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(MRG) UPDATED: NOVEMBER 2009 35 CATEGORICAL FACTORS SSI-RELATED DISABILITY Medicaid is available for recipients who are certified disabled through the second month following the month in which disability ceases. When a recipient's health improves and s/he is no longer certified disabled, the recipient remains SSI-related for two months following the month his/her disability ends. To be eligible for Medicaid, the recipient must still meet all other requirements. (See REFERENCE MEDICALLY NEEDY INCOME AND FEDERAL POVERTY LEVELS for medically needy requirements and REFERENCE MEDICAID RESOURCE LEVELS for resource requirements) When to Verify: (a) When the A/R indicates that s/he is in or was in receipt of SSI benefits based on disability; (b) When the A/R indicates that s/he is in receipt of RSDI benefits based on disability; (c) When the A/R indicates that s/he has excessive medical bills; (d) When the A/R indicates that s/he is in or has recently been released from a hospital, nursing home or other institution; (e) When the A/R indicates that s/he is or was chronically sick, disabled, or mentally impaired; (f) Substance abuse (alcoholism or drug abuse) in and of itself is not considered a disability under the Social Security disability criteria. Individuals who have substance abuse disorders are asked about and evaluated for any other co-existing mental or physical impairments they may have that prevent them from working; (g) When the A/R indicates that a continuing illness or disability was his/her reason for leaving school or employment; (h) When the A/R indicates receipt of benefits based on illness or disability (e.g., Workers' Compensation, Veterans' Benefits, NYS Disability, employer disability pensions, etc.);