Deaf-Blindness Benefits in New York: 2025 Guide

• To qualify for federal SSI or SSDI, Deaf-Blindness must be severe enough to prevent substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those with a qualifying work history.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict definition of disability, considering both hearing and vision loss together.
• Children with Deaf-Blindness may qualify for SSI if they meet childhood disability criteria.
• Adults with Deaf-Blindness that began before age 22 may qualify for benefits on a parent's record if the parent is retired, disabled, or deceased.
• The 2025 SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for those who are legally blind.
• The SSA calculates benefits based on work history and lifetime earnings, not the severity of the disability.
• Most SSDI recipients receive about $1,450 monthly, with a maximum of $4,018 for new recipients in 2025.
• SSI payments are based on financial need and vary by state.
• The SSA implemented a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment for 2025, increasing benefit amounts.
• For more details, see the SSA's eligibility page and benefit guides.

[Sources: SSA.gov, 2025]

• New York State offers Medicaid waivers for people with Deaf-Blindness, providing home and community-based services (HCBS) to support independent living.
• Eligibility for Medicaid waivers requires meeting both financial and functional criteria, including a diagnosis of Deaf-Blindness and a need for long-term care.
• The New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB) provides vocational rehabilitation, independent living services, and assistive technology for people who are blind or Deaf-Blind.
• The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) may offer services for those with Deaf-Blindness if it is part of a developmental disability.
• New York also has programs for supported employment, housing, and transportation for people with disabilities.
• The state's ABLE account program allows individuals with Deaf-Blindness to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
• For more information, contact the NYSCB or your local county social services agency.

[Sources: NY.gov, NYSCB, OPWDD]

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• Contact the NY State Commission for the Blind for vocational and independent living services.
• Apply for Medicaid waivers through your county social services agency.
• Open an ABLE account through the NY ABLE program.
• Report any changes in income or living situation to avoid overpayments.

• Step 1: Collect all necessary documents, including medical records, proof of income, and identification.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov or visit your local Social Security office. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance.
• Step 3: If you need vocational rehabilitation or independent living services, contact the NY State Commission for the Blind. They can help with job training, assistive technology, and independent living skills.
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid waivers through your county social services agency. You may need to provide additional documentation and undergo an assessment.
• Step 5: Open an ABLE account through the NY ABLE program. This account allows you to save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
• Step 6: Report any changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to the Social Security Administration and your county social services agency to avoid overpayments.
• Step 7: If you have questions or need help, contact Disability Rights New York or a local advocacy organization.

[Sources: SSA.gov, NY.gov, NYSCB]

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who are aged, blind, or disabled.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Provides monthly payments to people with a qualifying work history who are unable to work due to a disability.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people with disabilities who receive SSDI.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and resources, including those with disabilities.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Programs that provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.
• Work Incentives: Programs that allow people with disabilities to work and earn income without losing benefits.

[Sources: SSA.gov, Medicaid.gov, Medicare.gov]

• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): New York offers several Medicaid waivers for people with Deaf-Blindness, including the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver, which provides support for independent living, employment, and community integration.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: The NY State Commission for the Blind provides vocational rehabilitation services, including job training, assistive technology, and independent living skills.
• Independent Living Services: The NYSCB offers independent living services, such as orientation and mobility training, communication skills, and assistive technology.
• Supported Employment: New York has programs for supported employment, helping people with Deaf-Blindness find and keep jobs.
• Housing and Transportation: The state offers housing and transportation programs for people with disabilities.
• ABLE Accounts: The NY ABLE program allows individuals with Deaf-Blindness to save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
• Advocacy and Support: Disability Rights New York and local advocacy organizations provide support and advocacy for people with Deaf-Blindness.

• ABLE accounts allow people with Deaf-Blindness to save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
• Contributions to an ABLE account are not counted as income or resources for SSI and Medicaid purposes.
• The account can be used for expenses such as housing, transportation, education, and assistive technology.
• The maximum annual contribution is $18,000 in 2025.
• To open an ABLE account, visit the NY ABLE program website or contact your local county social services agency.

[Sources: NY.gov, SSA.gov]

• SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $967 per month for an individual, with higher amounts in some states.
• SSDI payments are based on work history and lifetime earnings, with a maximum of $4,018 per month for new recipients in 2025.
• The SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for those who are legally blind.
• Medicaid eligibility is based on income and resources, with different limits for different programs.
• ABLE accounts do not count as income or resources for SSI and Medicaid purposes.

[Sources: SSA.gov, Medicaid.gov]

• It is important to report any changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to the Social Security Administration and your county social services agency.
• Failure to report changes can result in overpayments, which must be repaid.
• Overpayments can be waived if you are not at fault and cannot afford to repay.
• If you receive an overpayment notice, contact the Social Security Administration or your county social services agency for assistance.

[Sources: SSA.gov, NY.gov]

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI applications and questions.
• NY State Commission for the Blind
  Phone: 1-800-833-2133

  Website

  For vocational rehabilitation and independent living services.
• Disability Rights New York
  Phone: 1-800-624-4143

  Website

  For advocacy and support.

• What federal benefits are available for Deaf-Blindness in New York?

  People with Deaf-Blindness in New York can qualify for SSI, SSDI, Medicare, Medicaid, and Medicaid waivers. These programs provide financial support, health coverage, and home and community-based services.

• How do I apply for SSI/SSDI with Deaf-Blindness?

  You can apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office. You will need to provide medical records and proof of income. The SSA will review your application and determine eligibility.

• What is the income limit for SSI in New York?

  The federal SSI payment is $967 per month for an individual in 2025. New York may have higher amounts. Income and resource limits apply, and ABLE accounts do not count as income or resources.

• What Medicaid waivers are available for Deaf-Blindness in New York?

  New York offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, including the HCBS waiver. These programs provide support for independent living, employment, and community integration.

• How can I get vocational rehabilitation services for Deaf-Blindness?

  Contact the NY State Commission for the Blind for vocational rehabilitation services. They offer job training, assistive technology, and independent living skills for people who are blind or Deaf-Blind.

• What is an ABLE account and how can it help?

  An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. It allows you to save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility.