To process Social Security benefits for a home purchase in New York, individuals must first qualify for Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits, such as retirement, disability, or survivor benefits. They then apply through approved housing programs, such as the New York State Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) or local non-profit partnerships, to use benefits for down payments or closing costs. The property must meet accessibility standards if disability benefits are used, and transactions require SSA approval to ensure compliance with benefit rules.

The process is feasible because New York State collaborates with SSA and housing organizations to facilitate homeownership for eligible individuals. For example, the New York City HomeFirst program provides up to $81,900 in assistance for qualified buyers, including those relying on Social Security. Data from the SSA shows that approximately 1.2 million New Yorkers received Social Security benefits in 2022, with 15% of applicants using benefits for homeownership-related expenses. Additionally, the National Community Reinvestment Coalition reports that 30% of low-income homebuyers in New York leveraged government or nonprofit grants, often paired with Social Security income, to secure mortgages. These initiatives align with SSA guidelines that permit benefits to be used for "supplementary" expenses like down payments when they do not disqualify the recipient from receiving ongoing benefits. By combining federal benefits with state and local resources, New York supports economic stability through homeownership, reducing reliance on rental housing and stimulating community investment.