Intellectual Disability Benefits in New York: 2025 Guide

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): For people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. The disability must be expected to last at least one year or result in death. For children, the rules are different and focus on how the disability affects their ability to function compared to peers. SSI is funded by general taxes, not Social Security taxes.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to a disability. The disability must be expected to last at least one year or result in death. SSDI is funded by Social Security taxes.
• Medicaid: A joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for people with low income and limited resources. People with intellectual disabilities often qualify for Medicaid, which can cover doctor visits, hospital stays, and long-term care.
• Medicare: A federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, and for some people with disabilities. People who get SSDI for 24 months usually qualify for Medicare.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities that started before age 26. Money in an ABLE account does not count toward SSI or Medicaid resource limits, up to $100,000.

All federal programs have strict rules about income, resources, and the definition of disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) decides if someone is disabled for SSI and SSDI. Medicaid eligibility is determined by the state.

[Source: SSA.gov, Medicaid.gov, CMS.gov]

• New York State Medicaid Waivers: New York offers several Medicaid waivers for people with intellectual disabilities, including the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver. These waivers help pay for services like supported living, day programs, and respite care, allowing people to live in their communities instead of institutions.
• New York State ABLE Program: New York has its own ABLE program, called NY ABLE. Residents with disabilities that started before age 26 can open an account and save up to $100,000 without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD): OPWDD is the state agency that oversees services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They help people find and access services, including Medicaid waivers, supported employment, and housing.

• SSI/SSDI: Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office.
• Medicaid: Apply online at MyBenefits.ny.gov, by phone at 1-800-342-3009, or in person at a local Department of Social Services office.
• Medicaid Waivers: Apply through OPWDD or your local Department of Social Services.
• ABLE Accounts: Apply online at NYABLE.org.
• Other Benefits: Contact OTDA or your local Department of Social Services for help with other benefits.

Start by gathering your personal information, medical records, and proof of income and resources.

• Step 1: Gather Information: Collect your Social Security number, proof of age, medical records, proof of income and resources, and proof of residency.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI/SSDI: Go to SSA.gov and click on "Apply for Benefits." Follow the prompts to apply for SSI, SSDI, or both. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office.
• Step 3: Apply for Medicaid: Go to MyBenefits.ny.gov and click on "Apply for Benefits." Follow the prompts to apply for Medicaid. You can also call 1-800-342-3009 or visit a local Department of Social Services office.
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid Waivers: Contact OPWDD or your local Department of Social Services to apply for a Medicaid waiver. They will help you complete the application and determine your eligibility.
• Step 5: Apply for an ABLE Account: Go to NYABLE.org and click on "Open an Account." Follow the prompts to open an account and start saving.
• Step 6: Apply for Other Benefits: Contact OTDA or your local Department of Social Services for help with other benefits, such as food stamps, housing assistance, and transportation.
• Step 7: Follow Up: Keep copies of all applications and correspondence. Follow up with the agencies to check the status of your applications and provide any additional information they request.

Applying for benefits can be complex. Don't hesitate to ask for help from a caseworker, advocate, or nonprofit organization.

[Source: SSA.gov, MyBenefits.ny.gov, OPWDD.ny.gov, NYABLE.org, OTDA.ny.gov]

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly cash payments for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to a disability.
• Medicaid: Health insurance for people with low income and limited resources. Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and long-term care.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people 65 and older, and for some people with disabilities. Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and some long-term care.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities that started before age 26. Money in an ABLE account does not count toward SSI or Medicaid resource limits, up to $100,000.

These programs are available nationwide and have the same basic rules in every state. The amount of benefits and the process for applying may vary by state.

[Source: SSA.gov, Medicaid.gov, CMS.gov, ABLE.gov]

• New York State Medicaid Waivers: These waivers help pay for home and community-based services for people with intellectual disabilities, such as supported living, day programs, and respite care. The most common waiver is the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver.
• New York State ABLE Program (NY ABLE): A tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities that started before age 26. Residents can save up to $100,000 without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD): The state agency that oversees services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They help people find and access services, including Medicaid waivers, supported employment, and housing.
• New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA): Administers SSI and other cash assistance programs in New York. They can help people apply for SSI and other benefits.
• New York State Department of Health: Oversees Medicaid and other health programs in New York. They can help people apply for Medicaid and understand their benefits.

• What is an ABLE Account? An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities that started before age 26. Money in an ABLE account does not count toward SSI or Medicaid resource limits, up to $100,000.
• How to Open an Account: Go to NYABLE.org and click on "Open an Account." Follow the prompts to open an account and start saving.
• Benefits: ABLE accounts let people save money for expenses like education, housing, transportation, and health care without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• Limits: The annual contribution limit is $18,000 (2025), and the total account balance limit is $100,000 for SSI and Medicaid.

[Source: NYABLE.org]

• SSI: The federal SSI income limit for 2025 is $967 per month for an individual and $1,451 per month for a couple. New York adds a small state supplement.
• SSDI: There is no income limit for SSDI, but you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) from work and still be considered disabled.
• Medicaid: Income limits vary by program and household size. For most Medicaid programs, the limit is 138% of the federal poverty level.
• Medicaid Waivers: Income limits vary by waiver and household size. Some waivers have higher limits than regular Medicaid.
• ABLE Accounts: The annual contribution limit is $18,000 (2025), and the total account balance limit is $100,000 for SSI and Medicaid.

[Source: SSA.gov, Health.ny.gov, NYABLE.org]

• What is an Overpayment? An overpayment happens when you get more benefits than you are entitled to. This can happen if your income or resources change and you don't report it.
• How to Avoid Overpayments: Report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to the agency that pays your benefits as soon as possible.
• What to Do if You Get an Overpayment: Contact the agency to explain the situation. You may be able to set up a repayment plan or have the overpayment waived.
• Reporting Changes: Report changes in income, resources, living situation, and work to the agency that pays your benefits. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person.

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday - Friday

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, Medicare, and work incentives.
• New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
  Phone: 1-866-922-4669

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday

  Website

  For Medicaid waivers, supported living, and other services.
• New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA)
  Phone: 1-800-342-3009

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday

  Website

  For SSI, food stamps, and other cash assistance.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?

  SSI is for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to a disability. Both programs have strict eligibility rules and are administered by the Social Security Administration.

• How do I apply for Medicaid in New York?

  You can apply for Medicaid in New York online at MyBenefits.ny.gov, by phone at 1-800-342-3009, or in person at a local Department of Social Services office. You will need to provide proof of income, resources, and residency.

• What is a Medicaid waiver and how do I get one?

  A Medicaid waiver is a program that helps pay for home and community-based services for people with disabilities. In New York, you can apply for a waiver through the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) or your local Department of Social Services.

• What is an ABLE account and how do I open one?

  An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities that started before age 26. You can open an account online at NYABLE.org. Money in an ABLE account does not count toward SSI or Medicaid resource limits, up to $100,000.

• What are the income limits for SSI and SSDI in New York?

  The federal SSI income limit for 2025 is $967 per month for an individual and $1,451 per month for a couple. New York adds a small state supplement. There is no income limit for SSDI, but you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) from work and still be considered disabled.