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New York • Rare/Genetic
People with Williams Syndrome in New York may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medically determinable impairment that meets Social Security’s definition of disability. For children, this means the condition must cause marked or severe functional limitations and last at least 12 months. For adults, the condition must prevent substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months. Williams Syndrome is listed in Social Security’s Compassionate Allowances, which can speed up the application process. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews medical records, work history, and financial information to determine eligibility. Benefit amounts depend on income, resources, and work credits.
Source: SSA Disability Qualifications
In New York, people with Williams Syndrome may also qualify for state-specific programs. The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) offers services for individuals with developmental disabilities, including Williams Syndrome. Eligibility for OPWDD services requires a diagnosis and functional limitations. New York also provides Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can help with daily living, therapy, and respite care. These waivers have waiting lists and income/resource limits. Additionally, New York residents can open ABLE accounts to save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Work incentives and reporting requirements apply to all state and federal benefits.
Source: SSA Disability Programs
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In New York, you can open an ABLE account through the New York ABLE Savings Program. The account can be used for expenses like education, housing, transportation, and personal support. Contributions are tax-free, and earnings grow tax-free. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits. ABLE accounts do not count as resources for SSI or Medicaid, up to $100,000.
SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. New York adds a state supplement. SSDI payments depend on work history and can be higher. Medicaid waivers have income and resource limits, which vary by program. ABLE accounts have annual contribution limits of $18,000 and lifetime limits of $550,000.
Reporting changes in income, resources, or living situation is essential to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits. Report changes to the Social Security Administration and your local Department of Social Services. Keep records of all reports and communications. Work incentives allow some to keep benefits while working, but earnings above certain limits can reduce benefits.
Contact your local Social Security office or the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) for assistance with applications and documentation.
Yes, if Williams Syndrome causes marked or severe functional limitations and meets SSI income and resource limits. Children may qualify if their family meets financial criteria.
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those with a qualifying work history. Both programs have different eligibility rules and benefit amounts.
Contact the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) or your local Department of Social Services. You may need to complete an intake assessment and provide medical documentation.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for disability-related expenses. It does not count as resources for SSI or Medicaid, up to $100,000, and can be used for education, housing, and personal support.
Yes, New York offers work incentives that allow people with disabilities to work while keeping SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid benefits. Earnings above certain limits can reduce benefits, so reporting changes is essential.
Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to the Social Security Administration and your local Department of Social Services. Keep records of all reports and communications.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult official sources or a benefits expert for personalized advice.
You need a diagnosis, treatment history, and documentation of functional limitations. Medical records should be from licensed healthcare providers and include details about how the condition affects daily living.
Yes, if they have enough work credits and their condition prevents substantial gainful activity for at least 12 months. Work credits are based on employment history and Social Security taxes paid.
OPWDD offers home and community-based services, including therapy, respite care, and daily living support. Eligibility requires a diagnosis and functional limitations.
Contact the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), local Department of Social Services, or advocacy organizations for information and support.
