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Rhode Island • Physical/Mobility
People with Spina Bifida in Rhode Island can access federal and state benefits for income, healthcare, and support services. Key programs include SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Temporary Disability Insurance, and vocational rehabilitation. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and medical need.
People with Spina Bifida may qualify for federal disability benefits if their condition limits their ability to work. The two main programs are 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 people with limited income and resources. Both programs require a medical review to confirm disability status. You can apply for both at the same time if you meet the rules for each.
Both programs have strict rules about what counts as disability and how much you can earn or own. You must report changes in your situation to avoid overpayments.
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In Rhode Island, people with Spina Bifida may also qualify for state-specific programs. The Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) program offers short-term wage replacement for those unable to work due to 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, or meet alternate criteria if you earned less. You must be out of work for at least seven days.
Rhode Island also offers Medicaid programs for working people with disabilities, such as the Ticket to Work program. This program has no income or asset limits for those ages 16–64, making it easier to keep benefits while working. The Sherlock Plan is for those 65 and older, with higher income and asset limits.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services help people with disabilities prepare for, get, or keep a job. Eligibility is based on having a substantial barrier to employment and needing services to help with work.
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ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and transportation. Rhode Island residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s program. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits, but the money grows tax-free.
Learn more about ABLE Accounts
For SSI, the federal income limit is $943/month for an individual in 2024. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not earn more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) amount ($1,550/month in 2024). For Medicaid, Rhode Island’s Ticket to Work program has no income or asset limits for those ages 16–64. The Sherlock Plan has a 250% Federal Poverty Level income limit and $10,000/$20,000 asset limit for individuals/couples.
You must report changes in your income, assets, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to benefit cuts or legal action. Report changes as soon as possible to SSA, Medicaid, and other agencies. Keep records of all reports and communications.
Contact your local Social Security office or the RI Office of Rehabilitation Services for help with applications. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 for federal benefits or 401-421-7005 for state services.
You may qualify for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Medicare. SSI is for those with low income and few assets. SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both require a medical review to confirm disability status.
Yes, Rhode Island offers Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) for short-term wage replacement. You must have paid into the fund and earned at least $16,800 in your base period, or meet alternate criteria.
Apply for Medicaid through Rhode Island’s HealthSourceRI portal. You can do this online or with help from a navigator. The Ticket to Work program has no income or asset limits for those ages 16–64.
Yes, Rhode Island’s Ticket to Work program lets you work and keep Medicaid benefits. There are no income or asset limits for those ages 16–64. SSDI and SSI also have work incentives.
The federal SSI income limit is $943/month for an individual in 2024. This is the same in all states. You must also have few assets to qualify.
For the Ticket to Work program, there is no income limit for those ages 16–64. For the Sherlock Plan (ages 65+), the limit is 250% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses. Rhode Island residents can open an account through the state’s program.
Yes, you must report changes in your income, assets, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to benefit cuts or legal action. Report changes as soon as possible to SSA, Medicaid, and other agencies.
Vocational Rehabilitation helps people with disabilities prepare for, get, or keep a job. Services include job training, counseling, and support. Eligibility is based on medical need and employment barriers.
Yes, Vocational Rehabilitation and Medicaid may help pay for durable medical equipment. You can also contact local agencies for funding and support.
