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Center for Specialized Services
Division of Disability Determinations (DDD)
Gloria S. Toal, Deputy Commissioner
The Division of Disability Determinations makes medical determinations on disability claims filed with the Social Security Administration (SSA) under their Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. DDD’s mission is the timely and accurate adjudication of disability claims filed by New York State residents under Title II (SSDI) and Title XVI (SSI) of the Social Security Act.
The Division is comprised of four processing centers in Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo and Manhattan and is staffed by disability analysts, physicians, psychologists and other professional and support specialists. DDD collects all relevant medical evidence of record from the claimant’s treating doctors and other identified sources. If the information is not available, or is insufficient, DDD arranges for the claimant to have a consultative examination.
When all appropriate medical and non-medical evidence is obtained, adjudicators, employing a comprehensive sequential evaluation process, draft a detailed case rationale of the factors considered in rendering the decision of medical eligibility for benefits. SSA then informs the claimant of the final decision and provides appeal information for those who have been found ineligible.
Division of Disability Determinations website
Bureau of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance (BRIA)
BRIA coordinates with federal, state, and local agencies on policy and programs for immigrants, refugees, asylees, entrants, Amerasians and victims of a severe form of human trafficking who reside in our state. BRIA directs federal and state resources to local agencies under contract with OTDA. The contractors provide employment and support services to assist refugees to achieve early economic self-sufficiency; to aid other immigrants in their transition to life in the United States, to promote their social integration, and to assist them to become United States citizens; to help repatriated citizens arrive home safely; and to assure the foster care of unaccompanied refugee minors. Bureau staff promotes access to services and benefits through language services and ombudsman services and responds to requests from immigrants for assistance in negotiating other government service systems.
Bureau of Refugee and Immigrant Affairs website
Bureau of Housing and Shelter Services (BHSS)
The Bureau of Housing and Shelter Services administers an array of programs to address the problems of homelessness in the State. These programs provide a continuum of services for homeless, at risk and low-income households. BHSS programs are designed to prevent homelessness, provide shelter for the homeless, construct supportive housing for the homeless and offer essential services to stabilize housing situations and increase levels of self-sufficiency.
To accomplish this, BHSS administers the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP), as well as a range of support services programs for homeless and at risk families and individuals, including the Homelessness Intervention Program, Supplemental Homelessness Intervention Program, Single Room Occupancy Support Services Program, Emergency Shelter Grants Program, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program, Supported Housing for Families and Young Adults Program, and the Operational Support for AIDS Housing Program. In addition, the Bureau is responsible for the New York State’s certification, regulation and inspection of family and single shelters for the homeless.