The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) provides seamless and accessible services to all individuals in our Career Centers, including people with disabilities. It is the policy of NYSDOL and the State of New York to provide universal access and full participation in all of its programs, services, and activities.
Read the NYSDOL Policy Statement on Discrimination against Individuals with Disabilities.
Universal Access to Career Centers
Career Centers provide employment services to all job seekers, including those who have disabilities. These services include, but are not limited to career counseling, resume development, career workshops, computers/internet access, computer workshops, job search resources and placement assistance, career resource library, access to phone/fax/copier and short-term training for long-term careers subject to funding availability and program regulations). Career Centers can also provide connections to other community organizations and resources for additional services and supports.
New York Employment Services System (NYESS)
- The New York Employment Services System (NYESS) is a comprehensive employment system that provides New Yorkers with a single point of access to employment services and related supports. In addition, NYESS is a statewide Administrative Employment Network (EN) whereby a Social Security beneficiary (ages 18-64) can assign their Ticket to Work to NYESS and access employment services from a variety of providers, including many NYS Career Centers, throughout New York State that are participating in the NYESS Administrative Employment Network (AEN).
- NYESS works in partnership with the New York State Department of Labor to provide New Yorkers with a single point to access all employment-related services and support, including job matching with the approximately 90,000 jobs currently posted by businesses in the NYS Job Bank. Under NY SCION, NYESS also works with the New York State Department of Labor to support over 30 Disability Resource Coordinators working across the state to ensure that every NYS Career Center and the services that they provide are fully accessible to individuals with disabilities.
- More information about NYESS is available on their Customer Resources page.
Ticket to Work and NYESS
Ticket-to-Work (TTW) is a free program that helps Social Security Administration (SSA) beneficiaries get work and achieve financial independence. Individuals ages 18-64 who receive SSDI and/or SSI may qualify. Ready to work? Get started today. Visit: https://choosework.ssa.gov/about/get-started-today/index.html
NYESS helps SSA beneficiaries obtain work through employment services provided by America’s Job Centers (New York State Department of Labor, Career Centers) and participating community agencies.
Want to know how working will impact your SSA benefits? We have Disability Resource Coordinators who can help you better understand your benefits, and help you get your first job, a new job, or a better job.
NYSDOL Career Centers services include:
- Resume Writing Support
- Interview Skills
- Identifying Employment and Training Opportunities
- Benefits Advisement
NYESS Locator Map – Find an Agency Near You
Through the NYESS collaborative network, you can get free employment services and benefits advisement.
NYESS locations (employment1st.com) https://employment1st.com/NYESS/AEN_storelocatorwidget_fullscreen.html
Do you qualify for public benefits?
- Use this Public Benefit Screening tool to find out.
Work Incentives
The YTIOnline SSI Benefits Calculator shows how your benefits may change, if:
- you are working
- you receive SSI benefits
The SSA Red Book is your go-to source for all information regarding SSA benefits, related health insurance, and how income will affect your benefits.
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. Claiming the credit can reduce the tax you owe and may also give you a larger refund.
Want to work and keep your Medicaid? There are two major programs you might be elegible for – 1619(b) and MBI-WPD.
Which Medicaid program is right for me?
| 1619(b) | MBI-WPD |
| You are earning up to $52,286 in wages annually and have less than $2,000 in resources; | You are earning wages up to $73,932 in wages annually and have/want to have resources up to $30,182; |
| AND | AND |
| have a qualifying disability; | have a qualifying disability; |
| AND | AND |
| are currently receiving a SSI cash payment; | have not received a SSI cash payment in the last 36 months; |
| OR | OR |
| are no longer receiving a SSI Cash Payment due to earned income but have in the previous 36 months; | have received SSI within the last 36 months but want to have greater earnings and savings capacity; |
| AND | AND |
| want access to free Medicaid! | want access to free Medicaid! |
- Use this 1619(b) Template Letter to alert your local SSA office about potential eligibility
- Learn more about the Medicaid Buy-In Program for Working People with Disabilities
- Section 301 of the Social Security Act is a rule that allows you to continue receiving SSI/SSDI even if you are no longer considered disabled by SSA. To be eligible for continued SSI or SSDI benefits under Section 301, you must be a part of one or more of the following:
- a vocational rehabilitation program
- the Ticket-to-Work program
- be engaged in another qualifying rehabilitation program
- have an SSA approved PASS Plan
- have an Individualized Education Plan
- Use the Section 301 Template Letter to communicate with your local SSA Field Office about potential Section 301 eligibility.
