Kidney Disease Benefits in New York: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your kidney disease must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a medical guide called the Blue Book. Kidney disease is listed under Section 6.00 (Genitourinary Disorders). You must meet specific criteria, such as needing regular dialysis, having a kidney transplant, or having chronic kidney disease with certain lab results. Your income and resources also matter for SSI, but not for SSDI. SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes paid[1].

In New York, eligibility for state programs like Medicaid waivers depends on your income, assets, and medical needs. The state offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people with chronic illnesses, including kidney disease. These waivers can help pay for home care, transportation, and other supports. You must meet both medical and financial criteria. New York also has special rules for people who are blind or have other disabilities, but kidney disease is evaluated based on its impact on your ability to work and daily life[2].

• Check if your kidney disease meets SSA's Blue Book listing for genitourinary disorders.
• Gather medical records, work history, and proof of income.
• Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact your local Department of Social Services.
• For ABLE accounts, visit the official NY ABLE website.

• Review the SSA Blue Book listing for kidney disease (Section 6.00) to see if your condition qualifies.
• Collect all medical records, including lab results, dialysis schedules, and doctor's notes.
• Get proof of income, assets, and work history.
• Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office.
• If denied, you can appeal within 60 days.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact your local Department of Social Services or the NY State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) if you have a related disability.
• For ABLE accounts, visit the NY ABLE website to enroll and start saving.
• Keep all records and update SSA and Medicaid if your condition or income changes[3].

Federal programs for kidney disease include SSI, SSDI, Medicare, and Medicaid. SSI provides cash to people with low income and resources. SSDI pays benefits based on your work history. Medicare covers dialysis and kidney transplants for people on SSDI after 24 months. Medicaid covers medical costs for people with low income. Both programs can help pay for treatment, medications, and related expenses[4].

New York offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can help pay for home care, transportation, and other supports for people with kidney disease. The state also has the NY ABLE program, which lets you save money for disability-related costs without losing SSI or Medicaid. New York's Medicaid program covers dialysis, kidney transplants, and other treatments for eligible residents. You can also get help with food, housing, and transportation through local programs[5].

The NY ABLE program lets people with disabilities save money for disability-related costs without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can save up to $17,000 per year, and the account grows tax-free. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other needs. To open an account, visit the NY ABLE website and follow the enrollment steps[6].

For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $967 per month for an individual. New York adds a small state supplement. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not earn more than $1,620 per month from work (or $2,700 if blind) to be considered disabled. Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size[7].

If you get too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Report changes in income, work, or living situation to SSA and Medicaid right away. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person. If you think you've been overpaid, contact SSA or Medicaid to set up a repayment plan[8].

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm ET

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, Medicare, and work incentives.
• NY Department of Social Services
  Phone: 1-800-342-3009

  Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm ET

  Website

  For Medicaid, food stamps, and local help.

• Can I get SSI or SSDI for kidney disease in New York?

  Yes, if your kidney disease is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. You must meet SSA's medical criteria and, for SSI, income and asset limits.

• What medical records do I need to apply for disability benefits?

  You need lab results, dialysis schedules, doctor's notes, and any other records that show how kidney disease affects your ability to work and daily life.

• How long does it take to get approved for disability benefits?

  It can take 3-6 months or longer to get a decision. If denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Some cases are fast-tracked for serious conditions.

• What is a Medicaid waiver and how can it help with kidney disease?

  A Medicaid waiver pays for home care, transportation, and other supports for people with chronic illnesses. You must meet medical and financial criteria to qualify.

• Can I work while getting disability benefits for kidney disease?

  Yes, but there are limits. You can earn up to $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) and still get benefits. Work incentives help you keep some benefits while working.

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

  An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related costs without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can save up to $17,000 per year, and funds can be used for housing, education, and more.