What Is the Difference Between Social Security Disability (SSDI) and SSI?

The main difference between Social Security Disability (SSD, or SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is the fact that SSD is available for workers who've accumulated a sufficient number of work credits, while SSI disability benefits are around for low-income individuals who have either never worked or who haven't earned enough work credits to qualify for SSD.

While many individuals don't distinguish between SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), they are two totally different governmental programs. While both programs are overseen and handled by the Social Security Administration, and medical eligibility is determined in the same fashion for both programs, there are distinct differences between the two.

What Is SSI?

Supplemental Security Income is a program that's strictly need-based, as outlined by income and assets, and is financed by general fund taxes. SSI is called a "means-tested program," meaning it does not have anything to do with work history, but purely with financial need. To meet the SSI income requirements, you need to have less than $2,000 in assets (or $3,000 for a couple) and a very limited income.

Disabled people who are eligible under the income requirements for SSI are also able to receive Medicaid in the state they live in. Most people who are eligible for SSI will also qualify for food stamps, and the amount an eligible person will receive is based on where they live and the amount of regular, monthly income they have. SSI benefits will begin on the first of the month when you first submit your application.

What Is SSDI?

Social Security Disability Insurance is financed through payroll taxes. SSDI recipients are viewed as "insured" because they have worked for a particular number of years and have made contributions to the Social Security trust fund in the form of FICA Social Security taxes. SSDI candidates must be younger than 65 and have attained a particular number of "work credits." After getting SSDI for two years, a disabled individual will become eligible for Medicare.

Under SSDI, a disabled person's spouse and children dependents are eligible to receive partial dependent benefits, known as auxiliary benefits. Nevertheless, only adults over the age of 18 can be given the SSDI disability benefit.

There's a five-month waiting period for benefits, which means the SSA will not pay you benefits for the first five months once you become impaired. The amount of the monthly benefit after the waiting period is over depends on your earnings record, like the Social Security retirement benefit.

Kassin And Carrow are ready and willing to help you with any needs you have with SSI or SSDI benefits. Give them a call right now and schedule a consultation.