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Rhode Island • Rare/Genetic
People with Cystic Fibrosis in Rhode Island may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), Medicaid, and vocational rehabilitation services. Each program has specific eligibility rules and application steps.
People with Cystic Fibrosis in Rhode Island may qualify for federal disability programs if their condition meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. The two main programs are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require medical proof that the disability prevents substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Eligibility is determined by SSA, with medical review by Rhode Island’s Disability Determination Services[2].
Rhode Island offers Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) for people who cannot work due to a non-work-related illness or injury, including Cystic Fibrosis. 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 earned at least $2,800 in one quarter, your total base period wages are 1.5 times your highest quarter, and your total is at least $5,600. You must also be unemployed for at least seven consecutive days due to your illness or injury[1]. Rhode Island also offers vocational rehabilitation services for those whose disability is a barrier to employment[4].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid. Rhode Island residents can open an ABLE account through the national program. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses, including medical care, education, and housing[3].
Income limits for disability benefits vary by program. For SSI, the federal limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2024. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not be earning more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) amount ($1,550 per month in 2024). For Medicaid, income limits depend on household size and other factors. For TDI, you must have earned at least $16,800 in your base period or meet alternative criteria[1][5].
If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to repay the overpayment. Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to the Social Security Administration and Rhode Island agencies promptly. Failure to report can result in penalties or loss of benefits. See our guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes for more details[internal_links].
Contact the Rhode Island Office of Rehabilitation Services at 401-421-7005 for help with vocational rehab or disability determination. For TDI, call 401-462-8420.
Yes, Cystic Fibrosis is a qualifying disability for federal programs like SSDI and SSI. You may also qualify for Rhode Island’s Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) if you meet the income and employment requirements[1][2].
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. Your application will be reviewed by Rhode Island’s Disability Determination Services[2][3].
TDI provides short-term wage replacement for people unable to work due to a non-work-related illness or injury. Benefits are based on your earnings and can last up to 30 weeks[5][6].
TDI benefits are based on your earnings in the highest quarter of your base period. As of 2024, the weekly benefit is 4.62% of those wages, with a minimum of $130 and a maximum of $1,070 per week[1][5].
Yes, Rhode Island offers housing assistance, emergency shelters, and rental assistance through various programs. You may also qualify for SNAP (food stamps) and General Public Assistance if you meet the income requirements[3].
Vocational rehabilitation helps people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment. Services include job training, counseling, and support. You must have a disability that is a barrier to employment and be able to benefit from the services[4].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
You can apply for Medicaid through the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) or HealthSource RI. You may also qualify for Medicaid if you receive SSI[3].
An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits. You can open an account through the national program or your state’s program[3].
Yes, you must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to the Social Security Administration and Rhode Island agencies promptly. Failure to report can result in penalties or loss of benefits[internal_links].
Yes, it is possible to be eligible for both SSDI and SSI if you meet the eligibility criteria for both programs. SSDI is based on work history, while SSI is based on limited income and resources[2].
