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Rhode Island • Chronic Illness
If you have kidney disease in Rhode Island, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and state-specific programs like Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI). Each program has different eligibility rules and application steps.
People with kidney disease in Rhode Island may qualify for federal disability programs if their condition prevents them from working. The two main programs are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, including those who have never worked. Both programs require a medical review to confirm your disability. Eligibility is based on your work history, income, and how your kidney disease affects your ability to work [2].
Rhode Island offers Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) for people who cannot work due to a non-work-related illness or injury, including kidney disease. 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 meet all of these conditions: earned at least $2,800 in one quarter, total base period wages are at least 1.5 times your highest quarter, and total base period wages are at least $5,600. You must also be unemployed for at least seven consecutive days due to your illness or injury [1].
Start by checking if you qualify for federal programs like SSDI or SSI. Apply online at the Social Security Administration website. For state benefits like TDI, apply through the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training. Gather your medical records and work history before you apply.
Federal programs for people with kidney disease include:
Rhode Island offers several programs for people with kidney disease:
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for benefits like SSI or Medicaid. Rhode Island residents with kidney disease may qualify if their disability started before age 26. ABLE accounts can be used for expenses like housing, education, and health care [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].
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 able to do substantial gainful activity. For Medicaid, income limits depend on your household size and other factors [2][3].
If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Report any changes in your income, living situation, or health to the Social Security Administration or Rhode Island Department of Human Services. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits accurate [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
Contact the Rhode Island Disability Determination Services at 401-421-7005 for help with your application. You can also call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
Yes, if your kidney disease prevents you from working, you may qualify for SSDI, SSI, or state programs like TDI. Each program has different rules, so check your eligibility carefully.
You can apply online at the Social Security Administration website, by phone, or in person at a local office. You will need medical records and proof of income.
TDI provides short-term wage replacement for people who cannot work due to a non-work-related illness or injury, including kidney disease. Benefits are paid weekly and can last up to 30 weeks.
Yes, if you have low income and resources, you may qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid covers health care for people with disabilities, including kidney disease.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for benefits. Rhode Island residents with kidney disease may qualify if their disability started before age 26.
The amount depends on the program. SSDI and SSI payments vary based on your work history and income. TDI pays up to $1,070 per week in 2024.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Yes, report any changes in your income, living situation, or health to avoid overpayments and keep your benefits accurate.
Yes, some programs allow you to work and still get benefits. Check the work incentives for SSDI and SSI to see how much you can earn.
You can appeal the decision. Ask for a review and provide more medical evidence if needed. You may also get help from a disability advocate.
Yes, Rhode Island offers SNAP for food assistance and other programs for housing and health care for people with disabilities.
