Hawaii is one of only a handful of states that requires employers to provide Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) for their workers. If you become unable to work due to a non-work-related illness or injury, Hawaii TDI can replace a portion of your wages for up to 26 weeks. This guide covers who qualifies, how much you can receive in 2026, and how to file a claim.
What Is Hawaii Temporary Disability Insurance?
Hawaii's TDI law, enacted in 1969, requires most Hawaii employers to carry temporary disability insurance for their employees. The program provides partial wage replacement when you cannot perform your regular job duties because of a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy.
A few things TDI does NOT cover:
- Work-related injuries or illnesses (those fall under workers' compensation)
- Medical bills or treatment costs
- Job protection (TDI is separate from the Family and Medical Leave Act)
The program is administered by the Disability Compensation Division (DCD) of the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.
Who Qualifies for Hawaii TDI?
To be eligible for TDI benefits, you must meet all of the following requirements:
Work history requirement: You must have at least 14 weeks of Hawaii employment during the 52 weeks before your disability began. Each of those weeks must include at least 20 paid hours.
Earnings requirement: You must have earned at least $400 total during those 52 weeks prior to disability.
Employment status: You must have been employed immediately before your disability started, OR you must have become disabled within two weeks of a job separation.
Medical certification: A licensed physician or qualified healthcare provider must certify your disability and confirm you are unable to perform your regular work duties.
Who Is Excluded from Hawaii TDI?
Not all workers are covered. The following groups are typically excluded:
- Federal government employees
- Certain domestic workers
- Insurance agents and real estate salespersons paid solely on commission
- Individuals under age 18 working in newspaper delivery
If you are self-employed or an independent contractor, you are generally not covered by Hawaii TDI unless you have specifically enrolled in coverage.
Hawaii TDI Benefit Amounts for 2026
The benefit calculation is straightforward: 58% of your average weekly wage, up to the annual maximum.
| Year | Maximum Weekly Benefit | Weekly Wage Base | Max Employee Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $804 | $1,374.89 | $6.87/week |
| 2025 | $837 | $1,432.12 | $7.16/week |
| 2026 | $871 | $1,500.21 | $7.50/week |
Your average weekly wage is calculated from the wages you earned in the 52 weeks before your disability began. If 58% of your average weekly wage exceeds the maximum, you receive the maximum. If it falls below, you receive your calculated amount.
Example calculation for 2026:
- If you earned $1,200 per week on average, 58% equals $696 per week
- Since $696 is below the $871 cap, you receive $696 per week
- If you earned $2,000 per week on average, 58% equals $1,160, but you are capped at $871
Benefits are paid for up to 26 weeks per benefit year.
Waiting Period
Hawaii TDI has a 7-day waiting period. Benefits begin on the eighth consecutive day of disability. The first seven days are not covered under the statutory plan, though your employer's plan may offer coverage for those days if it exceeds the minimum statutory requirements.
This is an important practical point: if you have a short illness lasting less than 8 days, you would not receive TDI benefits under the standard plan.
What Conditions Does Hawaii TDI Cover?
TDI covers any non-work-related physical or mental condition that prevents you from doing your job. Common covered conditions include:
- Illness or injury not connected to your employment
- Pregnancy (including recovery from childbirth)
- Surgery recovery
- Mental health conditions certified by a physician
- Chronic conditions that flare and prevent work
What TDI does not cover:
- Injuries or illnesses caused by your work (workers' compensation applies instead)
- Disabilities caused by committing a crime
- Self-inflicted disabilities
- Disabilities arising from active participation in a riot
How to File a Hawaii TDI Claim
Follow these steps to file your claim:
Step 1: Notify your employer. Tell your employer as soon as possible that you are unable to work due to a disability. This starts the process.
Step 2: Get Form TDI-45. Request Form TDI-45 (Claim for TDI Benefits) from your employer or download it from the Hawaii Department of Labor website.
Step 3: Complete Part A. Fill out the Claimant's Statement section with your personal information, work history, and details about your disability.
Step 4: Get your physician's certification. Have your doctor or healthcare provider complete Part C (Physician's Statement), certifying your disability and expected recovery timeline.
Step 5: Your employer completes Part B. Your employer fills out the Employer's Statement with your wage information and employment details.
Step 6: Submit the claim. If your employer has private TDI insurance, submit the completed form to the insurance carrier. If your employer is self-insured, submit it directly to them.
Step 7: Wait for a determination. The insurance carrier or your employer will review your claim and notify you of approval or denial.
Critical Filing Deadline
You must file your TDI claim within 90 days of the start of your disability. If you file after 90 days, you may lose some or all of your benefits unless you can show "good cause" for the delay. If you wait longer than 26 weeks from the start of your disability, you forfeit all benefits regardless of cause.
File as early as possible. Do not wait until you know your disability will be long-term.
Who Pays for Hawaii TDI?
Employers are required to provide TDI coverage, but costs can be shared:
- Employer-paid: Some employers cover 100% of the TDI premium
- Shared cost: Employers may deduct up to half the premium from employee wages, subject to caps
- Maximum employee deduction in 2026: $7.50 per week or 0.5% of weekly wages, whichever is less
Your employer will notify you of how TDI costs are handled at your workplace.
