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New York • Chronic Illness
People living with HIV/AIDS in New York have access to a wide range of state and federal programs—including Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid waivers—to help with medical care, daily living, and financial stability. Eligibility and application steps vary, but support is available for those who qualify.
SSI is for people with disabilities (including HIV/AIDS), limited income and resources, who meet strict federal guidelines. Adults and children may qualify, but there are strict asset limits—currently $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. SSI also has income limits, and some earnings may reduce your benefit. Social Security decides who is "disabled" under federal rules, including review of medical evidence and work history. For SSDI, eligibility depends on your work credits and a medical condition (like HIV/AIDS) that prevents substantial work for at least 12 months or is terminal. Both programs require you to be a U.S. citizen or meet certain noncitizen requirements.
New York Medicaid covers low-income residents, including many people with HIV/AIDS. Eligibility is based on income, household size, and disability status. New York has expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, so more adults qualify. Medicaid waivers (like HCBS) help people with disabilities stay in their communities, but you must meet both Medicaid and program-specific criteria. New York ABLE accounts are for residents whose disability began before age 26, regardless of when diagnosed. For SSI, New York adds a small state supplement, but federal rules still apply. HIV/AIDS services in New York include case management, housing, nutrition, and transportation supports, often through local Health Departments or AIDS service organizations.
SSI/SSDI Application
Medicaid Application
Medicaid Waivers
SSI and SSDI provide monthly cash benefits for people who cannot work due to HIV/AIDS. SSI has strict income and resource limits, while SSDI is based on work history. Both are managed by Social Security. Medicare helps with medical costs after a 24-month SSDI waiting period or for those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS.
Medicaid is a federal-state partnership that covers health care for low-income people, including those with HIV/AIDS. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, case management, and some home care services.
ABLE accounts (Achieving a Better Life Experience) allow people with disabilities to save up to $17,000 per year in a tax-advantaged account without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
New York Medicaid covers a wide range of HIV/AIDS treatments, including antiretroviral therapy, primary care, mental health services, and specialty care. New York also offers Medicaid waivers, such as the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver, which can pay for in-home caregivers, respite care, home modifications, and case management to help people with HIV/AIDS live independently.
HIV/AIDS service organizations in New York provide additional support, such as housing assistance, transportation, food and nutrition programs, and legal help. Contact your local Department of Health or visit the NYSDOH website for a directory of services. New York ABLE lets eligible residents save for disability-related expenses while keeping their benefits intact.
New York also has a state-funded HIV Uninsured Care Programs that helps people who don’t qualify for Medicaid but still need access to HIV medications and care.
New York ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save up to $17,000 per year without affecting SSI, Medicaid, or other means-tested benefits. You can use ABLE funds for qualified disability expenses, like health care, housing, education, and transportation. To be eligible, your disability must have started before age 26. Open an account at NY ABLE.
SSI has strict income and asset limits: $2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple. Countable income includes wages, Social Security, and other support. Medicaid in New York has higher income limits—up to 138% of the federal poverty level for most adults, and even higher for people with disabilities. Check NY State of Health for current limits.
If you get SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid, you must report changes in income, living situation, or health status. Failing to report can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. New York has special rules for Medicaid, and SSI has its own reporting rules. See our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for details.
If you are in crisis and need immediate help with HIV/AIDS care or benefits, contact your local Department of Social Services, a nearby HIV/AIDS service organization, or call 311 in NYC for referrals to emergency assistance.
If your SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid application is denied, you have the right to appeal. Free legal help is available from Disability Rights New York or your local Legal Aid office to guide you through the process and improve your chances of approval.
You may qualify for SSI if you have limited income/resources and a disability (like HIV/AIDS) that prevents work. SSDI requires enough work credits and a disability expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal. Medical evidence from your doctor is key to approval.
New York Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs (including HIV medications), mental health services, case management, and some home care. Additional supports may be available through local HIV/AIDS service organizations.
Yes, both SSI and SSDI have work incentives. SSI allows some earnings without losing benefits, and SSDI has a trial work period. Always report income changes to avoid overpayments. See our guide on [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](#/guides/work-incentives) for details.
Medicaid waivers let New York pay for home and community-based services (like personal care, respite, and home modifications) so people with disabilities can live at home instead of institutions. These waivers have specific eligibility rules and often have waiting lists.
ABLE accounts let you save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. Money in the account grows tax-free. You can use it for health care, housing, transportation, education, and more. Eligibility requires a disability onset before age 26.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.
ABLE Account Application
Contact your local Department of Social Services for Medicaid, visit a Social Security office for SSI/SSDI, or reach out to a local HIV/AIDS service organization for personalized help with applications and appeals.
Many applications are denied at first. You can appeal—the process has several steps. Free legal help is available from organizations like Legal Aid or Disability Rights New York.
Yes, many local HIV/AIDS service organizations offer nutrition programs, housing assistance, and transportation help. Contact your county health department or a local HIV/AIDS organization for referrals.
Report changes in income, living situation, or health to Social Security for SSI/SSDI and to your local Medicaid office for Medicaid. Timely reporting helps prevent overpayments and benefit interruptions.
Yes, many people with disabilities are "dual eligible," meaning they qualify for both Medicare (after 24 months on SSDI or for ESRD/ALS) and Medicaid. Medicaid can help with Medicare premiums, copays, and services not covered by Medicare.
