Question 1

What is the difference between OTDA and SSD?

Accepted Answer

The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is a state-run program that is designed to give you temporary supplementary disability assistance.  Social Security Disability (SSD) is a federal, non-temporary supplementary program.  To qualify for SSD, your disability should be expected to last for more than one year.

Question 2

What is the difference between Medicaid and Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Medicaid is an entitlement program that covers medical expenses if you financially qualify.  Medicare is a program in which to qualify you must be 65+ years old or have received 24 payments of SSD.  Medicare typically only covers 80% of medical bills unless you have a supplemental or advantage plan.

Question 3

What is the difference between SSI and SSD?

Accepted Answer

Social Security Supplemental Income (SSI) is an entitlement program where the individual receiving services must qualify as medically disabled, own less than $2,000 in assets (home and car are exempt from the asset calculation), and have little to no income.  Social Security Disability (SSD) is an insurance program that is tied to payroll taxes.  You must be medically disabled to qualify.  Financial qualifications are based on working credits within the last 60 months.  SSD is strictly determined by your ability to work, not your assets or unearned income.

Question 4

What is the application process like? What should I expect?

Accepted Answer

You must fill out an online application, survey, and follow-up paperwork promptly.  Social Security will then wait for your medical information to be sent by your doctor.  You may be asked to complete an independent medical exam or for additional follow-up information.  It is highly recommended that you work with a benefits advisor throughout the application process to answer your questions appropriately.

Question 5

What is adjudication?

Accepted Answer

Adjudication is the approval process of being declared disabled.  This process is done by the Office of Temporary Disability Assistance (OTDA) in New York State.

Question 6

What is the Medicare Savings Plan?

Accepted Answer

The Medicare Savings Plan (MSP) is a program for those who do not qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford Medicare.  Learn more about the financial qualifications here.

Question 7

How long will it take for my application to be accepted, processed, and fulfilled?

Accepted Answer

The process takes 6 months to 1 year to complete in its entirety.  If an appeal is filed, the appeal may take up to 3 years.  Please note that Social Security is over 1 million cases behind.

Question 8

What is the difference between a benefits advisor and a disability advocate/ attorney?

Accepted Answer

Receiving benefits advisement from an RCAL advisor is free of cost while receiving services from an outside disability advocate or attorney requires you to pay out of pocket.  Please note that our benefits advisors are certified by the Cornell Cooperative Extension and are authorized to represent you during Social Security Hearings in New York State.

Question 9

My child is disabled.  Can they apply although they have never worked?

Accepted Answer

A person under the age of 18 may be eligible based on the financial qualifications of the parent and/or the type of disability.  A child with a developmental disability may be eligible for a waiver which removes the parents' finances from the application.   This would be for SSI purposes only.  A child may be eligible for SSD under certain conditions as well.  Please inquire with an advocate for clarity about your specific circumstances.

Question 10

Am I eligible to qualify to apply for disability?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility is dependent on your medical condition, how your medical condition impacts your ability to work, and either your working credits or your financial qualification.

Question 11

Is it true that everyone gets denied the first time they apply?

Accepted Answer

No, this is not true.  Many factors in SSA decide who receives approval and who does not.

Question 12

Do you have any tips for preparing a proper application and follow-up?

Accepted Answer

It is extremely important that you put a lot of honest thought and effort into your application.  Answer questions based on your worst day.  Respond promptly to follow-up questions (it is the hurry-up-and-wait game!). Work with a benefits advisor to make the process smoother and more clarified.

Question 13

What else can the RCAL Benefits Advisement department assist me with?

Accepted Answer

We can help you with Section 8 Housing application and Recertification forms, Representative Payee applications, SNAP temporary assistance, and other forms required by DSS, and navigating and understanding the rules for if you decide to return to work.

Benefits Advisement