Overview

There are two Federal disability programs:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a Federal disability income program for adults who have worked and now find themselves unable to work due to a disability.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is Federal program for adults and children who meet the definition of disabled and have limited income and resources. It is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income; and it provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.

Benefits

Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are "insured," meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.

• The amount of your monthly benefit is based on your lifetime average earnings covered by Social Security.
• Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are paid starting six months from the onset date of the disability, but no more than 12 months prior to application.
• A claimant receives monthly benefits deposited directly into their bank account or on a SSA Direct Express Card.

Supplemental Security Income pays benefits based on financial need.

• The amount of your monthly benefit is based on your income and resources.
• SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial limits.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits may be paid from the month of application.
• A claimant receives monthly benefits deposited directly into their bank account or on a SSA Direct Express Card.

Eligibility

Anyone who believes they meet Federal Disability requirements is eligible to apply. Your family members may also receive benefits if you can no longer work due to a medical condition.

You are considered disabled under Social Security rules if:

• You cannot work due to a medical condition;
• You cannot do work that you did before;
• We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
• Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

People who have worked long enough may also be able to receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

Contact

Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) by phone: 1-800-772-1213
Monday-Friday 7:00AM-7:00PM

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call SSA at TTY 1-800-325-0778.

Contact OTDA's Division of Disability Determinations by email:
NY.DD.PC3.CORRES@ssa.gov

Contact OTDA's Division of Disability Determinations by mail:

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
Division of Disability Determinations
P.O. Box 165
Albany, NY 12260-0165