Filing for Disability in New York
When disability claims are medically reviewed in New York, 37.6% are approved — above the national average of 37.0%. This rate measures how often claims are approved at medical review, not all applications filed.
Your Chances at the Initial Level
Medical approval rate = allowances / completed medical determinations at DDS.
Nat'l avg: 37.0%
Nat'l avg: 38.9%
Nat'l avg: 42.3%
Know Your Numbers
New York approves 37.6% of initial disability claims. That’s 0.6 percentage points above the national average of 37.0%. Understanding your state’s data before you file helps you prepare.
Get your free personalized Approval Guide with your local approval data, condition context, and next-step guidance.
Get Your Free GuideWhat You Could Receive
National payment amounts by program. Individual amounts vary based on earnings history and state supplements.
Avg New SSDI Award
$1,824/mo
Max SSDI Benefit
$4,152/mo
SSI Individual Rate
$994/mo
SSI Couple Rate
$1,491/mo
SSDI amounts based on your earnings record. SSI is the 2026 federal rate; some states add a supplement. How benefits are calculated →
Medical Approval Rate Over Time
Monthly medical approval rates (allowances / determinations at DDS) for New York vs. the national average. Data covers Feb 2021 – Mar 2026 (monthly).
New York's medical approval rate has held steady over this period.
At a Glance — March 2026
Monthly activity and current caseload at the state DDS office
Approval Rate
37.6%
Claims Filed
9,349
Determinations
8,310
Pending Claims
22,542
If Your Claim Is Denied
Reconsideration
If your initial claim is denied, you can request reconsideration — a new review by a different examiner. Is reconsideration worth it? →
Recon Approval Rate
14.8%
Recon Claims Pending
7,088
Hearing
If reconsideration is also denied, your case goes to a hearing. Hearing office assignment is based on your ZIP code, not state lines — some residents may be assigned to an office in a neighboring state.
Albany
Hearing OfficeAlbany · 9 judges · 10.0 months wait · 1,774 pending
approval
Bronx
Hearing OfficeBronx · 8 judges · 9.0 months wait · 2,004 pending
approval
Buffalo
Hearing OfficeBuffalo · 5 judges · 10.0 months wait · 1,452 pending
approval
Long Island
Hearing OfficeCentral Islip · 8 judges · 9.5 months wait · 1,935 pending
approval
New York
Hearing OfficeNew York · 12 judges · 10.0 months wait · 1,900 pending
approval
New York, NY (Varick)
Hearing OfficeNew York · 5 judges · 9.0 months wait · 1,336 pending
approval
Queens
Hearing OfficeJamaica · 6 judges · 8.0 months wait · 1,522 pending
approval
Rochester
Hearing OfficeRochester · 3 judges · 11.0 months wait · 710 pending
approval
Syracuse
Hearing OfficeSyracuse · 9 judges · 8.0 months wait · 2,215 pending
approval
Detailed Breakdown
Initial Rates
- Concurrent
- 21.6%
- Disabled Child
- 61.7%
Reconsideration Rates
- Concurrent
- 10.5%
- Disabled Child
- 26.8%
SSDI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 3,637
- Approved
- 1,471
SSI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 3,000
- Approved
- 1,295
SSDI + SSI Combined
- Claims Reviewed
- 1,673
- Approved
- 361
Disabled Child (SSI)
- Claims Reviewed
- 1,139
- Approved
- 703
Recon Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 2,666
- Approved
- 394
What to Do Next
Review New York's medical approval rates above to understand how your state compares.
Gather your medical records, treatment notes, and any test results that document your condition. See our evidence guide →
Get a free case review — we can connect you with a disability advocate who handles claims in New York. Start here →
Learn More
Filing for Disability in New York?
Claimants who understand their state’s approval data and process are better prepared. Get a free, personalized Approval Guide with your state’s rates, local offices, and a documentation checklist.
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