If you have rheumatoid arthritis in New York, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key programs like SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Medicaid waivers.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your rheumatoid arthritis must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict definition of disability. You must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,620 per month in 2025 ($2,700 if legally blind). Your condition must match or be as severe as a listing in the SSA’s Blue Book, or you must be unable to do any job you’ve done in the past or any other job in the national economy. Work credits are required for SSDI, but not for SSI. SSI also has strict income and asset limits.
New York State does not have a separate state disability insurance program for short-term disabilities like California. Instead, New Yorkers rely on federal programs (SSI, SSDI) and state Medicaid for support. To qualify for Medicaid in New York, you must meet income and asset limits, and your disability must be severe enough to prevent you from working. New York also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can provide help with daily living for people with rheumatoid arthritis. These waivers have their own eligibility rules, including functional need and income limits. You may also qualify for other state programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or housing assistance if you meet the criteria.
Step 1: Review the SSA’s Blue Book listing for rheumatoid arthritis (Listing 14.09) to see if your condition meets the criteria.
Step 2: Gather all medical records, including doctor’s notes, lab results, and treatment history.
Step 3: Collect work history and pay stubs for the past 15 years.
Step 4: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
Step 5: If denied, you can appeal within 60 days. You may need a hearing before an administrative law judge.
Step 6: Apply for Medicaid through the NY State of Health Marketplace. You can do this online, by phone, or with help from a navigator.
Step 7: If you need home care or other services, ask about Medicaid waivers like the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver.
Step 8: Report any changes in income, health, or living situation to SSA and Medicaid to avoid overpayments.
Step 9: If you have a disability savings account, consider opening an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses.
NY Medicaid Waivers (2025)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Payments are based on your work history.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with low income and assets who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
Medicare: Most SSDI recipients get Medicare after 24 months of receiving benefits.
Medicaid: Available to people with low income and assets, including those who receive SSI.
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities.
ABLE Accounts: Allow people with disabilities to save money without losing benefits.
SSA: Disability Benefits (2025)
New York does not have a state disability insurance program for short-term disabilities. Instead, New Yorkers rely on federal programs and state Medicaid. New York offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can provide help with daily living for people with rheumatoid arthritis. These waivers have their own eligibility rules, including functional need and income limits. You may also qualify for other state programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or housing assistance if you meet the criteria. The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) can help you find services and support.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $18,000 per year in 2025, and the first $100,000 in an ABLE account does not count against SSI’s asset limit. You can use the funds for things like medical care, housing, education, and transportation. To open an ABLE account, you must have a disability that began before age 26 and meet SSA’s definition of disability.
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. New York adds a small state supplement. For Medicaid, the income limit is higher, but it depends on your household size and whether you have other sources of income. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you cannot earn more than the SGA limit ($1,620 per month in 2025) and still receive benefits.
You must report changes in income, health, or living situation to SSA and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Overpayments can happen if you don’t report changes or if there is a mistake. If you think you have an overpayment, contact SSA or Medicaid right away. You can ask for a waiver if you can’t pay it back or if it wasn’t your fault.
Contact your local Social Security office or a disability advocate for help with your application. You can also get help from a navigator through the NY State of Health Marketplace.
Yes, if your rheumatoid arthritis is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must meet SSA’s strict definition of disability and income limits.
SSI is for people with low income and assets who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both can provide monthly payments for disability.
You can apply for Medicaid through the NY State of Health Marketplace online, by phone, or with help from a navigator. You must meet income and asset limits and have a qualifying disability.
Medicaid waivers provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities. They can help with daily living, like personal care or home modifications, if you meet functional and income limits.
Yes, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $18,000 per year in 2025.
You must report changes in income to SSA and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. If you don’t report changes, you may have to pay back benefits or lose eligibility.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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It can take 3–6 months to get a decision on SSI or SSDI. If you appeal, it can take longer. Medicaid decisions are usually faster, often within 45 days.
Yes, but you cannot earn more than the SGA limit ($1,620 per month in 2025) and still get SSDI. SSI has stricter income limits. There are work incentives to help you try working without losing benefits.
You need detailed medical records, including doctor’s notes, lab results, and treatment history. The SSA will review your records to see if your condition meets their criteria.
If your claim is denied, you can appeal within 60 days. You may need a hearing before an administrative law judge. You can get help from a disability advocate or attorney.
