The US Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two disability benefits programs to individuals who can’t work because of disabling conditions: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
The following guide is specifically for New Yorkers seeking benefits. It explains how to apply for disability in New York. Although this is technically a process you can handle yourself, as this guide will make clear, there are many potential advantages to working with a New York disability attorney.
1. Meeting Requirements to Receive Benefits in New York
As you learn how to get disability in New York, it’s important to understand that the requirements to qualify for the program vary depending on which specific program you’re applying to. Regardless, you will need to show you have a condition that meets the SSA’s criteria for a disability.
The SSA may consider an illness or injury to be a disability if:
- It is a mental or physical condition that prevents someone from engaging in substantial gainful activity (which, in 2025, means they can’t earn a minimum of $1620 per month, or $2700 if they’re blind).
- It is medically likely to last at least 12 months and/or result in death.
Showing you have a legitimate disability is key to qualifying for benefits no matter what program you’re applying to. The following points break down the additional requirements you will need to fulfill for each program.
SSDI
SSDI is available to those who have worked and paid into Social Security. When you work and contribute to the Social Security system, you earn a certain number of “work credits” every year. The maximum number of work credits someone can earn a year is four.
In regard to how work credits impact how to get disability in New York, you technically need to have earned a minimum of 40 work credits over the course of your career to qualify for SSDI. In addition, you must have earned 20 of those work credits in the 10 years before you became disabled.
That’s not to say you can’t qualify for SSDI if you haven’t earned sufficient work credits. Sometimes, the SSA makes exceptions based on age. For example, a younger applicant may qualify for SSDI if they haven’t had time to earn enough work credits during their career. Don’t assume SSDI isn’t an option simply because your work history is lacking.
SSI
SSI is a needs-based program, meaning it’s not necessary to show you’ve earned any work credits at all to qualify for the program. Instead, you merely need to show that you have a valid disability, that you have limited income, and limited financial means or resources.
No matter what program you apply for, gathering the documentation you need to show you meet the criteria doesn’t need to be a task you handle alone. A New York disability attorney can help, simplifying the process while potentially strengthening your claim.
2. Filling Out New York Disability Application
While learning how to apply for Social Security benefits in New York, be aware you have multiple options for completing an application. They are:
- Applying for benefits online
- Calling the SSA at 1 (800) 772-1213
- Visiting your local SSA office to complete the paperwork in-person
The SSA’s Adult Disability Starter Kit provides you with access to the forms you’ll need to get the process started. It’s also wise to check the SSA’s Blue Book to see if there is a listing for your condition. This listing will provide information about the evidence and documentation you may need to submit to ensure your application is thorough.
Vigilantly check your forms and paperwork to ensure there are no errors. Even small mistakes can result in delays that prevent you from receiving what you may deserve in a timely manner.
This is another instance in which coordinating with an attorney can be quite beneficial. With a New York disability attorney on your side, you’ll have assistance from someone who understands what does and doesn’t constitute a thorough application.
3. Tracking Your Application & Follow-Up
Strongly consider creating a my Social Security (aka mySSA) account as you learn how to apply for disability in New York. With an online account, you can easily check on your application’s status.
Keep an eye out for correspondence from the SSA after submitting your claim. The SSA may contact you asking for additional documentation. Or, the SSA might require you to participate in a consultative examination (CE), a physical exam meant to provide the SSA with more information about your condition.
Responding promptly to SSA requests will help you avoid additional delays. Failure to respond to the SSA in a timely manner could result in your application being dropped. Fortunately, a New York disability attorney can help you stay on top of these tasks to guard against avoidable consequences.
Is it Hard to Get Approved for Disability in New York?
Although data varies from one source to another, generally, research indicates that the current national rate of approval for first-time disability applications is about 39.5%. In New York, the approval rate is about 40%.
On the one hand, this does mean that it’s slightly easier to get approved for disability in New York than it is in the rest of the nation. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the SSA denies most initial applications.
The purpose of stating that isn’t to discourage anyone from seeking benefits they believe they need or deserve. It’s meant to emphasize the importance of taking any steps you can to optimize your claim or application. Working with a disability attorney is one way to theoretically improve your odds of receiving an approval.
Keep in mind that you can also hire a lawyer at virtually any stage in the process. If the SSA has already denied your claim, you may still hire an attorney to help with an appeal.
Tips for Getting Approved in New York
While learning how to apply for disability in New York, remember that keeping these tips in mind throughout the process can strengthen your claim:
- Avoid common errors, like applying to the wrong program, submitting incomplete paperwork, or failing to include all the necessary medical evidence/documentation.
- Continue with treatment plans to show the SSA you’re serious about striving to improve your condition.
- Coordinate with a New York disability lawyer.
Connect with a Disability Attorney in New York
A New York disability attorney can help in many ways when you apply for disability in New York. Examples include:
- Review your case to determine if you’re eligible for benefits.
- Answering questions about the programs.
- Gathering supporting evidence and documentation.
- Submitting paperwork on your behalf.
- Representing you during an appeal.
It’s worth noting that a disability can be very draining in and of itself. You don’t have to add to your burdens now by seeking benefits alone. For professional assistance, take the free evaluation and get connected with a disability lawyer in New York today.
