Deafness Benefits in New York: 2025 Guide

• To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a qualifying disability (including deafness) that prevents substantial work for at least 12 months and have enough work credits based on your age and work history. Deafness is recognized as a disability if it meets the Social Security Administration's criteria for hearing loss.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, including those who are deaf. You must meet strict income and asset limits, and your disability must be severe enough to interfere with daily activities.
• Both programs require medical evidence, such as audiograms and doctor's reports, to prove your hearing loss and its impact on your life.
• Children who are deaf may also qualify for SSI if their family meets income and asset limits and their hearing loss is severe.
• Adults who became deaf before age 22 may be eligible for benefits based on a parent's Social Security record if the parent is retired, disabled, or deceased.

Citations: [4]

• In New York, people who are deaf may qualify for state-specific programs such as Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can provide support for communication devices, interpreters, and personal care.
• The New York State Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NYSCDHH) offers resources, advocacy, and support for people who are deaf, including help with accessing services and accommodations.
• Eligibility for state programs often depends on income, assets, and the severity of your hearing loss. You may need to provide medical documentation and proof of residency.
• New York also offers vocational rehabilitation services through the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI) and the Office of Special Education, which can help with job training, education, and assistive technology.
• Children who are deaf may qualify for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), including access to interpreters, assistive listening devices, and specialized instruction.

Citations: [6]

• Gather medical records and audiograms proving your hearing loss.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• Contact the NY State Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for state-specific support.
• Apply for Medicaid waivers through your local Department of Social Services.
• Explore vocational rehabilitation and education services for additional support.

Citations: [4][6]

• Step 1: Collect all medical documentation, including audiograms, doctor's reports, and any records of communication devices or treatments.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov or visit your local Social Security office. You will need to provide personal information, work history, and medical evidence.
• Step 3: If you are applying for Medicaid waivers, contact your local Department of Social Services. They will guide you through the application process and may require additional documentation.
• Step 4: Reach out to the NY State Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for advocacy, resources, and help with accommodations.
• Step 5: Explore vocational rehabilitation services through the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired or the Office of Special Education for job training and assistive technology.
• Step 6: For children, contact your local school district to request special education services under IDEA.
• Step 7: Keep records of all applications, correspondence, and medical updates. Report any changes in your condition or income to avoid overpayments.

Citations: [4][6]

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly payments to people who are deaf and have enough work credits.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) offers monthly payments to people who are deaf with limited income and resources.
• Medicaid provides health coverage for people who are deaf and meet income and asset limits.
• Medicare is available for people who are deaf and receive SSDI for 24 months.
• Vocational Rehabilitation services help people who are deaf find and keep jobs.

Citations: [4]

• New York Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS) provide support for communication devices, interpreters, and personal care.
• The NY State Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NYSCDHH) offers advocacy, resources, and help with accommodations.
• Vocational rehabilitation services through the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI) and the Office of Special Education provide job training and assistive technology.
• Special education services under IDEA ensure children who are deaf have access to interpreters, assistive listening devices, and specialized instruction.
• The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) may provide additional support for people who are deaf and have developmental disabilities.

Citations: [6]

• ABLE accounts allow people who are deaf to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid.
• You can use ABLE funds for education, housing, transportation, employment training, and personal support services.
• To open an ABLE account, you must have become deaf before age 26 and meet other eligibility criteria.
• New York offers the NY ABLE program, which is easy to set up online.

Citations: [6]

• SSI has strict income and asset limits. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual, but New York may supplement this amount.
• SSDI payments depend on your work history and earnings.
• Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size.
• ABLE accounts have annual contribution limits and total balance limits.

Citations: [4][6]

• Report any changes in your income, assets, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments.
• If you receive an overpayment, you may be required to repay it, but you can request a waiver if it was not your fault.
• Keep records of all payments and correspondence.
• Contact Social Security or Medicaid if you have questions about reporting requirements.

Citations: [6]

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM

  Website

  TTY available for deaf and hard of hearing
• NY State Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
  Phone: 1-866-870-4184

  TTY: 711

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  Advocacy and support for deaf and hard of hearing
• NY Department of Social Services
  Phone: 1-800-342-3009

  Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

  Website

  Medicaid and social services

• Can I get SSI if I am deaf?

  Yes, if your deafness is severe enough to interfere with daily activities and you meet the income and asset limits for SSI, you can qualify for monthly payments.

• What medical evidence do I need for SSI/SSDI?

  You need audiograms, doctor's reports, and any records of communication devices or treatments to prove your hearing loss and its impact on your life.

• Are there special programs for children who are deaf?

  Yes, children who are deaf may qualify for SSI and special education services under IDEA, including access to interpreters and assistive listening devices.

• Can I work while receiving SSI/SSDI?

  Yes, there are work incentives that allow you to try working without losing your benefits immediately. Social Security offers programs to help you return to work.

• What is an ABLE account?

  An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. You must have become deaf before age 26 to qualify.

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers in New York?

  Contact your local Department of Social Services to apply for Medicaid waivers. They will guide you through the process and may require additional documentation.

• What support is available for communication devices?

  Medicaid waivers and vocational rehabilitation services can help pay for communication devices, interpreters, and assistive technology.