Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Benefits in Rhode Island

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): For people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. PTSD can qualify if it severely limits your ability to work and you meet financial limits. You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen and live in the U.S.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to a disability. PTSD can qualify if it meets Social Security’s definition of disability and you have enough work credits.
• Medicaid: If you qualify for SSI, you may also get Medicaid for health coverage. Medicaid can also cover mental health services for people with PTSD.

For more details, see the SSI vs SSDI guide and the Medicaid vs Medicare guide.

• Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): Rhode Island’s TDI program provides partial wage replacement for workers who cannot work due to a non-work-related illness or injury, including mental health conditions like PTSD. To qualify, you must have earned at least $18,000 in the base period (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before your claim) or meet alternate earnings requirements. You must also be medically certified as unable to work for at least 7 consecutive days.
• Medicaid Waivers: Rhode Island offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including mental health conditions. These waivers can help pay for services not covered by regular Medicaid, such as home care or therapy.
• ABLE Accounts: People with disabilities, including PTSD, may open an ABLE account to save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid.

For more details, see the Medicaid Waivers guide and the ABLE Accounts guide.

• Step 1: Gather medical records that document your PTSD diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work.
• Step 2: Apply for federal benefits (SSI/SSDI) online at the Social Security Administration website.
• Step 3: Apply for Rhode Island TDI benefits through the Department of Labor and Training.
• Step 4: If you need Medicaid, apply through the Rhode Island Department of Human Services.
• Step 5: Contact local agencies for help with applications and support.

• Step 1: Get Medical Documentation

  • Visit a doctor or mental health professional to get a diagnosis and documentation of your PTSD.
  • Ask for a letter or report that explains how PTSD affects your ability to work.

• Step 2: Apply for Federal Benefits

  • Go to the Social Security Administration website and apply for SSI or SSDI.
  • You will need to provide personal information, work history, and medical records.
  • The SSA will review your application and may ask for more information.

• Step 3: Apply for Rhode Island TDI

  • Visit the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training website.
  • File an application online or request a paper application by calling (401) 462-8420.
  • Submit medical documentation with your application.
  • The DLT will review your application and notify you of your eligibility.

• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid

  • Go to the Rhode Island Department of Human Services website.
  • Apply for Medicaid and indicate that you have a disability.
  • You may be asked to provide proof of income and disability.

• Step 5: Seek Local Support

  • Contact local agencies, such as the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals, for help with applications and support services.
  • Ask about Medicaid waivers and other programs for people with disabilities.

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides monthly cash payments to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Provides monthly cash payments to people with disabilities who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities, including mental health services.
• Medicare: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities after they receive SSDI for 24 months.

For more details, see the SSI vs SSDI guide and the Medicaid vs Medicare guide.

• Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): Provides up to 30 weeks of partial wage replacement for workers who cannot work due to a non-work-related illness or injury, including mental health conditions like PTSD. The maximum weekly benefit in 2025 is $1,070. Benefits are not subject to federal or state income taxes.
• Medicaid Waivers: Rhode Island offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including mental health conditions. These waivers can help pay for services not covered by regular Medicaid, such as home care, therapy, and support services.
• ABLE Accounts: People with disabilities, including PTSD, may open an ABLE account to save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid.

For more details, see the Medicaid Waivers guide and the ABLE Accounts guide.

An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, and health care. To open an ABLE account in Rhode Island, visit the official ABLE website or contact your local disability agency.

Federal programs like SSI have strict income and resource limits. For SSI, the 2025 federal benefit rate is $943 per month for an individual. State programs like TDI have their own income requirements, such as earning at least $18,000 in the base period. Always report changes in income to avoid overpayments.

If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you may have to repay the overpayment. Report any changes in income, work status, or living situation to the Social Security Administration and Rhode Island agencies. For more details, see the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.

• Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
  Phone: (401) 462-8420

  Website

  For TDI/TCI benefits and applications.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI benefits and applications.
• Rhode Island Department of Human Services
  Phone: (401) 462-4444

  Website

  For Medicaid benefits and applications.

• Can PTSD qualify for disability benefits in Rhode Island?

  Yes, PTSD can qualify for federal SSI/SSDI and Rhode Island TDI if it severely limits your ability to work. You must provide medical documentation to prove your disability.

• How much can I get from Rhode Island TDI for PTSD?

  The maximum weekly benefit for Rhode Island TDI in 2025 is $1,070 for up to 30 weeks. The actual amount depends on your earnings in the base period.

• Do I need to be unemployed to get TDI for PTSD?

  Yes, you must be medically certified as unable to work for at least 7 consecutive days due to PTSD to qualify for TDI benefits.

• Can I get both SSI and TDI for PTSD?

  Yes, you can receive both SSI and TDI for PTSD. TDI is not counted as income for SSI, so it does not affect your SSI eligibility.

• What medical records do I need for a disability claim?

  You need a diagnosis from a doctor or mental health professional, treatment records, and a report explaining how PTSD affects your ability to work.

• How long does it take to get TDI benefits for PTSD?

  The processing time for TDI benefits varies, but it usually takes a few weeks after you submit your application and medical documentation.

• Can I work while getting TDI for PTSD?

  No, you must be unable to work due to PTSD to receive TDI benefits. If you return to work, your benefits will stop.