Key Differences Between SSDI and SSI Programs

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) are popular programs within the US Social Security Administration (SSA). The two federal initiatives offer financial benefits to persons with disabilities and seniors across the US.

SSDI and SSI share various aspects but are two different programs. The SSDI program caters to people living with a disability and who have qualifying work history through their employment, a spouse, a parent, or a family member.

SSI is a federal benefit program for seniors and disabled people of all ages who have limited resources and income. SSI offers minimum financial assistance, so many states have supplemental programs. Below are key differences between the two programs.

Eligibility
Eligibility is a significant distinguishing factor. Supplemental Security Income bases its benefits on age and disability. Seniors above 65 years can collect SSI benefits even if they don't have a disability. On the other hand, people below 65 are eligible if blind or disabled. SSI also accommodates persons with little to no income or resources.

Social Security Disability works a little differently as it doesn't factor in age. The program applies to people who have a disability plus sufficient work history or credits. You must have worked before to qualify for the benefits.

SSDI benefits also accommodate adults who have lived with disabilities since childhood, even with no work history and tax records. These adults can apply based on the credits of their parents. This program also offers additional benefits to spouses and children of disabled workers.

Benefits
SSDI and SSI benefits vary greatly and rely on different factors. SSDI benefits begin after six full months of disability. The six-month duration doesn't start until one month after the SSA determines you are disabled, so it's vital to apply as soon as possible.

SSI benefits begin one month after the date you filed a claim or the date SSA finds eligible. However, SSI payments average less than $600 per month , unlike SSDI payments that exceed $1,100 per month as of 2020.

The maximum SSI benefit for SSI is $794 for single beneficiaries and $1,191 for a married couple. Conversely, the maximum SSDI benefit is $3,148. SSI benefits are based on family income, while SSDI benefits rely on work history, so the amounts will vary from one person to the next.

Administration
The SSDI program uses funds held in the Social Security Disability Insurance Trust Fund. Employees and employers fund the program through payroll taxes, so benefits depend on how much is earned and contributed during working years.

Like SSDI, SSI is under the Social Security Administration but does not rely on funds from taxes. Instead, SSI benefits are from general revenues given to the Treasury Department for government administration.

Healthcare
Other distinctions between SSI and SSDI disability programs include eligibility for health insurance. In most states, SSI beneficiaries qualify for Medicaid automatically upon providing SSI receipts.

SSDI beneficiaries have to wait at least 24 months after the first SSDI benefits to qualify for Medicare. There's only one exception for people with myotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), who aren't subject to the 24- month waiting period.

Claim Your SSI or SSDI Today
SSDI and SSI programs offer financial assistance to various individuals, such as senior citizens above 65 years, the blind, people living with a disability, or family members of a disabled worker. Unfortunately, SSI and SSDI claims often get denied. It is vital to involve an experienced lawyer if this happens to you.

The Law Offices of James B. Gillespie, Jr., PLLC is ready to help you get the deserved benefits and avoid anything that can compromise your position. We serve southeastern North Carolina and several counties, including New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, Columbus, and Duplin.

Contact us today to start the process and claim your SSI or SSDI benefits.