Mobile Disability Benefits Counseling

If you are under the age of 64 and inquiring about how to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), attending a workshop would answer your questions!

If you’re currently working or considering returning to work and you have been awarded your SSDI, SSI, or DAC benefits, start your journey to financial independence and sign up for one of our FREE informational sessions that explain the work incentives!

All of our workshops are open to the general public and are geared specifically to residents of Dutchess County, NY. Care Managers, social workers, and your loved ones who assist you with your disability are encouraged to attend with you.

Our benefits counselor has limited availability. Scheduling might take 2-4weeks out for a one-on-one session. The majority of your questions will be answered during our monthly workshops. After attending, you are welcome to schedule a one-on-one intake appointment with the benefits counselor if you feel you’ll need hands-on assistance.

Please register below, and submit your accommodation request at least 2 weeks in advance.

If you’re having difficulty registering, someone from the front desk will assist you at 845-452-3913, between the office hours of M-F 9 am-5 pm. If you need other accommodations, be sure to inform the front desk staff.

For benefit-related services other than the work incentives or how to apply, please complete a Request form or Referral form below:

If you have a disability and are seeking SSI/SSDI Benefits Counseling services, CLICK HERE to complete the “General Request for Benefits Counseling” form.

AGENCY REFERRAL FORM
If you have a client/consumer you would like to refer for SSI/SSDI benefits counseling, please click this box.

Since 2000, through a grant from the Dutchess County Department of Behavior and Community Health, Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. (TRI) has provided social security benefits advice to individuals with disabilities throughout Dutchess County. Our Mobile (Disability) Benefits Counselor conducts workshops for individuals with SMI and other various disabilities, including staff at numerous agencies, to address their issues.

Our Mobile Benefits Counselor travels to sites throughout Dutchess County, assisting individuals with limited transportation to understand and navigate the intricacies of the various government programs with Dutchess County’s Department of Community and Family Services (DCFS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA).

*TRI’s Mobile Benefits Counselor is not an attorney nor a care/case manager. We can not provide legal advice or file disability claims on behalf of the consumer. To better serve our community together, Care Managers who are unfamiliar with the SSI/SSDI application process can seek our Mobile Benefits Counselor’s guidance on how to assist their client/consumer by attending their client’s TRI Intake meeting with their consumer’s consent. Caseworkers are always welcome to attend workshops or request (ongoing) information sessions for their agency staff.

TRI can refer individuals to the local Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, or can assist individuals in searching online for a list of local for-hire Disability legal attorneys if that is the individual’s decision.

The most common question is: “How will employment affect my benefits?” Each person’s situation is unique, but Social Security rules apply to all in the same way. We can help you understand Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Trial Work Period (TWP), Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE), Income Related Work Expense (IRWE), Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS), Medicaid (Buy-in Program and Spend-downs), Medicare, Ticket to Work, overpayments, and other benefits.

Understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income is a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenue, not Social Security taxes. The SSI program provides monthly income to people who are 65 or older, blind or disabled and have limited income and financial resources. It provides cash assistance to meet basic needs, e.g., clothing, food, and shelter. Your living arrangements, earned and unearned income, your assets, and in-kind support determine eligibility. You can be eligible for SSI even if you have never contributed to Social Security. In New York State, if you receive SSI, you are automatically eligible for Medicaid.

Understanding Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Disability Insurance is financed with Social Security taxes paid by workers, employers, and self-employed individuals. To be eligible for a Social Security Benefit, the worker must earn sufficient credits based on taxable work to be ‘insured’ for Social Security purposes. Disability benefits are payable to blind or disabled workers, widows/widowers, or adults disabled since childhood. The amount of the monthly disability benefit is based on the Social Security earnings record of the individual. After two years of being eligible for SSDI, the beneficiary automatically receives Medicare.

What is the Medicaid Buy-In Program for Working People with Disabilities?
The Medicaid Buy-In Program, or “MBI-WPD” in NYS offers Medicaid coverage to people with disabilities who work and earn more than the allowable limits for regular Medicaid, and the opportunity to retain their healthcare coverage through Medicaid. This program allows working people with disabilities to earn more income without the risk of losing vital health care coverage.

Who is Eligible?
(As of April 2025) To qualify for the MBI-WPD you must:

• Be a resident of New York State;
• Be at least 16 years of age (coverage up to 65 years of age);
• Have a disability as defined by the Social Security Administration;
• Be engaged in paid work (includes part–time and full–time work);
• Have a gross income that may be as high as $79,284 for an individual and $106,788 for a couple; and
• Have non–exempt resources that do not exceed the Medicaid resource limit of $32,396 for a one–person household and $43,781 for a two–person household.
  

NOTE: Retirement accounts are disregarded in determining eligibility for this program. Retirement accounts are annuities or work–related plans for providing income when employment ends. They include but are not limited to: pensions; Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs); 401(k) plans and Keogh plans.

Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 or older, certain younger people who receive Title II Disability Benefits, and people with end-stage Renal Disease.

Recommended Sites:

Alex Hiraldo,
Mobile Benefits Counselor
A.Hiraldo@taconicresources.org
(845) 452-3913 Ext. 111

BAG Network Meetings for Professionals Only
TRI’s Mid-Hudson Valley Benefits Advisors Group Meetings
“Meet & Greet” via Zoom TBA.

Registration TBA for the Mid-Hudson Valley BAG Meeting email list.