Open a Purple account in minutes. Banking built for people with disabilities.
Rhode Island • Physical/Mobility
People with Muscular Dystrophy in Rhode Island can access federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and vocational rehabilitation. These programs help cover medical costs, provide income support, and support employment.
People with Muscular Dystrophy in Rhode Island may qualify for federal disability programs like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for those with limited income and resources. Both programs require a medical determination of disability from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Eligibility is based on medical evidence, work history, and financial need. You can be eligible for both SSDI and SSI at the same time if you meet the criteria for each program[3].
Rhode Island has several state-specific programs for people with disabilities. The Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) program provides short-term wage replacement for non-work-related illness or injury. 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 certain conditions, such as earning at least $2,800 in one quarter and having total base period wages of at least $5,600[1]. Rhode Island also offers Medicaid programs for working people with disabilities, such as the Ticket to Work program, which has no income or asset limits for those aged 16-64[2]. Vocational Rehabilitation Services are available to help people with disabilities prepare for and maintain employment[5].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. Rhode Island residents can open an ABLE account to save for qualified disability expenses[4].
SSI has strict income and resource limits. SSDI has no income limit but requires a work history. Rhode Island's Ticket to Work Medicaid program has no income or asset limits for working people with disabilities[2].
It is important to report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Failure to report changes can result in loss of benefits or repayment of overpayments[4].
Contact the Rhode Island Office of Rehabilitation Services for help with vocational rehabilitation and the Social Security Administration for help with SSI and SSDI applications.
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs provide financial support for people with disabilities[3].
You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. For state programs like TDI, apply through the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training[6].
You need medical records that show your disability and how it affects your ability to work. The Social Security Administration will review your medical evidence to determine eligibility[3].
Yes, there are work incentives for SSI and SSDI recipients. Rhode Island's Ticket to Work program allows people with disabilities to work and keep their Medicaid benefits[2].
TDI provides short-term wage replacement for non-work-related illness or injury. Benefits are based on earnings in the highest quarter of the base period, with a minimum of $130 and a maximum of $1,070 per week[1].
Contact the Rhode Island Office of Rehabilitation Services to apply for vocational rehabilitation. You will need to complete an application and a Release of Information form[5].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized assistance.
An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. Rhode Island residents can open an ABLE account for qualified disability expenses[4].
Rhode Island offers Medicaid programs for working people with disabilities, such as the Ticket to Work program for ages 16-64 and the Sherlock Plan for ages 65 and older. These programs provide full Medicaid benefits and long-term services and supports[2].
Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to the Social Security Administration and the Rhode Island Department of Human Services to avoid overpayments and loss of benefits[4].
Yes, you can receive both SSI and SSDI if you meet the eligibility criteria for each program. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes[3].
