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New York • Neurological/Developmental
People in New York with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and support services. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security's definition of disability. This means your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For traumatic brain injury, Social Security looks at how your injury affects your ability to work, think, and do daily activities. You must also meet income and resource limits for SSI, or work history requirements for SSDI. [^1]
In New York, people with traumatic brain injury may qualify for Medicaid waivers, which provide home and community-based services. These waivers help with things like personal care, therapy, and support coordination. To qualify, you must meet both medical and financial criteria set by the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) or the Department of Health. You may also qualify for other state programs like vocational rehabilitation or supported employment. [^2][^3]
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for disability-related expenses like education, housing, and transportation. New York residents can open an ABLE account through the NY ABLE program. [^4]
For SSI, the 2025 federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not be doing substantial work. Medicaid waiver income limits vary by program and household size. [^1][^2]
You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much money, you may have to pay it back. Reporting changes helps keep your benefits accurate and prevents problems later. [^5]
Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or your local OPWDD office for help with applications and questions.
A traumatic brain injury is damage to the brain caused by a blow or jolt to the head. It can affect thinking, memory, movement, and behavior. TBI can range from mild to severe and may require long-term care.
Yes, if your TBI meets Social Security's definition of disability and you meet income or work history requirements. You must show that your injury prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months.
Medicaid waivers provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities. They help with personal care, therapy, and support coordination. You must meet medical and financial criteria to qualify.
Contact the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) or your local Department of Social Services. They will help you apply and determine if you qualify for services.
An ABLE account is a savings account for people with disabilities. You can save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like education, housing, and transportation.
Yes, there are work incentives that let you keep benefits while you try to work. Social Security has programs to help you earn income without losing SSI or SSDI right away.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
You must report changes in income to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Reporting changes helps keep your benefits accurate.
The process can take several months. It depends on how quickly you submit documents and how busy the agency is. You can check your application status online or by phone.
You can appeal the decision. There are several levels of appeal, including reconsideration, a hearing, and review by the Appeals Council. You can get help from a disability advocate or attorney.
You can get help from Social Security, OPWDD, local agencies, or disability advocates. They can help you fill out forms, gather documents, and understand your rights.
