Mobile Disability Benefits Counseling

Because of the increasing demand for services, the advocate is not always available to answer every individual’s phone call. If you are inquiring about how to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or if you’re thinking about going back to work while receiving SSDI &/or SSI, you MUST register for a workshop. After attending, it will be determined if an intake is required. Please register and submit your accommodations at least 2 weeks in advance. If you have difficulty with registering for one of these workshops, please call the front desk: 845-452-3913.

Click the flyerS ABOVE for a PDF copy.

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

If you are the individual with the disability seeking services, CLICK HERE for the
General Request for Benefits Counseling form

If you are REFERRING someone with a disability,
please submit this Referral for Benefits Counseling

Since 2000, Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. (TRI), through a grant from the Dutchess County Department of Behavior and Community Health (formerly Department of Mental Hygiene), has provided social security benefits advice to individuals with disabilities in Dutchess County. Our Mobile Benefits Counselor conducts workshops for both staff and consumers at numerous agencies and works with people individually to address their issues. Our Mobile Benefits Counselor travels to sites throughout Dutchess County, assisting individuals to understand and navigate the intricacies of the various government programs with the Department of Community and Family Services (formerly DSS), and Social Security Administration (SSA).

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, widow/widower, 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, 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 February 2023) To qualify for the MBI-WPD you must:

• Be a resident of New York State
• Be at least 16 years old (coverage up to 65 years old)
• 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 $73,932 for an individual and $99,636 for a couple; and
• Have non–exempt resources that do not exceed the Medicaid resource limit of $30,182 for a one-person household and $40,821 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.

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