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Rhode Island • Chronic Illness
If you have asthma in Rhode Island, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI). These programs can help cover medical costs, lost wages, and daily living expenses.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your asthma must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have paid into Social Security through work taxes. Both programs require medical proof of your condition and its impact on your ability to work. You must apply through the Social Security Administration and meet their strict medical and financial criteria.
For more details, visit the Social Security Administration website or call 1-800-772-1213.
[1] Social Security Administration. (n.d.). Disability Benefits. https://www.ssa.gov/disability/ (accessed 2025-11-06)
In Rhode Island, you may qualify for Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) if your asthma causes you to miss work for at least 7 days due to a non-work-related illness. To be eligible, you must have paid into the TDI fund and earned at least $18,000 in your base period, or meet alternative criteria if you earned less. TDI provides up to 30 weeks of benefits, with weekly payments based on your highest quarter’s earnings.
Rhode Island also offers Medicaid, SNAP, and vocational rehabilitation services for people with chronic illnesses like asthma. These programs help cover medical costs, food, and job training. Contact the Rhode Island Department of Human Services or the Office of Rehabilitation Services for more information.
[1] Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training. (n.d.). Temporary Disability Insurance. https://dlt.ri.gov/individuals/temporary-disability-caregiver-insurance (accessed 2025-11-06) [2] Rhode Island Department of Human Services. (n.d.). Disability Determination Services. https://ors.ri.gov/programs/disability-determination-services (accessed 2025-11-06)
Start with federal programs, then add state benefits as needed.
Each program has its own rules and deadlines, so apply as soon as possible.
[1] Social Security Administration. (n.d.). Apply for Benefits. https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/ (accessed 2025-11-06) [2] Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training. (n.d.). Apply for TDI. https://dlt.ri.gov/individuals/temporary-disability-caregiver-insurance (accessed 2025-11-06) [3] Rhode Island Department of Human Services. (n.d.). Apply for Benefits. https://dhs.ri.gov/ (accessed 2025-11-06) [4] Rhode Island Office of Rehabilitation Services. (n.d.). Vocational Rehabilitation. https://ors.ri.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation (accessed 2025-11-06)
These programs can be combined based on your income and needs.
[1] Social Security Administration. (n.d.). Disability Programs. https://www.ssa.gov/disability/ (accessed 2025-11-06) [2] Medicaid.gov. (n.d.). About Medicaid. https://www.medicaid.gov/ (accessed 2025-11-06)
These programs help cover medical costs, lost wages, and daily living needs.
[1] Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training. (n.d.). Temporary Disability Insurance. https://dlt.ri.gov/individuals/temporary-disability-caregiver-insurance (accessed 2025-11-06) [2] Rhode Island Department of Human Services. (n.d.). Programs for Disabled. https://dhs.ri.gov/ (accessed 2025-11-06) [3] Rhode Island Office of Rehabilitation Services. (n.d.). Vocational Rehabilitation. https://ors.ri.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation (accessed 2025-11-06) [4] Rhode Island Workers’ Compensation. (n.d.). Claims. https://dlt.ri.gov/ (accessed 2025-11-06)
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for housing, education, transportation, and other needs. Rhode Island residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s program. This is a good option if you want to save for future expenses related to your asthma.
[1] ABLE National Resource Center. (n.d.). ABLE Accounts. https://www.ablenrc.org/ (accessed 2025-11-06)
SSI and Medicaid have strict income and resource limits. For SSI, the 2025 federal limit is $943 per month for an individual. Medicaid limits vary based on household size and other factors. TDI benefits are based on your past earnings, with a weekly maximum of $1,070 in 2024. Always report changes in income to avoid overpayments.
[1] Social Security Administration. (n.d.). SSI Limits. https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/ (accessed 2025-11-06) [2] Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training. (n.d.). TDI Benefits. https://dlt.ri.gov/individuals/temporary-disability-caregiver-insurance (accessed 2025-11-06)
If your income or situation changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. This includes getting a job, earning more money, or recovering from your disability. Overpayments can lead to fines or loss of benefits. Always keep records of your income and report changes as soon as possible.
[1] Social Security Administration. (n.d.). Reporting Changes. https://www.ssa.gov/disability/ (accessed 2025-11-06) [2] Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training. (n.d.). TDI Reporting. https://dlt.ri.gov/individuals/temporary-disability-caregiver-insurance (accessed 2025-11-06)
Contact the Rhode Island Office of Rehabilitation Services at 401-421-7005 for help with applications and job training.
Yes, if your asthma is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must provide medical proof and meet income and work requirements.
Apply online at the Rhode Island DLT website or request a paper application by calling 401-462-8420. You must show proof of wages and that your asthma caused you to miss at least 7 days of work.
You need records from your doctor showing your asthma diagnosis, treatment, and how it limits your ability to work. This includes test results, treatment plans, and doctor’s notes.
Yes, if you meet the requirements for both programs. SSI is for low-income individuals, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
It can take several months to get a decision on SSI or SSDI. TDI benefits are usually processed faster, often within a few weeks of applying.
You can appeal the decision. Ask for a reconsideration or request a hearing. Get help from a disability advocate or attorney if needed.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and requirements.
Yes, but there are limits on how much you can earn. SSI and SSDI have work incentives that let you test your ability to work without losing benefits.
No, TDI benefits are not taxable in Rhode Island. They are funded by employee payroll deductions and are not considered income for tax purposes.
You may qualify for Medicaid, SNAP, vocational rehabilitation, and ABLE accounts. These programs help with medical costs, food, job training, and saving money.
Always report changes to the Social Security Administration or Rhode Island DLT as soon as possible. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits active.
