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New York • Speech/Language
People with aphasia in New York may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. These programs help cover medical costs, daily living expenses, and support independence.
Aphasia may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if it severely limits your ability to work. SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for low-income individuals with limited resources. Both programs require medical proof that your condition prevents substantial work for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your medical records, work history, and daily functioning. If approved, you may receive monthly payments and access to Medicaid or Medicare.
In New York, people with aphasia may also qualify for state-specific programs. The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and the Department of Health offer Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS). These waivers help pay for therapies, personal care, and support services. To qualify, you must meet both federal disability criteria and New York’s income and asset limits. You may also qualify for the New York ABLE account, which lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. New York’s Medicaid program covers speech therapy and other services for people with aphasia.
Learn more about SSI & SSDI Work Incentives
The New York ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $17,000 per year, and the account grows tax-free. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other disability-related costs. Visit nysable.org to learn more and apply.
SSI and Medicaid have strict income and asset limits. For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Medicaid limits vary by program but are generally higher than SSI limits. ABLE accounts do not count toward these limits, but withdrawals for non-qualified expenses may affect benefits.
You must report any changes in your income, resources, or health to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment or loss of benefits. Report changes to Social Security and Medicaid as soon as possible. Keep all records and follow up on any notices you receive.
Contact your local Independent Living Center or the NY Office for People With Developmental Disabilities for help with applications and support services.
Yes, aphasia can qualify for SSI and SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work. You must provide medical proof and meet income and asset limits for SSI.
SSI is for low-income people with disabilities, while SSDI is for people with a qualifying work history. Both require medical proof of disability.
You can apply for Medicaid online at myBenefits.ny.gov or by calling 1-800-342-3009. You must meet income and asset limits.
Medicaid waivers provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including speech therapy and personal care.
Yes, you can save money in a New York ABLE account without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. The account is for disability-related expenses.
New York offers work incentives to help people with disabilities work without losing benefits. These include Medicaid buy-in and supported employment programs.
Report changes in income, resources, or health to Social Security and Medicaid as soon as possible to avoid overpayments.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most up-to-date information.
New York offers speech therapy, personal care, and support services through Medicaid waivers and the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities.
Yes, local agencies like Independent Living Centers and the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities can help with applications and support services.
The federal income limit for SSI in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Medicaid limits vary by program.
