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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
Office Code | Name | Address | Weekday Hours | Phone Number |
---|---|---|---|---|
100 | NY MIDTOWN NY | 5th Fl, 237 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-964-0783 |
101 | SYRACUSE NY | Fed Bldg 4th Fl, 100 S Clinton St, Syracuse, NY 13261 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-755-4884 |
102 | ALBANY NY | Rm 430 Federal Bldg, 11 A Clinton Ave, Albany, NY 12207 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-253-9183 |
103 | BUFFALO NY | Ste 200, 478 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14202 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 855-881-0213 |
104 | BINGHAMTON NY | Ste 300, 2 Court St, Binghamton, NY 13901 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-964-3971 |
105 | SCHENECTADY NY | 8th Fl, One Brdway Center, Schenectady, NY 12305 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-964-1296 |
106 | BORO HALL NY | 7th Fl, 195 Montague St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 877-531-4725 |
108 | ROCHESTER NY | 200 E Main St, 2nd Floor, Rochester, NY 14604 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-964-2045 |
109 | NY DOWNTOWN NY | 4th Fl, 123 William St, New York, NY 10038 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-335-1089 |
110 | UTICA NY | Federal Building, 10 Brd St, Utica, NY 13501 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 877-405-6750 |
112 | SOUTH BRONX NY | 820 Concourse Village, West 3rd Fl, Bronx, NY 10451 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 855-531-1684 |
113 | YONKERS NY | Ste 1000, 20 South Brdway, Yonkers, NY 10701 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-331-6404 |
115 | NIAGARA FALLS NY | 6540 Niagara Falls Bvd, Niagara Falls, NY 14304 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 877-480-4992 |
117 | NY UPTOWN NY | 302 West 126th St, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10027 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-964-1301 |
118 | NEWBURGH NY | Ste 301, 3 Washington Center, Newburgh, NY 12550 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-504-4801 |
119 | REGO PARK NY | 6344 Austin St, Rego Park, NY 11374 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 877-255-1506 |
120 | JAMAICA NY | 3rd Fl District Office, 15510 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-592-0802 |
121 | STATEN ISLAND NY | 1441 South Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-331-5288 |
126 | GLENS FALLS NY | 67 Warren St, Suite 1, Glens Falls, NY 12801 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 877-405-4875 |
127 | BROOKLYN FLATBUSH NY | 672 Parkside Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-563-9461 |
128 | NEW ROCHELLE NY | St Level, 85 Harrison St, New Rochelle, NY 10801 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 855-210-1026 |
129 | WATERTOWN NY | 156 Bellew Ave South, Watertown, NY 13601 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-627-6995 |
130 | TROY NY | Ste 101, 500 Federal St, Troy, NY 12180 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-770-2662 |
132 | NORTH BRONX NY | 2nd Fl, 2501 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10468 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 877-619-2852 |
133 | POUGHKEEPSIE NY | 332 Main St, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 877-405-6747 |
134 | INWOOD HILL NY | 4941 Brdway, New York, NY 10034 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 877-445-0838 |
135 | BROOKLYN BUSHWICK NY | 3rd Fl, 785 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 888-327-1276 |
136 | PATCHOGUE NY | 75 Oak St, Patchogue, NY 11772 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-771-1991 |
137 | BROOKLYN NEW UTRECHT | 7714 17 Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11214 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-585-9320 |
138 | MINEOLA NY | Administration, 163 Mineola Blvd, Mineola, NY 11501 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-758-1318 |
139 | CYPRESS HILLS | 3386 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11208 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-613-2767 |
140 | CORNING NY | 200 Nasser Civic Ctr, Corning, NY 14830 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-591-3665 |
141 | GENEVA NY | 15 Lewis St, Geneva, NY 14456 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-331-7759 |
142 | OLEAN NY | 1618 W State St, Olean, NY 14760 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 877-319-5773 |
144 | MELVILLE NY | Ste 201, 1121 Walt Whitman Rd, Melville, NY 11747 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-964-0165 |
147 | EAST BRONX NY | 2nd Fl, 1380 Parker St, Bronx, NY 10462 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-931-2526 |
148 | WHITE PLAINS NY | Ste 4a, 297 Knollwood Rd, White Plains, NY 10607 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-331-8134 |
149 | WEST NYACK NY | 240 West Nyack Rd, West Nyack, NY 10994 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-755-4334 |
150 | FLUSHING NY | 13850 Barclay Ave, Flushing, NY 11355 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 877-457-1735 |
151 | FREEPORT NY | 84 N Main St, Freeport, NY 11520 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-964-0028 |
156 | NY EAST HARLEM NY | 345 E 102 St, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10029 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 877-445-0836 |
160 | BEDFORD HEIGHTS NY | 1540 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11216 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-592-4845 |
179 | LACONIA AVENUE | 3247 Laconia Ave, Bronx, NY 10469 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-347-0054 |
B95 | EAST VILLAGE | 650 East 12th St, New York, NY 10009 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 877-405-1447 |
B96 | RIDGE ROAD NY | Ste 120, 1900 Ridge Rd, West Seneca, NY 14224 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 800-647-9195 |
C01 | LONG ISLAND CITY | Ground Fl, 3108 37th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-837-1096 |
C77 | WEST FARMS NY | 1829 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-964-2558 |
D57 | CANARSIE NY | 1871 Rockaway Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11236 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-667-7342 |
E72 | GREECE NY | 2nd Fl, 4050 W Ridge Rd, Rochester, NY 14626 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-331-2204 |
111 | JAMESTOWN NY | 321 Hazeltine Ave, Jamestown, NY 14701 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 877-319-3079 |
114 | HORSEHEADS NY | 3345 Chambers Rd, Suite 19, Horseheads, NY 14845 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-964-1715 |
116 | OGDENSBURG NY | 101 Ford St, Ogdensburg, NY 13669 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-572-8369 |
122 | GLOVERSVILLE NY | 13 N Arlington Ave, Gloversville, NY 12078 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 888-528-9446 |
123 | OSWEGO NY | 17 Fourth Ave, Oswego, NY 13126 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-964-7593 |
125 | PLATTSBURGH NY | Ste 230, 14 Durkee St, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-964-7430 |
143 | BATAVIA NY | 571 East Main St, Batavia, NY 14020 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-931-7103 |
146 | ONEONTA NY | Ste 1, 31 Main St, Oneonta, NY 13820 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 877-628-6581 |
152 | ITHACA NY | 2nd Fl, 127 W State St, Ithaca, NY 14850 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-706-8289 |
153 | HUDSON NY | 747 Warren St, Hudson, NY 12534 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 877-828-1691 |
154 | MONTICELLO NY | Ste 4, 60 Jefferson St, Monticello, NY 12701 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 855-794-4728 |
158 | BRONX HUNTS POINT NY | 3rd Fl, 1029 E 163rd St, Bronx, NY 10459 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-220-7889 |
162 | ROCKAWAY PARK NY | 11306 Rockaway Bch Blvd, Rockaway Park, NY 11694 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-331-2310 |
163 | RIVERHEAD NY | 526 East Main St, Riverhead, NY 11901 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 888-397-9819 |
B93 | PEEKSKILL NY | 3rd Fl, One Park Place, Peekskill, NY 10566 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 877-840-5778 |
B97 | WEST BABYLON NY | 510 Park Ave, West Babylon, NY 11704 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 866-964-7375 |
C72 | DUNKIRK NY | Ste 2, 437 Main St, Dunkirk, NY 14048 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 888-862-2139 |
D58 | HYLAN BLVD NY | 2nd Fl, 1510 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 877-457-1736 |