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Rhode Island • Chronic Illness
If you have heart disease in Rhode Island, you 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. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with heart disease, you must meet Social Security’s definition of disability. This means your condition must prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses strict medical criteria to decide if heart disease is severe enough. You may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if you have a work history and paid Social Security taxes. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require medical proof of your disability[1][2][8].
In Rhode Island, the Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews your medical records to decide if you meet federal disability standards. You must be a Rhode Island resident and provide detailed medical evidence of your heart disease. Rhode Island also offers Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) for short-term illness or injury not related to work. To qualify for TDI, you must have earned wages in Rhode Island and paid into the TDI fund. You must also have earned at least $18,000 in your base period or meet alternate criteria. TDI is not for long-term or permanent disabilities[4][5][6][7].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. You can use the funds for housing, education, transportation, and other qualified expenses. Rhode Island residents can open an ABLE account through the national ABLE program[2].
For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2025. For Medicaid, income limits vary based on household size and other factors. For TDI, you must have earned at least $18,000 in your base period or meet alternate criteria. Check with the Rhode Island Department of Human Services for current limits[2][4].
If you get too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and the Rhode Island Department of Human Services. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits accurate[1][2].
Contact the Rhode Island Office of Rehabilitation Services at 401-421-7005 for help with disability applications and vocational rehab.
Only use official phone numbers and websites when applying for benefits. The only TDI customer service number is (401)-462-8420.
Yes, heart disease can qualify for SSDI or SSI if it meets Social Security’s medical criteria. You must provide medical proof that your condition prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death[1][8].
Gather your medical records and apply for SSDI or SSI through Social Security. For short-term help, apply for TDI through the RI Department of Labor & Training. For food, housing, or Medicaid, contact the Rhode Island Department of Human Services[2][4][7].
TDI provides weekly payments to Rhode Island workers who miss work due to a non-work-related illness or injury, including heart disease. You must have earned wages and paid into the TDI fund. TDI is not for long-term or permanent disabilities[4][5][6][7].
If you get SSDI, you get Medicare after 24 months. If you get SSI, you get Medicaid right away. Both programs provide health coverage for people with disabilities[1][2].
Yes, there are work incentives for SSDI and SSI recipients. You can try to work without losing all your benefits. Contact Social Security or the Office of Rehabilitation Services for details[1][3].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
If your claim is denied, you have 60 days to appeal. You can request a face-to-face hearing. All applicants may be referred for vocational rehabilitation services[1][2].
Yes, the Rhode Island Department of Human Services offers food, housing, and Medicaid. The Office of Rehabilitation Services provides job training. The Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council offers support and advocacy[2][3].
You can contact local providers like Lift and Care Systems for durable medical equipment. They can help you find funding and equipment to improve your quality of life[3].
SSDI is for those who paid Social Security taxes and have a work history. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs provide monthly payments and health coverage[1][2].
Yes, it is possible to get both SSDI and SSI if you meet the eligibility requirements for both programs. This is called concurrent eligibility[1][2].
