How to Qualify for Disability in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, nearly 38,000 people receive financial support through Social Security. If you're unable to work due to a medical condition, you may qualify for these disability benefits. 

Continue reading to learn about the qualification process for disability benefits in Rhode Island, including for both the federal and state programs.

What qualifies you for disability benefits in Rhode Island?

To qualify for disability benefits in Rhode Island, you must have a medical condition that:

1. Prevents you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months.

2. You expect to result in your death.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains a list of medical conditions that automatically qualify for disability benefits. Some common qualifying conditions include:

• Mental health disorders (47% of recipients)

• Musculoskeletal disorders (25% of recipients)

• Neurological disorders (9% of recipients)

• Cardiovascular conditions (5% of recipients)

• Respiratory illnesses (2% of recipients)

Even if your condition is not on the SSA’s list, you may still qualify if it significantly impairs your ability to work. You'll just need to be able to prove to the SSA your condition makes it challenging to work.

How to qualify for Temporary Disability Insurance

Rhode Island has a state disability benefits program called Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI). Eligibility depends on several factors:

• The nature of your illness or injury: Your condition must not be work-related. Work-related injuries typically fall under workers’ compensation.

• Your work history: For 2024 claims, you must have earned a minimum of $16,800 during your base period, or the first four of the five most recently completed calendar quarters prior to your claim's start date.

• Alternative eligibility: If you fall short of the $16,800 threshold, you might still qualify by meeting all these criteria:

  • You earned at least $2,800 in one quarter of your base period.

  • Your total base period taxable wages amount to at least 1.5 times your highest-earning quarter.

  • Your base period taxable wages are at least $5,600.

• Duration of inability to work: You must be incapable of performing your usual job duties for a minimum of seven consecutive days before you can file your claim. These seven days serve as a waiting period before your benefits can begin.

Meeting these requirements is crucial for the state of Rhode Island to consider your TDI claim valid.

How to qualify for SSDI in Rhode Island

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that provides benefits to workers who become disabled. To qualify for SSDI in Rhode Island, you must:

• Have worked long enough and recently enough to earn sufficient work credits.

• Be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to your medical condition.

• Meet the SSA's definition of disability.

The number of work credits you need depends on your age when you become disabled. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which you must have earned in the last 10 years, ending with the year you became disabled.

Understanding Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

Substantial gainful activity is a key concept in determining your eligibility for SSDI. The SSA defines SGA as work that:

• Involves significant physical or mental activities.

• Is done for pay or profit.

In 2024, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is $1,550 per month. For blind individuals, the limit is higher, at $2,590 per month. If you're earning more than these amounts, the SSA generally considers you to be engaging in SGA and, therefore, you are not eligible for SSDI benefits.

How to qualify for SSI in Rhode Island

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal needs-based program. To qualify for SSI, you must:

• Be blind, disabled, or aged 65 or older.

• Have limited income and resources.

• Be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien.

• Reside in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands.

As of 2024, the resource limit for SSI is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.

SSA offices in Rhode Island

You can visit a Social Security Administration office to help you apply for disability benefits. Here are the SSA office locations in Rhode Island:

How much does disability pay in RI?

The amount of disability benefits you receive in Rhode Island depends on the program you qualify for:

• SSDI: The average monthly SSDI benefit in Rhode Island is $1,729.

• SSI: The average monthly federal SSI payment in Rhode Island is $605.

3 reasons to work with a disability lawyer

While it’s not required, working with a disability lawyer can significantly improve your chances of approval. Here are three advantages they can offer:

1. They have expertise in the application process. Lawyers understand the complex disability application process and can help you avoid common mistakes.

2. They can gather and present evidence. A lawyer can help collect and organize the medical evidence you need to support your claim.

3. They can represent you at hearings. If the SSA denies your initial application, a lawyer can represent you during the appeals process, including at disability hearings.

Statistics show that applicants with legal representation are more likely to receive approval for disability benefits, especially at the hearing level.

Get help applying for disability in RI

Navigating the disability application process can be challenging, but you don't have to do it by yourself. Start by taking our quick two-minute assessment to evaluate your eligibility. Then a member of our team will reach out to learn more about your situation and connect you with an experienced disability lawyer.

There are no upfront costs when you work with Atticus — you only pay your attorney a one-time fee when they secure your benefits.

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Related resources:

Rhode Island Disability Benefits: How to Qualify, Apply, and Get Approved

By Jackie Jakab

Everything You Should Know About Disability Benefits (SSDI and SSI)

By Sarah Aitchison