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Rhode Island • Rare/Genetic
People with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in Rhode Island can access federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and vocational rehabilitation. Eligibility depends on medical evidence, income, and work history. Rhode Island also offers unique programs like Ticket to Work and Temporary Disability Insurance.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Rhode Island, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a qualifying work history and a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must be severe enough to prevent substantial work. Both programs require medical evidence showing how Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome limits your ability to work. If approved, SSDI provides monthly payments based on your work history, and SSI provides payments based on financial need. Both programs may also provide access to health coverage (Medicare after 24 months for SSDI, Medicaid for SSI) [3].
In Rhode Island, eligibility for disability benefits depends on both federal and state criteria. For Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), 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 specific conditions, such as earning at least $2,800 in one quarter and having total base period wages of at least $5,600. You must also be unemployed for at least seven consecutive days due to a non-work-related illness or injury. For Medicaid, Rhode Island’s Ticket to Work program has no income or asset limits for people aged 16–64, making it easier to qualify for medical coverage while working. The Sherlock Plan is available for those aged 65 and older, with income and asset limits. Vocational Rehabilitation Services are available to those whose disability is a substantial barrier to employment and who can benefit from services to prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment [1][2][5].
ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid. In Rhode Island, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses, such as medical care, education, and housing. Contributions are tax-advantaged, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free. For more information, visit the ABLE National Resource Center or the Rhode Island ABLE program website.
For SSI, federal income limits apply, and Rhode Island does not have additional state income limits for SSI. For Medicaid, the Ticket to Work program has no income or asset limits for those aged 16–64. The Sherlock Plan has income limits of 250% of the Federal Poverty Level and asset limits of $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for couples. For Temporary Disability Insurance, eligibility is based on earnings in the base period, not income limits.
If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you may have to repay the overpayment. Report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to the Social Security Administration and the Rhode Island Department of Human Services as soon as possible. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties. For more information, see the guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes.
Contact the Rhode Island Office of Rehabilitation Services for help with disability applications and vocational rehabilitation services. They can guide you through the process and connect you with resources.
Yes, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can qualify for disability benefits if it causes significant limitations that prevent you from working. You must provide medical evidence showing how the condition affects your ability to work and meet the eligibility criteria for SSI, SSDI, or state programs.
SSI is for those with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those with a qualifying work history. Both programs require medical evidence of disability. SSI provides payments based on financial need, while SSDI payments are based on your work history.
You can apply for Temporary Disability Insurance online through the RI Department of Labor and Training or request a paper application by calling 401-462-8420. You must provide proof of wages and medical documentation showing you are unable to work due to a non-work-related illness or injury.
Rhode Island offers Medicaid through the Ticket to Work program (ages 16–64, no income or asset limits) and the Sherlock Plan (ages 65+, income and asset limits). Both programs provide full Medicaid benefits and long-term services for people with disabilities.
Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits in Rhode Island. The Ticket to Work program allows you to earn and save more money without losing Medicaid eligibility. SSDI and SSI also have work incentives that allow you to test your ability to work without losing benefits.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about disability benefits in Rhode Island. Eligibility and benefit amounts may vary based on individual circumstances. Always consult official sources or a benefits counselor for personalized advice.
As of 2024, the maximum weekly payment for Temporary Disability Insurance in Rhode Island is $1,070. The minimum weekly payment is $130. Payments are based on your earnings in the highest quarter of your base period.
You can receive Temporary Disability Insurance benefits for up to 30 weeks in Rhode Island. Benefits are for non-work-related illnesses or injuries that prevent you from working.
For the Ticket to Work program (ages 16–64), there is no income limit for Medicaid in Rhode Island. For the Sherlock Plan (ages 65+), the income limit is 250% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Yes, you can get help with durable medical equipment through vocational rehabilitation services or by contacting organizations like Lift and Care Systems. They can help you find the right equipment and assist with funding.
If your disability benefits are stopped, you have the right to appeal. Contact the Social Security Administration or the Rhode Island Department of Human Services to file an appeal. You may also be referred for vocational rehabilitation services.
