Disability Determination
As part of the Trust approval process, the Department of Social Services (DSS) will require proof of the Trust Beneficiary’s disability. If the Social Security Administration (SSA) has already awarded either Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to the Trust Beneficiary, then the SSA Award Letter should be sufficient to prove disability.
If the Trust Beneficiary does not have an Award Letter from the SSA for either SSDI or SSI benefits, it will be necessary to use forms LDSS-486T and LDSS-1151 and ask DSS for a disability determination. You also need to include one years’ worth of medical notes or records to be submitted to Albany, New York.
PLEASE NOTE: LDSS-486T and LDSS-1151 are both available for download from the links below. However, these forms are provided for convenience only and it is the sole responsibility of the Beneficiary or the Beneficiary’s agent to make sure the forms are completed properly and submitted to DSS in those circumstances when it is necessary for DSS to
determine disability.
LDSS-486T – Medical Report for Determination of Disability
This one-page form needs to be filled out by the applicant’s doctor who would give the best prognosis as to the medical condition of the applicant. Applicant must also include one years’ worth of medical notes or records to be submitted to Albany, New York.
DSS-1151 – Disability Interview
This form should be completed and signed by the Trust Beneficiary, family member, or other advocate to the best of their ability.