If you’re a Hawaii resident who is disabled and can’t work you may be able to get help paying for your living expenses from disability benefits. Social Security disability benefits in Hawaii are available to people who have worked before but are now disabled.
You may also qualify for Social Security disability benefits if you have been disabled since childhood and can’t work.
When you apply for Social Security disability benefits in Hawaii you will need to submit a completed application that includes medical documentation that shows you won’t be able to work for at least a year.
If your application for disability benefits in Hawaii is approved you can use the money you receive to pay for any of your living expenses like rent or mortgage, food, utilities, or medical care.
Understanding The Definition Of Disability In Hawaii
The definition of disability in Hawaii is a physical or mental impairment that prevents an individual from performing their regular or customary work.
This is in line with the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability which states that: a disability is a physical or mental condition that you expect to last at least a year and makes it impossible for you to engage in substantial gainful activity. Substantial gainful activity just means work that you can get paid for.
If the state of Hawaii finds that you are disabled you may also qualify for other benefits like housing assistance, WIC, or SNAP, to help with utility bills or reduced-cost medical care.
What Disabling Conditions Qualify In Hawaii?
The Social Security Administration has a list of more than 200 physical and mental health conditions that qualify someone to receive Social Security disability benefits in Hawaii. All of the conditions that the SSA considers disabling are listed in a book called the Blue Book, which you can search through on the SSA’s website.
You can search the Blue Book on the SSA’s website, or you can visit your local SSA office to find out if the medical condition you have is recognized by the Social Security Administration.
When you submit your application packet for disability benefits you will need to include as much medical proof as you can that your condition meets all of the requirements listed in the Blue Book.
To qualify for disability benefits in Hawaii you also need to have earned work credits. You can earn up to 4 credits per year. The number of work credits you will need to qualify for disability benefits in Hawaii depends on your age and how many years you worked.
Types of Disability Benefits Available in Hawaii
The SSA runs two different types of disability benefit programs: SSDI and SSI. The type of benefit that you qualify for depends on whether or not you have been able to work in the past.
Hawaii Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
You can apply for SSDI if you have worked in the past and earned work credits. SSDI is a benefit program for people who were able to work but now have a medical condition that makes it impossible for them to work. When you were working you paid into this program through deductions in your paycheck.
If you now have a condition that is listed in the Blue Book and you can’t work you can apply for SSDI. You will need to show medical proof that your condition is expected to last at least a year and that you meet the requirements in the Blue Book for the condition that you have.
If you have worked in the past you should apply for SSDI. Social Security disability insurance is a program for workers who can’t work anymore. When you worked you paid into the Social Security disability benefits system through deductions to your paycheck.
If you are approved for SSDI in Hawaii, you will receive a monthly benefit to help you pay for living expenses. The average monthly SSDI payment in Hawaii in 2024 is $1388.96
Hawaii Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is different from SSDI. SSI is a disability benefit paid to people who have never been able to work because of a disability. If you have been disabled since you were a child so you have never worked and won’t be able to work in the future you can apply for SSI.
If you’re a parent who has a disabled or terminally sick child, you may apply for SSI for your child. Parents who are low-income or can’t work because they must take care of their sick child can apply for SSI for the child’s expenses. If your application is approved, you will need to turn in documentation every month showing that the money was spent only on the child’s expenses.
You will also have to show that your total household income is below the income cap set by the SSA. To prove your income is below the cap you will need to submit W-2s, tax returns, or other financial documents that show your total income.
State of Hawaii Disability Programs
Hawaii is one of a handful of states that has a state-sponsored short-term disability program. Usually, there is a 30-day waiting period for coverage. And, if you become disabled, you can apply for benefits starting the 8th day after you become disabled.
The state does not offer long-term disability benefits. But, if your previous employer offered long-term disability coverage and you opted into that, you can receive both long-term disability benefits and SSDI.
The total combined amount of long-term disability benefits and Social Security disability benefits can’t be more than you were previously getting paid. If you have both long-term disability benefits and SSDI your SSDI will be reduced in whatever amount is necessary to bring your total benefit under your previous salary.
Find A Disability Lawyer In Hawaii
It’s often recommended that anyone applying for disability benefits in Hawaii work with a disability lawyer. A Hawaii disability lawyer can be a great resource to help you through the process of applying for disability benefits. A disability attorney in Hawaii can help you:
- Evaluate Your Case
- Gather Medical Evidence
- Prepare and File Your Application
- Navigate Complex Regulations.
- Represent You at Hearings
- Communicate with SSA for you
- Challenge Denial
- Ensure Accurate Documentation
- Advise on Work History and Eligibility
You will never have to spend money upfront to talk with a Hawaii disability lawyer. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation now to get connected with a Hawaii disability attorney who can answer your questions and give you advice.
How Much Disability Can You Receive in Hawaii?
If the application for Social Security disability benefits in Hawaii is approved you could receive the maximum disability benefit payment of $3,822 a month from the Social Security Administration. If you are approved for SSI the maximum SSI benefit is $943 for one person, and $1,415 a month if you are married to someone that also receives SSI.
To find out what your Social Security benefit payment could be use our disability benefit calculator. Then, reach out to a Hawaii Social Security lawyer who can help you start your application.
