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New York • Neurological/Developmental
People with Tourette Syndrome in New York may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Medicaid waivers. These programs help cover medical care, daily living costs, and support services. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and how the condition affects daily life.
To get federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medical condition that stops you from working or doing daily activities for at least 12 months. Tourette Syndrome can qualify if symptoms are severe and well-documented by a doctor. SSI is for people with low income and assets, while SSDI is for those who paid into Social Security through work. Both programs require proof of disability and regular reporting of changes in your situation.
For more details, see the Social Security Administration’s guide on disability benefits[1].
In New York, people with Tourette Syndrome may qualify for Medicaid and Medicaid waivers, which provide extra services like therapy, home care, and support for families. Children with Tourette Syndrome may also get services through the Early Intervention Program or the Committee on Special Education. Adults may qualify for vocational rehabilitation services to help with work or school. Eligibility for state programs depends on income, assets, and how the condition affects daily life. Some programs have waiting lists, so apply early.
For more details, see the New York State Office of Mental Health and the New York State Education Department[2][3].
For more details, see the Social Security Administration’s guide on applying for disability benefits[1] and the New York State of Health Marketplace[2].
For more details, see the Social Security Administration’s guide on disability benefits[1].
For more details, see the New York State Office of Mental Health[2] and the New York State Education Department[3].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $100,000 in an ABLE account. Funds can be used for things like medical care, education, housing, and transportation. To open an ABLE account, you must have a qualifying disability and meet certain requirements. For more details, see the ABLE National Resource Center[4].
Income limits for SSI and Medicaid depend on your living situation and the number of people in your household. For SSI, the federal limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2025. For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size. For more details, see the Social Security Administration’s guide on SSI income limits[1] and the New York State of Health Marketplace[2].
It’s important to report any changes in income, health, or living situation to Social Security and your state agencies. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits up to date. If you get an overpayment, you may have to pay it back. For more details, see the Social Security Administration’s guide on reporting changes[1].
Contact your local Social Security office or the New York State Office of Mental Health for help with applications and questions.
Yes, Tourette Syndrome can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work or do daily activities. You must have a diagnosis and medical records showing how the condition affects your life. For more details, see the Social Security Administration’s guide on disability benefits[1].
SSI is for people with low income and assets who have a qualifying disability. SSDI is for people with a qualifying disability who paid into Social Security through work. Both programs require proof of disability and regular reporting of changes in your situation. For more details, see the SSI vs SSDI guide[5].
You can apply for Medicaid through the New York State of Health Marketplace or your local social services office. You will need to provide proof of income, assets, and disability. For more details, see the New York State of Health Marketplace[2].
Medicaid waivers offer extra help for people with disabilities, such as home care or respite care. You can apply through your local social services office or the New York State Office of Mental Health. Some programs have waiting lists, so apply early. For more details, see the Medicaid Waivers guide[6].
Yes, you can save up to $100,000 in an ABLE account without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like medical care, education, housing, and transportation. For more details, see the ABLE National Resource Center[4].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Children with Tourette Syndrome may get services through the Early Intervention Program or the Committee on Special Education. These programs offer therapy, support, and help with school. For more details, see the New York State Education Department[3].
Report any changes in income, health, or living situation to Social Security and your state agencies. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits up to date. For more details, see the Social Security Administration’s guide on reporting changes[1].
Vocational rehabilitation helps adults with disabilities find and keep jobs. Services include job training, counseling, and support at work. For more details, see the New York State Office of Vocational Rehabilitation[7].
Yes, you can work while getting SSI or SSDI, but there are limits on how much you can earn. For more details, see the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide[8].
Medicaid is health insurance for people with low income and assets. Medicare is health insurance for people with disabilities who get SSDI. For more details, see the Medicaid vs Medicare guide[9].