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Rhode Island • Learning
Rhode Islanders with dyscalculia—a learning disability affecting math skills—can qualify for federal benefits like SSI and SSDI if they meet Social Security’s disability criteria. Rhode Island also offers Medicaid supports, vocational rehabilitation, and other state programs for people with disabilities, though no program exclusively targets dyscalculia. This guide explains how to apply, what’s available, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your dyscalculia must be severe enough to prevent "substantial gainful activity" (earning more than a certain amount per month). The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at medical, school, and work records to decide if your learning disability meets their definition—usually this means significant difficulty with daily tasks and employment, often shown by testing, therapy records, and work history. Children with severe learning disabilities may qualify for SSI if their family’s income and assets are low. SSDI requires enough work credits from past jobs and payroll taxes. Most people with just dyscalculia do not qualify unless it is extremely severe and impacts major life activities. For details, see the Social Security Blue Book or talk to a local office[3][4].
Rhode Island follows federal SSI/SSDI rules for disability benefits, but also has state supports. Medicaid for Working People with Disabilities (Ticket to Work) offers full Medicaid coverage to working adults with disabilities, regardless of income or assets—this is a unique Rhode Island benefit[2]. The state’s Office of Rehabilitation Services provides vocational rehab, including job training and support, for people whose learning disability is a barrier to employment. Eligibility for vocational rehab requires that your impairment is a substantial barrier to work and that you can benefit from the services. Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) in Rhode Island does not cover learning disabilities—it is only for short-term, non-work-related illness or injury, not ongoing conditions like dyscalculia[1][5][6]. No Rhode Island program is specific to dyscalculia, but general disability supports are available.
Start by contacting your local Social Security office to apply for SSI or SSDI. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit the SSA website. For Rhode Island Medicaid, apply through HealthSource RI or the Department of Human Services. For vocational rehabilitation, contact the Rhode Island Office of Rehabilitation Services at 401-421-7005. Gather your medical, educational, and work records before applying, as these are needed to show how dyscalculia affects your daily life and ability to work[3][4][5].
Apply for Federal Benefits (SSI/SSDI):
Apply for Rhode Island Medicaid:
Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation Services:
Other Supports:
What Not to Do: Do not apply for Rhode Island Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) if you have dyscalculia, as it is not available for learning disabilities[1][6][8].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): A federal program in Rhode Island for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. SSI can provide monthly cash benefits for those who qualify, including children with severe disabilities and low family income[3][4].
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For adults who have worked and paid into Social Security and now have a disability that prevents work. SSDI is based on your work history, not income or assets[3]. You may be eligible for Medicare after two years on SSDI.
These federal programs do not have special rules for dyscalculia; eligibility is based on how much your condition affects your ability to work and perform daily activities. Most people with only dyscalculia do not qualify, but those with multiple impairments and significant functional limits may.
Rhode Island Ticket to Work Medicaid: This program offers full Medicaid to working adults (ages 16–64) with disabilities, regardless of income or assets—a unique benefit in Rhode Island[2]. There is no asset limit and no income limit for this group. You can work, save, and keep your health coverage.
Sherlock Plan: For those age 65 and older, this Medicaid program has higher income and asset limits than regular Medicaid[2].
Vocational Rehabilitation Services: The Rhode Island Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS) helps people with disabilities—including learning disabilities like dyscalculia—prepare for, find, and keep jobs. Services may include counseling, job training, and workplace accommodations[5]. Eligibility is based on your disability being a barrier to employment and your ability to benefit from services.
Other State Supports: Rhode Island offers housing help, food assistance (SNAP), and general public assistance for those who qualify. The Developmental Disabilities Council provides advocacy and may support initiatives for people with developmental and learning disabilities[4].
Rhode Island’s Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) does not cover learning disabilities—it is only for short-term, non-work-related illness or injury[1][6][8]. No Rhode Island program is specific to dyscalculia, but you may qualify for general disability programs if you meet federal or state criteria.
Rhode Island residents with a disability that began before age 26 may be eligible for an ABLE account. ABLE accounts let you save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility, and you can use the money for qualified disability expenses. Earnings in the account are not taxed. For more, see the Rhode Island ABLE account program and the national ABLE National Resource Center.
SSI has strict income and asset limits—individuals cannot have resources over $2,000 ($3,000 for couples) and income must be very low. SSDI has no asset limit, and income limits only apply if you are working (see the SSA website for current thresholds). Rhode Island Ticket to Work Medicaid for working adults with disabilities (ages 16–64) has no income or asset limits, making this a unique state benefit[2]. Sherlock Plan (65+) has an income cap of 250% of the Federal Poverty Level and an asset limit of $10,000 (individual) or $20,000 (couple)[2].
If you receive SSI, SSDI, or Rhode Island Medicaid benefits, you must report changes in income, resources, housing, or work status. Not reporting can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. For SSI and SSDI, report changes to your local Social Security Office; for Medicaid, report to the Department of Human Services. For help, see our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Rhode Island’s Ticket to Work Medicaid for working adults with disabilities (16–64) has no income or asset limits—unlike most states. This means you can work, save money, and still get full health coverage. You do not have to be on SSI or SSDI to qualify, but you must have a disability that meets federal criteria[2].
Most people with only dyscalculia do not qualify for SSI or SSDI, unless it is extremely severe and prevents any substantial work. You may qualify for Rhode Island Medicaid, vocational rehab, and other supports if you meet program rules. The process is complex; detailed records help your case[3][4][5].
SSI is for people with limited income/resources; SSDI is based on work history. Both require your disability to prevent work, but neither program has special rules for learning disabilities. See our SSI vs SSDI guide for more[3][4].
Yes, Rhode Island’s Ticket to Work Medicaid covers working adults with disabilities, with no income or asset limits. You must be ages 16–64 and have a disability that qualifies for SSI or SSDI, even if you do not receive those benefits[2].
Apply through the Rhode Island Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS)—call 401-421-7005 or download the form online. ORS will review your disability and see if you qualify for services to help you work[5].
No, TDI is only for short-term, non-work-related illness or injury, not learning disabilities[1][6][8].
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not legal or benefits advice. Program rules and eligibility can change. Always verify information with official agencies or a qualified professional.
You have the right to appeal. Many people are denied at first. Consider working with a disability advocate or lawyer, and gather more medical and school records to support your claim.
No, there are no Rhode Island programs just for learning disabilities. You can access general disability programs if you meet their criteria. Vocational rehab and Medicaid may offer the most support for people with learning disabilities[2][5].
If your disability started before age 26, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI. See our ABLE Accounts guide and the Rhode Island ABLE program for details.
Gather all medical, psychological, school, and work records. Keep notes on how dyscalculia affects your daily life and ability to work. Be ready to describe your challenges in detail.
Contact your local Social Security office for federal benefits, HealthSource RI or the Department of Human Services for Medicaid, and the Rhode Island Office of Rehabilitation Services for job supports. The Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council offers advocacy and resources[4][5].
