Hawaii Temporary Disability
Insurance (HI TDI)
Hawaii Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) offers wage replacement benefits for employees who need to take leave for a non-work-related injury or sickness, including pregnancy.
Employers can self-insure or provide a fully insured plan through a state-approved insurance carrier. Hawaii does not have a state-run program.
MetLife offers fully insured HI TDI plans.
Benefit Overview
Mandated Coverage & Employee Eligibility
HintLeave Reason, Duration, Job Protection
HintCost of Coverage and Contributions
HintBenefit Payments
HintEmployers are required to offer HI TDI to all eligible employees. Employers can self-insure or provide a fully insured plan through a state-approved insurance carrier. Hawaii does not have a state-run program.
MetLife offers fully insured HI TDI plans.
All employees working for a covered employer are eligible for HI TDI benefits if they have worked least 14 weeks in Hawaii, were paid for 20 hours or more weekly during those 14 weeks and earned at least $400 during the 52 weeks immediately before the disability. The 14 weeks can be with multiple employers and does not need to be consecutive.
Federal employees, certain domestic workers, commission only insurance/real estate agents, and others referenced in the statute are excluded from being eligible for benefits.
Eligible employees can receive part of their pay, but no job protection, if they need to take time off for certain reasons. However, job protection may be provided through other federal or state laws such as the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or the Hawaii Family Leave Law (HI FLL).
Disability Leave can be taken for up to 26 weeks to:
- address a personal off-the-job illness or injury including pregnancy (7-day unpaid waiting period)
In 2024, the maximum employee contribution is 0.5% of an employee’s wages up to $6.87 per week, or $357.24 per year.
The 2025 maximum contributions will be announced in December 2024.
For private plans, employees cannot pay more than 50% of the total premium, and no more than 0.5% of their weekly wage up to the maximum weekly wage base, which is $1,374.78.
Employers pay the balance of the private plan premiums that exceed employee contributions.
Please visit the state program’s website for the latest state rates and additional state plan information.
The benefit amount an employee can receive depends on the employee’s average weekly pay.
In 2024, employees can receive 58% of their average weekly wage, up to the maximum weekly benefit of $798.
The 2025 weekly maximum benefit will be announced in December 2024.
Key Dates
- 2025 benefit information is announced
Applying for a MetLife Private Plan & Employer Requirements
To obtain a quote from MetLife, you or your broker must create a census of your eligible Hawaii workforce and send it to MetLife.
The state allows self-insured plans or fully insured plans with an approved insurance carrier. MetLife offers fully insured plans only.
MetLife will issue a state approved HI TDI policy to the customer and submit a certificate of issuance to the state within 30 days of the policy start date.
MetLife will receive notification directly from the state when your policy is approved.
You are required to post an employee notice in a location that is easily seen by all eligible employees. The notice must also be provided each year and to new hires.
Once HI TDI coverage is on file with the state, it remains in place until the coverage is terminated. Annual renewals are not required. Additionally, MetLife will gather necessary information from you for the annual HI TDI report (TDI-21) and submit it directly to the state by specified deadlines on your behalf.
Taking a Leave
Filing for Benefits with MetLife
HintSupporting Claim Documentation
HintCoordination of Benefits
HintTaxes
HintStep 1: An employee should notify an employer of the need for a leave as soon as possible.
Step 2: An employee should file a MetLife HI TDI claim, using Form TDI-45, up to 30 days in advance of the leave. If the leave is unforeseeable, claims may be submitted up to 90 days after the leave has begun.
Step 3: Hawaii requires that claims be processed on the islands. MetLife works with a third party administrator for claim administration services. Once the completed claim form is received, a decision on the claim will be made within 10 business days.
Step 4: If an employee qualifies for benefits, they will receive their first benefit payment and approval letter in the mail. Each payment thereafter will be provided by paper check as well.
Step 5: If an employee is not eligible for HI TDI, they will receive a call advising of the review outcome. Employees have the right to appeal the decision on their claim. Instead of a decision letter, they will receive 3 copies of the HI TDI-46 (Denial of Claim for Disability Benefits). It will include information about the process and timeframe for filing an appeal to the state.
The HI TDI-45 claim form has three sections (Part A, B, and C). It is important that all sections are completed and signed by the employee, their employer, and medical provider for each respective section so that the claim is processed timely.
Employees may qualify for more than one program based on the leave reason. HI TDI, Hawaii Family Leave Law (HFLL), and the Federal FMLA can be taken at the same time and should be taken at the same time when applicable.
Note: There may be additional leaves that MetLife does not administer. Employers may be responsible for providing additional leaves for their employees. Employers should consult their own employment attorneys.
As HI TDI is disability income, taxes are automatically withheld from benefits.
Need more information?
As of November 15, 2024