Benefits for Long-Term Disabilities
1-800-772-1213 (Social Security Disability Insurance)
1-800-722-1213 (Social Security Income)
The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance of New York State has two long-term disability benefits programs.
Social Security Disability Insurance
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
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a 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.
Eligibility
The definition of disability under Social Security is different than other programs. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability.
“Disability” under Social Security is based on your inability to work. We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if:
–You cannot do work that you did before;
–The OTDA office decides 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.
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.
Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance
—Online
—By phone: Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
—In person: Visit your local Social Security office. (Call first to make an appointment.)
Apply for Social Security Income
There is no online SSI Application. Schedule an appointment with a local Social Security office to file an application. Call 1-800-722-1213 (TYY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday 7 am to 7 pm.