Schizophrenia Benefits in New York: 2025 Guide

• To get SSI or SSDI, your schizophrenia must be severe and expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• SSDI requires work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. The number of credits needed depends on your age.
• SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
• The Social Security Administration uses a strict definition of disability. Your condition must prevent you from doing substantial work.
• Most people with schizophrenia qualify if their symptoms are severe enough to stop them from working.
• Children with schizophrenia may also qualify for benefits if their condition meets the criteria.
• You must provide medical records and other proof of your disability.

Source: Social Security Administration, How Does Someone Become Eligible? (2025-11-06)

• New York State does not have a separate state disability insurance program for mental health conditions like schizophrenia. Instead, people rely on federal programs (SSI, SSDI) and state-funded services.
• To get Medicaid in New York, you must meet income and asset limits. Medicaid covers mental health treatment, therapy, and medications.
• New York offers Medicaid waivers for people with serious mental illness. These waivers help pay for supported housing, case management, and other services.
• You may qualify for vocational rehabilitation services through the New York State Office of Mental Health or the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.
• Some local programs offer supported employment, housing, and peer support for people with schizophrenia.
• You must apply for these programs through the state or local agencies.

Source: New York State Office of Mental Health (2025-11-06), New York State Medicaid (2025-11-06)

• Gather your medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• Apply for Medicaid through the NY State of Health Marketplace.
• Contact your local mental health office for other services.
• Ask about Medicaid waivers and supported housing programs.
• Keep copies of all forms and follow up on your applications.

• Step 1: Get a diagnosis and treatment plan from a doctor or psychiatrist. You will need medical records to prove your disability.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI/SSDI. You can start online at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. You will need to provide your Social Security number, proof of income, and medical records.
• Step 3: Apply for Medicaid. You can apply online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or by phone at 1-855-355-5777. You will need to provide proof of income and assets.
• Step 4: Contact your local mental health office or the New York State Office of Mental Health for information about Medicaid waivers, supported housing, and other services.
• Step 5: Ask about vocational rehabilitation services if you want to work. The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation can help you find a job or training.
• Step 6: Keep copies of all forms and follow up on your applications. If your application is denied, you can appeal.
• Step 7: Report any changes in your income or living situation to avoid overpayments.

Source: Social Security Administration, How Does Someone Become Eligible? (2025-11-06), New York State of Health, Apply for Medicaid (2025-11-06), New York State Office of Mental Health (2025-11-06)

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with low 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 disability.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people who get SSDI after a 24-month waiting period.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income, including those with disabilities. In New York, Medicaid covers mental health services.
• Medicaid Waivers: Programs that help pay for long-term care and support services for people with disabilities.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.

Source: Social Security Administration (2025-11-06), Medicaid.gov (2025-11-06)

• New York Medicaid: Covers mental health treatment, therapy, medications, and long-term care for people with schizophrenia.
• Medicaid Waivers: Help pay for supported housing, case management, and other services for people with serious mental illness.
• Office of Mental Health (OMH): Offers supported employment, housing, and peer support programs.
• Department of Vocational Rehabilitation: Helps people with disabilities find jobs and training.
• Local Mental Health Offices: Provide information and referrals to local services.
• Supported Housing Programs: Help people with schizophrenia live independently.
• Peer Support Services: Offer support from people who have lived experience with mental illness.

Source: New York State Office of Mental Health (2025-11-06), New York State Department of Health (2025-11-06), New York State Department of Labor (2025-11-06)

• ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• You can use the account for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and transportation.
• To open an ABLE account, you must have a disability that started before age 26.
• New York offers the NY ABLE program.
• You can open an account online at nyable.org.

Source: NY ABLE (2025-11-06)

• SSI has strict income and asset limits. In 2025, the federal SSI limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple.
• SSDI has no income limit, but you must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,620 per month in 2025.
• Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size.
• ABLE accounts have a $100,000 asset limit for SSI eligibility.

Source: Social Security Administration (2025-11-06), NY State of Health (2025-11-06)

• You must report changes in income, living situation, or work status to avoid overpayments.
• Overpayments can happen if you get more benefits than you are entitled to.
• If you get an overpayment, you may have to pay it back.
• Report changes as soon as possible to avoid problems.
• You can report changes online, by phone, or by mail.

Source: Social Security Administration (2025-11-06), New York State of Health (2025-11-06)

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI questions and applications.
• New York State Office of Mental Health
  Phone: 1-800-522-3311

  Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

  Website

  For mental health services and support.
• New York State of Health
  Phone: 1-855-355-5777

  TTY: 1-800-662-1220

  Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday

  Website

  For Medicaid applications and questions.

• Can I get SSI for schizophrenia in New York?

  Yes, if your schizophrenia is severe and stops you from working, you may qualify for SSI. You must meet income and asset limits. Medical records are required to prove your disability.

• How much SSI will I get in New York?

  The federal SSI payment in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual. New York adds a small state supplement. The total amount depends on your income and living situation.

• Can I work while getting SSI or SSDI?

  Yes, but there are limits. SSI has strict income rules. SSDI allows you to earn up to $1,620 per month in 2025. Work incentives can help you keep benefits while you try to work.

• What is a Medicaid waiver for schizophrenia?

  A Medicaid waiver helps pay for long-term care and support services for people with serious mental illness. It can cover supported housing, case management, and other services.

• How do I apply for Medicaid in New York?

  You can apply online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or by phone at 1-855-355-5777. You will need to provide proof of income and assets.

• What is an ABLE account?

  An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. New York offers the NY ABLE program.

• Can I get help with housing if I have schizophrenia?