- SSA Ticket to Work Resources
- Ticket-to-Work Trainings
- Ticket-to-Work Training
- Work Incentive Seminar Events (WISE)
- Resources and Forms
NYS Education Department – ACCES-VR
Visit the ACCES website.
Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) provides services to individuals who have a disability, or disabilities, that interfere with getting, keeping, or advancing in a job. ACCES-VR has 15 District Offices and 10 Satellite Offices located across New York State. Its administration office is located at the New York State Education Department in Albany, NY. Click the following link to locate an ACCES-VR district office near you. You can also call 1-800-222-JOBS (5627).
To apply or be referred for ACCES-VR services you must be:
- A person with a disability or disabilities that impact your ability to get, keep or advance in a job
- Currently present in New York State
- Available to participate in the vocational rehabilitation process
- At least 14 years old
ACCES-VR also provides Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to students, ages 14-21, with disabilities who are eligible or potentially eligible for VR services and are enrolled in an educational or training program (e.g., high school, vocational training program, college). Pre-ETS are short-term in nature and are designed to improve the transition of students with disabilities from school to postsecondary education or to an employment outcome. Contact the ACCES-VR local Transition and Youth Services (TAYS) Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (SVRC) if you are interested in learning more or receiving Pre-ETS. A list of contacts can be found behind the following link: Pre-ETS, TAYS, and SVRC Contact Information.
Useful Links to ACCES-VR Programs and Services:
- ACCES-VR Orientation Sessions
- Applying for ACCES-VR Services and Documentation Needed for Eligibility
- Eligibility Process
- Pre-ETS ,TAYS, and SVRC Contact Information
NYS Commission for the Blind
Visit the NYS Commission for the Blind website.
The New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB) provides vocational rehabilitation and other direct services to legally blind New York State residents, including children, adults, and elderly persons. One of NYSCB’s primary objectives is to assist consumers in achieving economic self-sufficiency and full integration into society. NYSCB offers these services from seven district offices across the state.
NYSCB offers an array of programs to help individuals who are legally blind achieve economic self-sufficiency and full integration into society. NYSCB works closely with not-for-profit agencies for the blind throughout New York State to provide technical, educational and resource assistance to our consumers.
For more information or to find a local office near you please call 1-866-871-3000 or TTY 1-866-371-6000.
Useful Links to NYCB Programs and Services:
- Vocational Rehabilitation Program
- Business Enterprise Program
- Children’s Program
- Transition Program
- Summer Recreation Program
- Equipment Loan Fund
- Independent Living Program
NYS Office Temporary and Disability Assistance
Visit the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website.
NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) supervises state benefits programs that provide assistance and support to eligible families and individuals. Programs include, but are not limited to:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
- Temporary Assistance (TA)
- Fair Hearings
- Housing and Support Services
- Shelter Services
- SSI/Social Security Disability Determinations
- Employment and Advancement Services
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Noncustodial Parent New York State Earned Income Tax Credit
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
To access these services and more, visit the myBenefits portal.
NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
Visit the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities website.
The New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is responsible for coordinating services for NYS residents with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and other neurological impairments.
Examples of services that OPWDD provides includes:
- Care Coordination
- Housing
- Employment
- Independent living
- Residential care
- Self-direction services
NYS Office of Mental Health
Visit the Office of Mental Health website.
