Sources: RI DLT TDI (2025-11-06), RI ORS Vocational Rehab (2025-11-06), RI DHS Programs (2025-11-06)

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for expenses like education, housing, transportation, and medical care. Rhode Island residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program.

Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to apply at the official ABLE website.

Sources: RI ABLE Program (2025-11-06)

Federal and state disability programs have income and asset limits. For SSI, the 2024 federal limit is $943 per month for an individual. SSDI limits depend on your work history. State programs like TDI and SNAP have their own rules based on your earnings and household size.

Check the latest limits on the SSA and RI DHS websites.

Sources: SSA SSI Limits (2025-11-06), RI DHS SNAP (2025-11-06)

If you get too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Report any changes in your income, living situation, or medical condition to avoid overpayments. Keep records of all payments and correspondence.

Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes at the SSA and RI DHS websites.

Sources: SSA Overpayments (2025-11-06), RI DHS Reporting (2025-11-06)

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI applications and questions.
• RI Department of Labor & Training
  Phone: 401-462-8420

  Website

  For TDI claims and questions.
• RI Office of Rehabilitation Services
  Phone: 401-421-7005

  TTY: 401-421-7016

  Website

  For vocational rehab and disability determination.
• RI Department of Human Services
  Phone: 401-462-8100

  Website

  For Medicaid, SNAP, and other assistance.

• Can I get disability benefits after an amputation in Rhode Island?

  Yes, if your amputation prevents you from working, you may qualify for federal programs like SSI or SSDI, and state programs like TDI. You must meet income, work history, and medical criteria.

• How do I apply for SSI or SSDI after an amputation?

  Apply online at SSA.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office. You will need medical records and proof of income.

• What is Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) in Rhode Island?

  TDI gives short-term wage replacement if you cannot work due to a non-work-related injury or illness, including amputation. You must have paid into the TDI fund and meet earnings requirements.

• Do I get Medicaid with SSI in Rhode Island?

  Yes, if you qualify for SSI in Rhode Island, you automatically get Medicaid. Medicaid covers medical care, including prosthetics and durable medical equipment.

• How long does it take to get disability benefits after an amputation?

  The process can take several months. It depends on how quickly you submit your application and medical records, and how busy the agency is.

• Can I work while getting disability benefits?

  Yes, there are work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits. Talk to your caseworker about how much you can earn and what you need to report.

• What if my disability claim is denied?