SSDI Benefits in New York

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program available to New Yorkers who are unable to work because of a disability. If you have worked in the past and now have a severe medical condition that prevents you from working, this program may be able to help you.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers the SSDI program. The agency manages applications, determines eligibility, calculates the amount of money people receive, and dispurses monthly benefit payments. The SSA also makes sure that the people currently receiving benefits are still eligible.

How to Qualify for SSDI

In New York, qualifying for SSDI relies on the nature of your disability and your previous work history. You must have a medical condition that meets the SSA's definition of a disability, and you must have worked long enough to accumulate the required work credits.

What Are Work Credits?

Work credits are a key factor in determining your eligibility for SSDI benefits. They represent how much you've worked over the years and contributed to the Social Security system through your taxes.

You can earn a maximum of four credits per year. The required number of credits to qualify for SSDI depends on your age at the time you become disabled, though most people need 40 work credits to qualify.

How Does the SSA Define Disability?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has clear guidelines about what qualifies as a disability. It has to be a condition that prevents you from working and seriously affects basic work activities. The disability must last at least a year or be expected to result in death, and it can't be a minor or short-term issue.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a guide called the Blue Book to figure out who qualifies for disability benefits. This book has a detailed list of medical conditions, along with specific rules for each one that a person must meet to get SSDI.

Applicants and doctors can refer to the Blue Book to see what medical proof is needed for a successful claim.

What Is a Consultative Examination?

If the SSA needs more information about your health, they might ask for a Consultative Examination (CE). An SSA-approved healthcare provider performs this exam to give more insight into your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work.

How to Apply for SSDI in New York

In New York, you can apply for SSDI online, by phone, or at a Social Security office.

Apply for SSDI Benefits Online: https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/dib

Apply By Phone: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 8:00 am - 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

When you apply for disability benefits, you'll be asked to provide a variety of information to support your claim. This helps the Social Security Administration (SSA) assess your eligibility.

Here's a more detailed look at what you will need:

• Social Security Number: This is essential for identifying your records with the SSA.
• Medical information: You'll need to describe your medical conditions and how they affect your ability to work. This includes any diagnoses, treatments, and symptoms.
• Doctor names and contact details: Providing information about the medical professionals who have treated you allows the SSA to verify your medical condition. This may include primary care physicians, specialists, and therapists.
• List of medications: Include all medications you are taking for your condition, along with dosages and any side effects.
• Work history: This part of the application requires details about your past employment, including job titles, dates of employment, and descriptions of your job duties. This helps the SSA determine how your condition affects your ability to perform work-related tasks.
• Recent W-2 or tax return: If self-employed, you'll need to provide your most recent tax return. For others, the most recent W-2 form will be required to verify your earnings.

Having this information ready and organized helps the SSA make an accurate determination regarding your eligibility for disability benefits.

Filing an Appeal

If New York turns down your SSDI claim, you can appeal the decision. There are different levels of appeal: reconsideration, judicial hearing, Appeals Council review, and federal court review. It can get confusing, but a disability advocate can help you.

Disability advocates know how things work and the rules. They can stand up for you, get together all the things you need, and help you say what you need to say. Many people find this help makes things easier.

You could also hire a disability attorney. Attorneys perform similar functions as advocates but they can also offer attorney-client privilege. If your appeal goes to federal court, only an attorney can represent you.

Disability advocates may be suitable for straightforward cases, while attorneys might be preferred for complex legal matters or if confidentiality is a concern. Both typically charge a percentage of the back pay benefits if you win your case, and you don't have to pay unless you win. Many disability advocates are also attorneys, so it's good to do your research to find the best representative for your case.

Supplemental Security Income in New York

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is another program managed by the SSA. This program helps low-income people in New York who have a disability, are blind, or are 65 or older. SSI helps with basic things like food, clothes, and a place to live.

SSI is different from SSDI because it's about financial need, not work credits. You will be asked to provide detailed information about your household's finances and assets.

In addition to meeting the low-income requirements, SSI recipients must belong to one of the following groups:

• Adults aged 65 and above
• People who are blind
• People who are unable to work because of a disability

Applying for SSI can be done online, in person, or by phone.

Apply for SSI Benefits Online: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/start.html

Apply By Phone: Call 1-800-772-1213

SSI recipients in New York automatically qualify for other programs like Medicaid and SNAP food stamps. These extra programs can provide a strong support system for people in need.

New York - Social Security Disability Office Locations