Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Benefits in Rhode Island

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For people with OCD who have a work history and paid Social Security taxes. You must have a severe impairment that stops you from working for at least 12 months. Benefits are based on your past earnings.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For people with OCD who have limited income and resources. You must meet strict financial limits and have a severe disability. SSI is for adults and children.
• Both programs require medical proof that OCD prevents you from doing substantial work. The Social Security Administration uses specific criteria to decide if your OCD is disabling.

Citations: [3], [6], [9]

• Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): Rhode Island workers with OCD who cannot work due to their condition may qualify for TDI if they meet wage and payroll deduction requirements. You must have earned at least $16,800 in your base period, or meet alternative criteria. Benefits are paid weekly for up to 30 weeks.
• Medicaid Buy-In (Ticket to Work): People with OCD who work and are ages 16–64 can get Medicaid with no income or asset limits. This helps cover medical costs while working.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services: If OCD is a barrier to employment, you may qualify for services to help you prepare for, get, or keep a job.

Citations: [1], [2], [5]

• Federal (SSI/SSDI): Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or apply online at ssa.gov.
• State (TDI): Apply through your employer or the RI Department of Labor and Training.
• Medicaid Buy-In: Apply through the RI Department of Human Services.
• Vocational Rehab: Download an application from the Office of Rehabilitation Services website or call 401-421-7005.

Citations: [4], [5], [6]

• Step 1: Gather medical records. Get documentation from your doctor or mental health provider showing how OCD affects your ability to work.
• Step 2: Apply for federal benefits. Use the SSA online portal, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit a local Social Security office. You can apply for both SSI and SSDI at the same time.
• Step 3: Apply for state benefits. For TDI, submit your claim through your employer or the RI Department of Labor and Training. For Medicaid Buy-In, apply through the RI Department of Human Services.
• Step 4: Apply for vocational rehab. Download the ORS application, complete the Release of Information form, and submit it to the Office of Rehabilitation Services.
• Step 5: Follow up. Keep copies of all applications and respond to any requests for more information.

Citations: [4], [5], [6]

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments based on your work history. You may also qualify for Medicare after 24 months.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources. You may also qualify for Medicaid.
• Both programs offer work incentives to help you return to work if possible.

Citations: [3], [6], [9]

• Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): Weekly payments for up to 30 weeks if you cannot work due to OCD. Benefits are based on your earnings and range from $130 to $1,070 per week.
• Medicaid Buy-In (Ticket to Work): Full Medicaid coverage for working people with disabilities, ages 16–64, with no income or asset limits.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Help with job training, counseling, and support to prepare for, get, or keep employment.
• General Assistance: Cash aid for people with disabilities who do not qualify for other programs.

Citations: [1], [2], [4], [5]

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Rhode Island residents with OCD can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. Contributions do not count as income for SSI or Medicaid. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one.

Citations: [4]

For SSI, strict income and resource limits apply. For SSDI, there are no income limits, but you must not be doing substantial work. Rhode Island's Medicaid Buy-In for working people with disabilities has no income or asset limits. TDI requires a minimum base period wage of $16,800 or alternative criteria.

Citations: [2], [4]

If your income or work status changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. This is true for SSI, SSDI, and state programs. Report changes promptly to avoid penalties or loss of benefits. Learn more about how to report changes and avoid overpayments.

Citations: [4]

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday

  Website

  For federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI)
• Rhode Island Office of Rehabilitation Services
  Phone: 401-421-7005

  TTY: 401-421-7016

  Website

  For state disability determination and vocational rehab
• Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
  Phone: 401-462-8100

  Website

  For Temporary Disability Insurance

• Can I get disability benefits for OCD in Rhode Island?

  Yes, if your OCD is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You may also qualify for state programs like Medicaid Buy-In or Temporary Disability Insurance.

• How do I apply for disability benefits for OCD?

  Apply for SSI or SSDI through the Social Security Administration. For state programs, apply through the RI Department of Human Services or the Office of Rehabilitation Services. You will need medical documentation.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI for OCD?

  SSI is for people with limited income and resources. SSDI is for people with a work history who paid Social Security taxes. Both require medical proof that OCD prevents you from working.

• Can I work and still get disability benefits for OCD?

  Yes, Rhode Island's Medicaid Buy-In has no income or asset limits for working people with disabilities. SSDI also has work incentives to help you return to work.

• How much money can I get from disability for OCD?

  SSDI payments depend on your past earnings. SSI payments are fixed and based on federal limits. TDI pays up to $1,070 per week for up to 30 weeks.

• What medical proof do I need for OCD disability?

  You need documentation from your doctor or mental health provider showing how OCD affects your ability to work. This may include treatment records, therapy notes, and functional assessments.