The New York State Office of Mental Health operates psychiatric centers across the State. OMH also regulates, certifies and oversees more than 4,500 programs, operated by local governments and nonprofit agencies.
NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs and the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (TRAID) Program:
Visit the Justice Center’s TRAID Program website.
The New York State Justice Center provides oversight of the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Program. There are 12 Regional TRAID Centers in New York State. Their activities include:
- Device demonstration, which allows individuals the opportunity to try out assistive technology equipment prior to purchase;
- Coordinate local technology information and referral services;
- Implement outreach, public awareness, education and training programs for community-based organizations and businesses; and
- Promote local advocacy on how to access and use assistive technology devices and services in community and employment settings.
Additional Resource Links
Information on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
New York State Independent Living Centers:
Independent Living Centers (ILCs) provide an array of services that assist New Yorkers with all disabilities to live fully integrated and self-directed lives. ILCs assist with all aspects of living, learning and earning. They identify and facilitate removal of architectural, communication and attitudinal barriers to full participation in local communities and beyond. ACCES-VR administers base funding for 41 Independent Living Centers (ILCS) throughout the state.
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN):
JAN is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy. JAN is an information and consulting service that provides users with individualized solutions for workplace accommodations. JAN also provides information regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and other disability-related legislation. In addition, JAN consultants have access to a vast network of resources, organizations, support groups, government agencies, and more that provide assistance to persons with disabilities.
The Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Ticket to Work Program:
The SSA’s Ticket to Work Program is a free and voluntary program available to people ages 18 through 64 who are blind or have a disability and who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The Ticket to Work Program offers employment assistance to SSI and/or SSDI beneficiaries from different service providers called Employment Networks (ENs) and State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies.
The goals of the Ticket Program are to:
- Offer beneficiaries with disabilities expanded choices when seeking service and supports to enter, re-enter and/or maintain employment.
- Increase the financial independence and self-sufficiency of beneficiaries with disabilities.
- Reduce and, whenever possible, eliminate reliance on disability benefits.
The SSA “Red Book” serves as a general reference source about the employment-related provisions of the Social Security Disability Insurance and the Supplemental Security Income Programs for educators, advocates, rehabilitation professionals, and counselors who serve people with disabilities.
The Governor’s Program to Hire Individuals and Veterans with Disabilities (55-B/55-C):
The Governor’s Programs to Hire Individuals and Veterans with Disabilities consist of two specialized programs: the 55-b and the 55-c Program.
Section 55-b of the New York State Civil Service Law authorizes the New York State Civil Service Commission to designate up to 1,200 positions normally filled through competitive examination to be filled through the appointment of qualified persons with disabilities. Section 55-c authorizes the designation of up to 500 positions in the non-competitive class to be filled by qualified wartime veterans with disabilities. In general, an entry-level position that is filled only through an open-competitive examination (one open to the public) may be used for a 55-b or 55-c appointment.
Schedule A Hiring Authority Information for Federal Jobs:
Schedule A is a “service” hiring authority available to federal agencies to hire and/or to promote individuals with disabilities without requiring them to compete for the job.
Utilizing the Schedule A hiring authority to fill a vacancy allows federal agencies to circumvent or “work around” using the traditional, and sometimes lengthy, competitive hiring process.
Individuals with disabilities are eligible for a Schedule an appointment if they are a person with an intellectual disability, severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability, and meet the qualifications of the job in question.
Section 503 Regulations for Federal Contractors and Sub-Contractors:
Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a law that prohibits federal contractors and subcontractors from discriminating in employment against individuals with disabilities and requires employers to take affirmative action to recruit, hire, promote, and retain these individuals.
Find out more information about Section 503.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation is insurance, paid for by your employer, that provides cash benefits and medical care if you are unable to perform your job duties because of an injury or illness that occurred either on, or off the job. New York is one of a handful of states that require employers to provide disability benefits coverage to employees for an off-the-job injury or illness.
Check out an overview of the Workers’ Compensation Board’s disability benefits.