How Much Are Disability Benefits in Hawaii?
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If you live in Hawaii and are currently unable to work because of an injury or medical condition, you have three options for getting government disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which are federal benefits, and Hawaii Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), which is a state program.
Each of these programs has different criteria and pays recipients a different amount of money per month. If you’re approved for one of them, the exact amount you can expect to receive depends on several factors, including your work history, income, and resources. Here’s what to know about how much you can get for Social Security disability in Hawaii.
How much are Social Security disability benefits in Hawaii?
In 2024, the maximum SSDI payment you can receive per month is $3,822, though the average payout in Hawaii is $1,772. For SSI, the maximum amount is $943 per month, while the average amount paid out in Hawaii is $580.
How is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) calculated in Hawaii?
If you have applied for disability in Hawaii and your application has been approved, the SSA will calculate the specific payment amount you’ll receive by using these two metrics:
Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME)
Primary Insurance Amount (PIA)
To calculate SSDI benefits, the SSA starts with your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME), which reflects your earnings over the years, adjusted for inflation. This step ensures that changes in the cost of living are included in the SSA’s calculations. Next, they determine your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) by dividing your AIME into three segments, each multiplied by a different percentage.
To get a more exact estimate for your situation, create a free account on the SSA’s website. By entering your information and verifying your identity, you can see exactly how much you’d receive from an SSDI payment every month.
If you’re wondering how to qualify for disability benefits in Hawaii, our full guide to Hawaii disability benefits has more details. Essentially, though, you’ll need to meet both medical and technical requirements. Your condition must meet the SSA’s definition of “disabled,” and you must have enough recent work credits and be currently unable to work at a level of Substantial Gainful Activity.
How is Supplemental Security Income calculated in Hawaii?
Since SSI is designed for low-income people, it’s a good fit for Hawaiians who have little or no work history. There’s no need to have work credits to qualify for SSI. However, you will need to meet certain asset and income requirements.
The SSA determines your SSI benefit amount by looking at your level of need. In 2024, the federal benefit rate is $943. This is where the SSA starts, and it’s the maximum amount an SSI recipient could get per month.
To come up with your benefit amount, the SSA subtracts your countable income and other benefits you receive from that full $943. (Examples of countable income and benefits include earned income, disability benefits such as SSDI, pensions, most free food or housing, or income generated by someone you live with.)
Learn more about this process (it can get confusing) by reading our detailed guide on how SSI is calculated.
How much are TDI benefits in Hawaii?
The maximum weekly payment for Hawaii’s state Temporary Disability Insurance program is $640. TDI is not intended to be a long-term income replacement. This program is designed for people who are temporarily unable to work. TDI covers recipients for a maximum of 26 weeks, with up to 58% of former wages. If you’re dealing with a disability that’s going to put you out of work for a year or more, SSDI or SSI is a better fit.
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SSA offices in Hawaii
If you’re applying for disability benefits in Hawaii, you can submit your application online at SSA.gov, over the phone, or by visiting the closest SSA office to you. There are five offices in the state of Hawaii:
Hilo 111 E Puainako St Ste 710 Hilo, HI 96720 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 3:30PM Phone Number: (855) 572-4860 Fax Number: (833) 950-2766 | Honolulu 300 Ala Moana Blvd Rm 1114 Fed Bldg Honolulu, HI 96850 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 3:30PM Phone Number: (855) 572-4879 Fax Number: (833) 950-2764 | Kapolei 970 Manawai St Kapolei, HI 96707 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 3:30PM Phone Number: (855) 572-4866 Fax Number: (833) 950-2742 |
Lihue 4334 Rice St Ste 105 Lihue, HI 96766 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 3:30PM Phone Number: (855) 572-4842 Fax Number: (833) 950-2768 | Wailuku 2200 Main St Ste 125 Wailuku, HI 96793 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 3:30PM Phone Number: (855) 572-4863 Fax Number: (833) 950-2740 |
Get help applying for disability benefits in Hawaii
If you’re trying to get SSDI benefits or SSI benefits in Hawaii, we can help by providing free legal advice and, if needed, matching you with a vetted disability lawyer to increase your chances of getting the benefits you need. Get started here.
Frequently asked questions about benefits in Hawaii
What qualifies you for disability in Hawaii?
To qualify for disability you need to have a condition that prevents you from working for at least a year. You’ll also need to meet certain work history requirements (for SSDI) or be within certain income limits (for SSI). For more on these requirements, read our full write up here.
What conditions qualify for disability in Hawaii?
Any condition that will prevent you from working for a year or more can qualify for disability benefits. Some of the most common conditions include musculoskeletal disorders, mental disorders, nervous system diseases, and circulatory system diseases. See our full list of conditions that qualify here.
How long does it take to get approved for disability in Hawaii?
It takes an average of 6.1 months to get an initial disability decision in Hawaii. Most people who apply are initially rejected, and need to appeal this decision. If you appeal and go to a hearing, the process takes just over two years on average. Read more: Why It Takes so Long to Get Approved for Disability Benefits
How much does disability pay in Hawaii?
The average SSDI payment in Hawaii is $1,416.96 per month. The average SSI payment is $629.34 per month. What you’ll earn depends on your income or the amount you’ve historically paid into the Social Security program. Read more on what amount you can expect.
How should I prepare my disability application in Hawaii?
Answer the application questions truthfully, consistently, and succinctly. You should also ensure that you gather and submit all your medical records with your application. The SSA paperwork can be complicated, so our legal team has written a full guide to the application here.
Does Hawaii have a state disability program?
Yes, Hawaii is one of the five states with its own state disability program. Hawaiians can apply for temporary disability benefits (TDI) that offer up to 26 weeks of payments. Work injuries aren’t covered, though. If your injury will keep you out of work longer, you can still apply for SSDI and SSI.
Related resources:
Hawaii Disability Benefits
SSA Offices in Hawaii
How long has your condition made it hard to work?
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