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Rhode Island • Sensory
People with deaf-blindness in Rhode Island can access federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and vocational rehabilitation. Eligibility depends on income, resources, and medical criteria. State programs also offer housing, equipment, and employment support.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with deaf-blindness, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. For SSDI, you need a work history and enough Social Security credits. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. Both programs require medical proof that your condition prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Deaf-blindness is recognized as a qualifying disability if it meets SSA’s criteria for vision and hearing loss combined.
You can be eligible for both SSDI and SSI at the same time if you meet both sets of rules.
Source: Social Security Administration Disability Programs
In Rhode Island, eligibility for disability benefits depends on both federal and state rules. For state programs like Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), you must have earned at least $18,000 in your base period or meet alternate criteria (such as earning $3,000 in one quarter and $6,000 total, with total wages at least 1.5 times your highest quarter). You must also be out of work for at least 7 days due to a non-work-related illness or injury.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services require a physical, intellectual, or emotional impairment that is a barrier to employment, and you must need and benefit from services to get or keep a job. Deaf-blindness is considered a qualifying impairment.
Rhode Island also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with daily living and employment support for people with deaf-blindness.
Source: Social Security Administration
Source: Social Security Administration
Source: Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. Rhode Island residents with deaf-blindness can open an ABLE account to save for qualified disability expenses. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed. The account can be used for education, housing, transportation, and personal support services.
Source: ABLE National Resource Center
For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2024. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not be able to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA), which is $1,550 per month in 2024. For Medicaid, income limits vary based on household size and program. Rhode Island’s TDI program requires at least $18,000 in base period earnings or meeting alternate criteria.
Source: Social Security Administration
Source: Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you must report it and may have to repay the overpayment. Report changes in income, resources, living situation, or medical condition to the SSA and state agencies promptly. Failure to report can result in penalties or loss of benefits. Keep records of all communications and payments.
Contact the Rhode Island Office of Rehabilitation Services at 401-421-7005 for help with applications and support.
People with deaf-blindness in Rhode Island can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both programs provide monthly payments if you meet the medical and financial criteria. Medicaid and Medicare are also available for health coverage.
Apply for federal benefits (SSI/SSDI) online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. For state benefits, apply through the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training or the Office of Rehabilitation Services. Gather medical records and proof of income before applying.
TDI provides up to 30 weeks of benefits for people who cannot work due to a non-work-related illness or injury. Weekly benefits range from $130 to $1,070, based on your earnings. You must have earned at least $18,000 in your base period or meet alternate criteria.
Yes, Rhode Island offers assistance with durable medical equipment (DME) for people with disabilities. Vocational Rehabilitation Services and local agencies can help you find and fund equipment to improve independence and quality of life.
Vocational rehabilitation helps people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment. Services include job training, counseling, and support. You must have a qualifying impairment and need services to benefit from the program.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify eligibility and requirements with official agencies.
Yes, Rhode Island offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services. These waivers can help with daily living, employment support, and other needs for people with deaf-blindness.
Report changes in income, resources, living situation, or medical condition to the SSA and state agencies promptly. Failure to report can result in penalties or loss of benefits. Keep records of all communications and payments.
Yes, there are work incentives for people with disabilities. You can work and still receive benefits, but there are limits on how much you can earn. Report all work activity to the SSA and state agencies.
An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed. The account can be used for education, housing, transportation, and personal support services.
Rhode Island offers programs for affordable housing, emergency shelters, and rental assistance. The Consolidated Homeless Fund provides grants to local agencies. Contact the Rhode Island Department of Human Services for more information.
