Mobility Impairment Benefits in Rhode Island

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): For people with limited income and resources who are aged, blind, or disabled. You must meet strict income and asset limits. SSI pays a monthly cash benefit and provides Medicaid coverage right away.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. You must have a qualifying disability and enough work credits. SSDI pays a monthly benefit and you get Medicare after 24 months.
• Both programs require a medical determination of disability. You can apply for both at the same time if you qualify.
• For more details, see the SSA Disability page (accessed 2025-11-06).

If you have a mobility impairment, you may qualify for these programs if your condition prevents you from working and meets SSA’s definition of disability.

• Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): Rhode Island workers can get TDI if they cannot work due to a non-work-related illness or injury, including mobility impairment. You must have earned at least $16,800 in your base period (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before your claim) or meet alternate criteria. Benefits are paid weekly for up to 30 weeks.
• Medicaid for Working People with Disabilities (Ticket to Work): Rhode Island expanded Medicaid for people with disabilities who work. There are no income or asset limits for those ages 16–64. You get full Medicaid benefits and can keep working.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services: If your mobility impairment is a barrier to employment, you may qualify for job training and support services.
• For more, see the RI DLT TDI page (accessed 2025-11-06) and RI Medicaid Programs for Working People with Disabilities (accessed 2025-11-06).

• Check if you meet federal (SSI/SSDI) or state (TDI, Medicaid) eligibility.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply online or by phone for SSI/SSDI at SSA.gov.
• Apply for TDI through the RI DLT website.
• Apply for Medicaid for Working People with Disabilities through the RI Department of Human Services.
• Contact Vocational Rehabilitation Services for job support.

• Step 1: Get Medical Documentation. Ask your doctor for records that show your mobility impairment and how it affects your ability to work.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI/SSDI. Go to SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. You can apply online or in person. The Social Security Administration will review your medical and work history.
• Step 3: Apply for TDI. If you need short-term wage replacement, apply for Temporary Disability Insurance through the RI DLT website. You must have paid into the TDI fund and meet earnings requirements.
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid. If you work and have a disability, apply for the Ticket to Work Medicaid program through the RI Department of Human Services. There are no income or asset limits for ages 16–64.
• Step 5: Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation. If you want help with job training or employment, apply through the Office of Rehabilitation Services. You must have a substantial barrier to employment.
• Step 6: Report Changes. If your income, work status, or medical condition changes, report it to the agencies to avoid overpayments.

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with limited income and resources who are aged, blind, or disabled. Provides Medicaid coverage.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. Provides Medicare after 24 months.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people with disabilities who get SSDI.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and disabilities. SSI recipients get Medicaid right away.
• For more, see SSA.gov (accessed 2025-11-06).

• Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): Weekly payments for up to 30 weeks if you cannot work due to a non-work-related illness or injury, including mobility impairment. Funded by employee payroll deductions.
• Medicaid for Working People with Disabilities (Ticket to Work): Full Medicaid benefits for people ages 16–64 with disabilities who work. No income or asset limits.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Job training, counseling, and support for people with disabilities who want to work.
• General Public Assistance: Cash aid for people with disabilities who do not qualify for other programs.
• For more, see RI DLT TDI (accessed 2025-11-06) and RI Medicaid Programs for Working People with Disabilities (accessed 2025-11-06).

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Rhode Island residents can open an ABLE account through the national ABLE program. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and more. For more, see the ABLE National Resource Center.

Federal programs like SSI have strict income and asset limits. SSDI has no income limit but requires work credits. Rhode Island’s Medicaid for Working People with Disabilities (Ticket to Work) has no income or asset limits for ages 16–64. TDI has earnings requirements but no asset limits.

If your income, work status, or medical condition changes, you must report it to the agency that pays your benefits. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. For more, see Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Mon-Fri

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI applications and questions.
• RI Department of Labor and Training
  Phone: 401-462-8420

  Website

  For TDI applications and questions.
• RI Office of Rehabilitation Services
  Phone: 401-421-7005

  TTY: 401-421-7016

  Website

  For vocational rehab and disability determination.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?

  SSI is for people with limited income and resources. SSDI is for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both provide monthly payments and health coverage, but eligibility rules are different.

• Can I work and still get disability benefits in Rhode Island?

  Yes. Rhode Island’s Medicaid for Working People with Disabilities (Ticket to Work) has no income or asset limits for ages 16–64. You can work and keep your Medicaid benefits.

• How do I apply for Temporary Disability Insurance in Rhode Island?

  You can apply online at the RI DLT website or by phone. You must have paid into the TDI fund and meet earnings requirements. Benefits are paid weekly for up to 30 weeks.

• What medical documentation do I need for disability benefits?

  You need records from your doctor that show your mobility impairment and how it affects your ability to work. The agency will review your medical history and may ask for more information.

• Can I get help with job training if I have a mobility impairment?

  Yes. Rhode Island’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services offers job training, counseling, and support for people with disabilities who want to work.

• What is an ABLE account and how can it help me?

  An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and more.