New York State does not reduce your federal SSDI payment, but it does run its own separate disability program that can add money on top

If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and live in New York State, your federal payment stays the same no matter what state law says. However, New York runs Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — a state-administered program that adds cash to your SSDI check if your income and resources fall below the state limit. The two programs work together but follow different rules, and understanding which one you are in determines what other benefits you can receive and how much your total monthly payment will be.

New York also has its own disability information process for people who do not yet receive federal benefits. If you have not yet been approved for SSDI, explore through New York's Disability information Services (part of the Social Security Administration but following state guidelines) may take a different path than explore in another state, though the medical standards themselves are federal.

Key Takeaways

  • SSDI payments are set by federal law and do not change based on where you live, but New York State SSI adds money on top if your income is low enough.
  • In 2024, New York SSI pays up to $914 per month for an individual living alone, but this amount changes yearly and varies if you live with others or in a group setting.
  • If you receive both SSDI and SSI, your SSDI payment counts as income that reduces your SSI amount, so your total may be lower than SSDI alone.
  • New York has its own rules about what counts as income and resources, which differ from federal SSI rules in some cases, so you must report changes to both programs.
  • Work incentives under New York law allow you to earn money and keep more of your benefits than federal rules alone would permit in some situations.

How New York SSI stacks on top of your SSDI payment

When you receive SSDI in New York, the state looks at your total monthly income. If that income — including your SSDI check — falls below the state SSI limit, New York pays you the difference. For example, if the state SSI maximum is $914 and your SSDI payment is $800, New York would add $114 per month. If your SSDI payment is $914 or higher, you receive no state SSI.

The state SSI maximum changes each January. It is not the same as the federal SSI maximum, and New York's amount is typically higher. You can find the current year's maximum on the New York State Department of Social Services website or by calling your local Social Services district office.

The catch is that your SSDI counts as income for SSI purposes. This means that if you are approved for both programs, your total check is not SSDI plus the full state SSI maximum — it is SSDI plus whatever gap remains between your SSDI and the state limit. Many people in New York receive both programs but find their total payment is only slightly higher than SSDI alone.

Income and resource limits that determine whether you receive state SSI

To receive New York SSI, your countable income must be below the state limit, and your countable resources must be below $2,000 (or $3,000 if you are married). These limits are the same as federal SSI, but what counts as income or a resource sometimes differs between New York and federal rules.

New York has its own rules about in-kind support and maintenance — the value of food or shelter someone gives you for free. If a family member pays your rent or buys your groceries, federal SSI counts this as income to you, but New York may count it differently depending on the circumstances. You must report these situations to your local Social Services district, not just to Social Security, because the two programs may treat them differently.

Work income is treated the same way in New York SSI as in federal SSI: the first $65 per month is not counted, and then half of what you earn above that is not counted. But New York has additional work incentive programs that can shelter more of your earnings in certain cases, which is covered in the next section.

New York's work incentive programs that let you earn more

New York State offers Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) and Plans to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) — two programs that reduce the income counted against your SSI and SSDI. These are federal programs, but New York administers them and has staff trained to help you set one up.

IRWE lets you deduct the cost of items or services you need because of your disability in order to work. If you have a disability that requires you to use a wheelchair and you need a van with a lift to get to your job, the cost of the van and lift can be deducted from your work income. IRWE is available in every state, but New York's Social Services districts have staff who can help you document and calculate these expenses.

PASS is a written plan that lets you set aside income and resources for a specific work goal — like paying for job training or starting a business. While you are following the plan, the money you set aside does not count against your SSI resource limit or your income limit. PASS is complex and requires approval from Social Security, but New York has PASS specialists at some district offices who can help you write and submit the plan.

How to report changes to New York and Social Security

If you receive both SSDI and New York SSI, you must report certain changes to both programs, and they do not always share information automatically. If your income changes, your address changes, you start or stop working, or you move in or out of someone else's home, you must tell your local Social Services district office and your Social Security representative payee (if you have one) or Social Security directly.

New York Social Services has a reporting line and an online portal where you can report changes. Social Security has its own reporting process. Failing to report a change to one program while reporting it to the other can cause overpayments or underpayments that you may have to repay later. Keep records of what you reported and when.

Some changes — like a change in your living situation — affect how much SSI you receive but not your SSDI. Other changes, like earning work income, affect both. Ask your Social Services caseworker which changes you need to report to them specifically.

Medicaid and Medicare rules tied to New York disability benefits

If you receive New York SSI, you are automatically enrolled in Medicaid. If you receive SSDI alone (without SSI), you are not automatically enrolled in Medicaid, but you may be able to buy into it through New York's Medicaid Buy-In program for people with disabilities who work.

After you receive SSDI for 24 months, you become may be able to access for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). This is a federal rule that applies in every state, including New York. If you are also receiving New York SSI, you will have both Medicaid and Medicare, and Medicaid becomes your secondary payer.

New York has expanded Medicaid coverage for people with disabilities in some areas. Ask your Social Services caseworker whether you are in a county or region with expanded coverage, because this affects what services are covered and what you pay out of pocket.

What happens if you work and earn above the SSI limit

If your work income rises above the state SSI limit — even after the $65 exclusion and the 50% reduction — you will lose your New York SSI. However, you keep your SSDI payment, and you may be able to keep Medicaid through New York's Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities.

The Medicaid Buy-In allows you to earn more money and still keep Medicaid coverage, even if you lose SSI. The income limit for Buy-In is higher than the SSI limit, and you pay a small premium based on your income. This program is important because it means you do not have to choose between earning money and keeping health coverage.

If you are considering working or increasing your work hours, talk to your Social Services caseworker before you start. They can help you understand how your earnings will affect your SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid, and whether a work incentive like IRWE or PASS would help you keep more of your benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does New York State reduce my SSDI payment?

No. Your SSDI payment is set by federal law and does not change based on state law. New York State only adds money through its own SSI program if your total income is below the state limit. Your SSDI amount stays the same whether you live in New York or any other state.

What is the difference between SSDI and New York SSI?

SSDI is a federal program based on your work history and paid by Social Security. New York SSI is a state program based on your income and resources. If you receive both, your SSDI counts as income that reduces your SSI payment. You must meet the rules of both programs to receive both checks.

If I start working, will I lose my New York SSI?

Possibly. If your work income, after the $65 monthly exclusion and 50% reduction, pushes your total income above the state SSI limit, you will lose SSI. However, you keep your SSDI, and you may be able to keep Medicaid through the Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities. Talk to your caseworker before you start working.

How do I report a change in my income to New York?

Contact your local Social Services district office by phone, mail, or online portal. Tell them the date the change happened and provide proof if you have it. You must also report the same change to Social Security if you receive SSDI. Keep a record of when you reported it.

Can I use a PASS plan in New York?

Yes. New York Social Services can help you write and submit a PASS plan to Social Security. A PASS lets you set aside income and resources for a work goal without losing your SSI. Some district offices have PASS specialists; ask your caseworker whether your office has one or can refer you to one.