Benefit Development Resource Toolkit

The Benefit Development Tool Kit is designed to assist employees who are responsible for developing the financial benefits and entitlements necessary to fund services for individuals served by OPWDD and voluntary agencies. The Tool Kit is primarily intended to be used as a reference during the process of assisting individuals in developing the benefits necessary to fund their care.

This kit provides detailed information about conducting eligibility investigations, protecting resources, and applying for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security benefits (SSDI), Medicare, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly called Food Stamps).

The following sections are included: 

• Benefit Development
• Liability for Services
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income
• Supplemental Security Income for Children
• Social Security Benefits
• Work Incentives
• Medicare
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
• Resource Management

Each benefit section includes a discussion of eligibility requirements, outlines application processes, and references important forms and information.

DISCLAIMER

Forms and links found in the Resource Guide are provided as samples for reference only; all efforts are made to include the latest versions available; however, it is the responsibility of personnel developing benefits to ensure they are using the most current versions of the forms, which may be obtained by contacting the benefit-paying agency. Contact information for Local Departments of Social Services (LDSS) is available at: https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/ldss.htm. To locate the Social Security office that serves your area, perform a local office search by zip code on the Social Security Administration website (www.ssa.gov or www.socialsecurity.gov). Many forms may be found online.