What New York disability programs exist and which one you need

New York has two separate disability programs, and which one you explore to depends on your work history. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes; it is run by the Social Security Administration. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is also federal but does not require a work history—it is for people with very low income and resources, regardless of whether they have worked.

If you have worked for several years and paid into Social Security, you almost certainly need SSDI. If you have never worked much or have no work history, or if you have worked but have almost no savings or income now, you may need SSI instead. Some people may have access to for both at the same time. The Social Security Administration will determine which program you may have access to for when you explore.

New York State also runs its own program called Safety Net information for people in crisis, but it is temporary and separate from SSDI and SSI. This guide focuses on the federal programs because they are the main disability programs most people in New York encounter.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore for SSDI or SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office in New York.
  • SSDI requires a work history and proof that you cannot work due to a medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
  • SSI has no work requirement but has strict income and resource limits—you can have no more than $2,000 in countable resources as a single person.
  • You will need medical records, work history, and proof of identity and citizenship or legal residency to complete your process.
  • The Social Security Administration typically takes three to six months to make a decision, though some cases take longer.

explore online, by phone, or in person

You have three ways to start an process in New York. The fastest route for most people is to explore online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. You can fill out the form at your own pace, save it, and come back to it. You will need to create a my Social Security account first if you do not have one. The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete the basic information.

If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call the Social Security Administration's national number at 1-800-772-1213. They are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are often long, especially early in the week. When you call, have your Social Security number, birth date, and a list of your medical conditions ready.

You can also walk into any Social Security office in New York to explore in person. To find the office nearest you, go to ssa.gov and search "Social Security office near me," or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for the address. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. In-person appointments often have shorter wait times if you call ahead and schedule one.

What documents and information you need before you start

Gather these items before you explore, whether online, by phone, or in person. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate or passport, and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your green card, work permit, or other immigration document.

You will also need a complete list of your medical conditions and the names and addresses of all the doctors, hospitals, and clinics that have treated you. Write down the dates you saw each provider and what they treated you for. If you have recent test results, imaging reports, or medical records at home, have those available—you do not need to bring originals, but having the information handy speeds up the process.

For work history, write down every job you have held in the past 15 years, including the employer name, the dates you worked there, and the type of work you did. If you are explore for SSDI, the Social Security Administration will verify your work history from their records, but having it written down helps you remember and makes the conversation faster.

If you have very little income and savings, write down how much money you have in the bank, any vehicles you own, and any property you own. This information matters for SSI but not for SSDI.

The difference between SSDI and SSI and which one you might get

SSDI is based on your work record. To may have access to, you must have worked long enough and recently enough to have earned enough Social Security credits. Generally, you need 40 credits total, with at least 20 earned in the last 10 years. One credit is earned for every $1,640 of wages in 2023 (this amount changes each year). You can earn a maximum of four credits per year. If you are under 31, the rules are different and less strict.

With SSDI, there is no limit on how much money you can have in the bank or how much your spouse earns. The only requirement is that you cannot work and earn more than $1,550 per month (this amount changes yearly). The benefit amount is based on your lifetime earnings record.

SSI has no work requirement at all. You can may have access to even if you have never worked. But SSI has strict income and resource limits. As a single person, you can have no more than $2,000 in countable resources—money in the bank, stocks, or other liquid assets. A married couple can have $3,000. Your home and one vehicle do not count. Your monthly income limit is $914 as a single person in 2024 (these limits change yearly). If you earn more than that, your SSI payment is reduced.

Many people may have access to for both SSDI and SSI at the same time. The Social Security Administration will determine which programs you may have access to for based on your answers during the process process.

What happens after you submit your process

After you explore, the Social Security Administration sends your case to a state agency called the Disability information Services (DDS). In New York, this is part of the Department of Social Services. The DDS reviews your medical records and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability.

You will receive a letter in the mail telling you that your process was received. Keep this letter—it has a case number you can use to check on your process status. You can check your status online at ssa.gov/myaccount or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

The DDS may contact your doctors to request more medical records. They may also ask you to go to a doctor they choose for an examination. If they do, they will send you a letter with the date, time, and location. This examination is free and is part of the review process. You should go even if you have your own doctors.

Most decisions take three to six months. Some cases take longer, especially if your medical records are incomplete or if the DDS needs more information from your doctors. If you do not hear anything after three months, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for a status update.

What to do if your process is denied

If the Social Security Administration denies your process, you have the right to appeal. You will receive a letter explaining why you were denied. Read it carefully—it tells you exactly what the DDS decided about your medical condition and your work capacity.

You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file an appeal. The first step is called reconsideration, which means a different examiner at the DDS reviews your case from the beginning. You can submit new medical records or new information about your condition. Many people hire a disability representative or lawyer at this stage to help them gather evidence and write the appeal letter.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is a real hearing where you can present evidence and testify. You can represent yourself, but many people find it helpful to have a lawyer or representative. Lawyers who handle disability cases work on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of your back pay if you win—usually 25 percent, up to a maximum of $7,200.

Finding help with your process

You do not have to hire a lawyer to explore, but some people find it helpful to have someone review their process before they submit it. Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities (PAPD) is a free legal organization in New York that helps people with disabilities. You can reach them at 1-800-993-9714 or visit their website at disabilityrightsny.org.

The Legal Aid Society also helps people with disability applications in New York City and surrounding areas. Call 212-577-3300 or visit legalaidnyc.org. If you live outside New York City, search for "legal aid" plus your county name to find local legal aid offices.

You can also find a disability representative or lawyer through the Social Security Administration's official list at ssa.gov/representation. Any representative or lawyer you hire must be approved by Social Security and must follow their fee rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my process is being reviewed?

Yes. You can work and earn money while waiting for a decision. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (for SSDI) or more than your SSI income limit, it may affect your benefits once you are approved. Keep records of your earnings and report them to Social Security when asked.

Do I need a lawyer to explore for disability in New York?

No. You can explore on your own without a lawyer. Many people are approved without legal help. A lawyer becomes more useful if your process is denied and you are preparing to appeal, especially for a hearing before a judge.

What if I am currently receiving unemployment benefits in New York?

You can explore for disability while receiving unemployment. However, if you are approved for disability, your unemployment benefits will stop. Tell your unemployment office that you have applied for disability so they can explain how this works in your situation.

How long does it take to get paid after I am approved?

Once you are approved, your first payment usually arrives within one to two months. SSDI and SSI payments are made on the same schedule—typically on the third or fourth Wednesday of each month, depending on your birth date. You can receive payments by direct deposit to a bank account or by a prepaid debit card.

What if my medical condition gets worse while I am waiting for a decision?

You can submit new medical records or test results to the Disability information Services at any time while your case is open. Send them to the DDS office handling your case. The address is on your case receipt letter. New evidence may speed up the review or strengthen your case.