Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are both disability programs that offer cash benefits for people who are disabled. Their similarity in name, however, is where the things they have in common end, particularly when it comes to their differing financial eligibility requirements.
Comparing SSI and SSDI
SSDI is available to workers who have collected a certain number of work credits over their career to be considered eligible to be insured.
SSI disability benefits, on the other hand, are intended for low-income individuals who have never worked or have not earned enough work credits to qualify for SSDI.
Now, to get into the specific details of each program:
- SSDI benefits are usually higher than SSI benefits.
- The average SSDI payment in 2022 is $1,358 monthly.
- The average SSI payment in 2022 is $586 per month.
- SSDI program benefits can be paid to cover up to a year of disability even before you applied for benefits.
- SSI payments are only paid out as early as the first full month after the initial claim is filed.
- SSDI approval rates are higher than SSI approval rates.
- In many cases, individuals eligible for SSDI receive more medical care than those only eligible for SSI, making it easier for SSDI claimants to prove their disability.
- Applicants with a long work history tend to receive more credibility by judges than those who do not.
Qualifying for SSI or SSDI
It’s easy to lump SSDI and SSI together, but these are two very different government programs. Though both are overseen by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the SSA determines medical eligibility for SSDI and SSI the same way, there are significant differences between the programs that distinguish them from each other.
Supplemental Security Income
- Provides minimal cash assistance to people who are disabled and have little recent work experience.
- To qualify, you must have no income or a limited income and less than $2,000 in assets ($3,000 for a married couple).
- If income and asset limits are met, you financially qualify for SSI.
- But, applicants must also prove they medically qualify by showing evidence of their disability.
Social Security Disability Insurance
- This federal insurance program provides cash benefits to disabled workers.
- Recipients of SSDI are “insured” because they have worked for years and contributed to Social Security.
- SSDI is often considered a form of early retirement for workers who become disabled before age 65.
- Applicants must have a certain amount of work history to qualify for SSDI.
Get Help Applying for SSDI or SSI Benefits
Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income are complex programs that require applicants to be meticulous about their request for support. It is always wise to get the help of an experienced Social Security disability attorney who understands the system, the things that can get you denied, and the fastest way to benefits.
Contact Thurswell Law to get help right away in securing Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and the compensation your family deserves. Call us at (248) 354-2222 today. We do not charge any fees until we win.