Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal assistance program for the aged (65 and over), blind and disabled that is administered through Social Security. SSI beneficiaries are automatically eligible for Medicaid and may be eligible for Food Stamps and Emergency Assistance to Adults (EAA), as well as other services through the local district offices.
A small number of SSI recipients, whose available income is less than the applicable public assistance standard, may be eligible for Safety Net Assistance. Any public assistance applicant, who reasonably appears to qualify for SSI, must apply for SSI and appeal any negative determination made by the Social Security Administration.
Who Determines Disabilities
The Disability Review Team at the local Social Security Administration (SSA) office determines disability for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. A determination of disability by SSA will be accepted as proof of disability for the Medicaid Buy-In Program for Working People with Disabilities.
If you have not been certified disabled through SSA, you will need to have a disability review done by New York State Disability Review Team. Your local social services district worker (county social services worker) is available to advise you of the process.
Additional Information
Address questions about individual SSI claims to the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213; visit the SSI website for information.