Employer Options for Providing TDI Coverage
Hawaii law gives employers three options for fulfilling their TDI obligation:
- Purchase insurance from an insurance company authorized to provide TDI in Hawaii
- Self-insure by meeting the Division of Compensation's financial requirements
- Collective bargaining agreement that provides equivalent or better benefits
This means the specific terms of your TDI coverage may vary by employer, as long as they meet the statutory minimum. Some employer plans have shorter waiting periods, higher benefit rates, or other enhancements above the legal minimum.
Hawaii TDI vs. Other Disability Programs
Understanding how TDI relates to other programs helps you plan your financial coverage during a disability.
| Feature | Hawaii TDI | SSDI (Federal) | Workers' Comp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covers work injuries | No | Yes | Yes |
| Covers non-work injuries | Yes | Yes | No |
| Benefit duration | Up to 26 weeks | Indefinite | Varies |
| Max weekly benefit (2026) | $871 | Based on earnings history | Varies |
| Waiting period | 7 days | 5 months | None |
| Medical coverage included | No | Medicare after 24 months | Yes |
| Job protection | No | No | Some protections |
Can You Receive TDI and SSDI at the Same Time?
Yes. Hawaii TDI is recognized as a "reverse offset" plan, which means receiving TDI benefits will not reduce your SSDI benefits. The two programs can run simultaneously if you qualify for both.
SSDI has a much longer waiting period (5 months) and is designed for long-term or permanent disabilities, while TDI covers shorter-term situations up to 26 weeks. If your disability looks like it will extend beyond 26 weeks, you should apply for SSDI as soon as possible given its lengthy approval process.
TDI and Hawaii Paid Family Leave
Hawaii also has a Paid Family Leave law separate from TDI. TDI covers YOUR disability, while Paid Family Leave covers time off to care for a family member. The two programs are distinct but may follow one another in certain situations, such as a pregnancy where TDI covers your medical recovery and then Paid Family Leave covers bonding time.
What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied
If your TDI claim is denied or you disagree with the benefit amount, you have the right to appeal. Here is what to do:
Step 1: Review the denial notice carefully. The notice must explain the reason for denial.
Step 2: Gather supporting documentation. This may include additional medical records, doctor statements, or wage documents.
Step 3: File an appeal with the Disability Compensation Division. Contact the DCD at (808) 586-9151 or visit 830 Punchbowl St, Honolulu, HI 96813.
Step 4: Request a hearing. You are entitled to a formal hearing before an administrative hearings officer.
Act quickly. Appeals deadlines are strict and missing them can forfeit your right to challenge a denial.
Check Your Eligibility for Additional Programs
TDI covers short-term disability, but if your condition is severe or long-lasting, you may qualify for additional benefits. Use our free screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to check whether you may qualify for SSDI, SSI, Medicaid, SNAP, or other programs based on your situation.
You can also explore all available programs for Hawaii residents at benefitsusa.org/states/hawaii.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will I receive from Hawaii TDI in 2026?
You will receive 58% of your average weekly wage, up to the 2026 maximum of $871 per week. Your average weekly wage is calculated from your earnings during the 52 weeks before your disability began.
How long does Hawaii TDI last?
Benefits last up to 26 weeks per benefit year, beginning on the eighth day of your disability.
Can I get TDI if I just started a new job?
Not immediately. You must have at least 14 weeks of Hawaii employment in the past 52 weeks, with at least 20 paid hours per week and at least $400 in total earnings. New employees who have not yet met these thresholds are not eligible.
Does TDI cover pregnancy?
Yes. Pregnancy and recovery from childbirth are covered under Hawaii TDI as a qualifying disability.
What if my employer does not have TDI coverage?
Employers who fail to provide TDI coverage are in violation of Hawaii law. If you believe your employer lacks coverage, contact the Disability Compensation Division at (808) 586-9151. You may still be entitled to benefits.
Is TDI income taxable?
TDI benefits are generally subject to federal income tax. Hawaii state income tax treatment can vary. Consult a tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Can I work part-time while receiving TDI?
Generally no. TDI is intended for workers who are unable to perform their regular job duties. If you are working, even part-time, it may indicate you are not fully disabled. Contact your insurance carrier or the DCD for guidance on your specific situation.
What is the difference between TDI and workers' compensation?
TDI covers non-work-related disabilities. Workers' compensation covers injuries or illnesses that occur as a result of your employment. If you are hurt on the job, file a workers' compensation claim, not a TDI claim.
How long does a TDI claim take to process?
Processing times vary by insurance carrier. Most claims are processed within a few weeks. Filing promptly and with complete documentation speeds up the process.
What happens if my disability lasts longer than 26 weeks?
TDI benefits end after 26 weeks. If your disability continues, you may need to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or other long-term disability programs. Given SSDI's lengthy approval timeline, it is wise to begin that application before your TDI benefits run out.
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