You may have heard of disability benefits, though you may have questions regarding the regulatory maze that disabled individuals must work through to obtain them. A major area of confusion is the distinction between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplementary Security Income (SSI). Both programs are administered through the Social Security Administration and have different criteria and requirements. This blog is meant to help demystify these two important federal programs and help you understand whether you or a loved one qualify.
Similar Medical Criteria for SSDI and SSI
SSDI and SSI are similar in the area of medical eligibility. For both programs, there must be some evidence of a disability. Additionally, the disability must be diagnosed by a licensed medical treatment professional, must have lasted or be expected to last at least one year, and must be defined by the Social Security Administration as being disabling.
To keep it simple, if you are considered disabled under the SSDI program, there is a very good chance you will be deemed medically eligible for SSI benefits.
Financial Eligibility
The biggest distinction between the two programs is the financial requirements to obtain SSI benefits. Generally, SSI is meant to be accessed by senior citizens 65 or older, the disabled, or the blind whose income is below the federal benefit limit. SSI is provided for the disabled when they do not qualify for SSDI, or the amount of benefits they receive through SSDI and any other income they might have is not enough to place them above the government’s financial standard.
Source of Benefits
Another key distinction is where the benefits come from. SSDI funds are taken from pooled contributions you make throughout your working life. Basically, you pay into the SSDI program through taxes. You essentially insure yourself to protect you in case of a disability. This is why the Social Security Administration requires SSDI applicants to have worked a minimum period of time prior to qualifying for benefits. Conversely, SSI benefits are funded by general tax revenues and do not require you to have worked for a specific period of time to qualify.
Can I Apply for Both SSDI and SSI Benefits?
It is possible to be eligible and apply for both SSDI and SSI. To obtain benefits through both programs, you must suffer from a medical condition listed as disabling by the Social Security Administration under both programs. That is key to ensure you qualify for SSDI benefits since those who can work generally would not qualify for SSDI.
To obtain SSI benefits, your monthly income must be below the SSI federal benefit rate. In 2015, that rate was $733 per month. In addition, to obtain SSI benefits, you must have total assets worth less than $2,000 if you are single,or $3,000 if you are married.
If you meet the criteria set forth above, there is a good chance you can get benefits through both SSDI and SSI.
Speak to an Experienced Social Security Disability Lawyer Today
As you can see, social security law is complex and requires a level of understanding to navigate the federal benefit system. At Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti, we are here to help you and your loved ones. We offer free, confidential consultations so that you can understand your rights under both federal programs. There are no fees for representation before the Social Security Administration in disability claims unless we win your case.
