Whereas disabled adults residing in New York State require various forms of assistance to maintain their independence and quality of life, the following programs and services are hereby described:
Look, getting help when you’re disabled in New York can be complicated. I’ve broken down the main programs you should know about:
Money Help
No joke – this is usually the biggest concern. You’ve got a few options:
- If you worked enough years before becoming disabled, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is your best bet. The monthly checks can help.
- SSI picks up the slack for folks without much work history or income. Not a fortune, but it helps with basic needs.
- Temporary Assistance can bridge the gap when times are tough until something better comes along.
Healthcare Coverage (because medical bills are no joke)
The big three are:
- Medicaid – free or super cheap if you qualify based on income
- Medicare – kicks in after you’ve been on SSDI for two years
- The Essential Plan – affordable coverage for people who make too much for Medicaid but still need help
Furthermore, regarding housing assistance programs:
Section 8 vouchers help cover rent in private apartments. The NYC Housing Authority runs public housing developments. And if you need modifications to your home, the Access to Home Program might foot the bill.
Getting Around
Let’s talk transportation. In NYC, you can get:
- A MetroCard at half price if you qualify
- Access-A-Ride service when regular transit isn’t doable
Whereas employment support services are critical for independence:
ACCES-VR helps with job training and finding work. The Ticket to Work program lets you test employment without losing benefits immediately.
In witness whereof, additional support services include:
- Independent Living Centers offering training and resources
- Home care through Home and Community-Based Services
- Legal help through Disability Rights New York
- Education programs at many NY colleges.
Contact the relevant agencies listed above for specific application procedures and eligibility requirements.
This document is an informational guide only and does not constitute legal advice.
