What Is The Difference Between Ssi And Disability
So, what is the difference between SSI and disability? In reality, there is no single difference. Instead, there are multiple critical differences between these programs.
We have already covered some of the critical differences. For example, qualifying for SSI is usually a matter of simply proving your age and your financial situation. But qualifying for SSDI means proving that you have a disability that meets the strict requirements of the SSA.
One surprising difference between the programs has to do with Medicaid. If you qualify for SSI benefits, then you should apply for Medicaid right away. But if you qualify for SSDI benefits, you will automatically qualify for Medicaid benefits after two years.
Finally, there is a difference in how soon benefits begin paying out for qualified applicants. Those who qualify for SSI may receive benefits in the first entire month after they qualify. But those who qualify for SSDI must wait until the sixth entire month of their disability to begin receiving benefits, and waiting for your application to be reviewed may be frustrating.
With this information in mind, we will take a closer look at the eligibility requirements for each set of benefits.
Eligibility Requirements For Ssdi And Ssi
The SSI disability program has different eligibility requirements than Social Security Disability Insurance . To be entitled to SSI benefits, you must be a U.S. citizen who meets the requirements set by the Social Security Administration .
to qualify for SSI benefits you need to present medical evidence that your disability will last for at least one year. Your total countable income should also be below listed Supplemental Security Income levels. The SSI amount differs from state to state.
In both SSDI and SSI cases, a claimant’s medical records will be checked periodically to be sure the individual is still disabled.
The Social Security Administration will review your condition every 3 to 7 years, depending on your disabilitys nature. Once youre awarded SSI disability benefits, your financial records will be reviewed every year.
Ssi Cover Your Assets
SSI, on the other hand, doesn’t have any insured requirement, and unlike SSDI, the program did not exist in its current form until 1972 . Prior to that, it was known as the ‘Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled’ had been delegated to the various states. In 1974, the Nixon administration decided to shift the program to a federally administered program.
What is unique to SSI is the eligibility requirements. The program was intended to provide for the needy, and in 1974, the program set forth eligibility based on income and resources. The income restrictions are both stringent and complex, depending on marital status and whether income is classified as ‘earned’ or ‘unearned.’ The resources component is easier to state: you must not own assets worth more than $2000 for a single person/$3,000 for a married couple. .
| SSDI | |
| Medicare | Medicaid |
This only scratches the surface of all the ways SSDI and SSI are interrelated. If you have questions about whether you’re eligible for SSDI, SSI, or both, speak with a qualified SSDI attorney as soon as possible.
The Social Security disability lawyers at Coats & Todd have been providing knowledgeable guidance and exceptional legal services to the residents of Texas for over 20 years. We have a comprehensive understanding of the disability process and can help you file an effective claim that bypasses the appeals process. If necessary, our legal team is prepared to represent your case all the way to the Supreme Court.
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Is One Set Of Benefits Better Than The Other
Now you know that it is possible to qualify for both SSI and SSDI benefits. However, many people can potentially only qualify for one set of benefits. So, assuming that you could apply to each one, its worth asking: which set of benefits is better?
All things being equal, you may be better off applying for SSDI benefits rather than SSI benefits. Thats because, according to research from the Disability Benefits Center, the average SSDI payment in 2020 was $1237 per month, and the maximum SSI payout for 2020 was $783 per month.
On top of that, it is often easier to qualify for SSDI benefits than SSI benefits. This is because many who are disabled make too much money to qualify for SSI. But regular medical visits make it relatively easy for you to prove the state of your disability to the SSA.
However, the ultimate decision as to which program to pursue is up to you.
How Can I Apply For Benefits
If you are an adult applying for yourself, the easiest way to apply for SSI benefits is to use the online application. Alternatively, you can pick up the phone and call 1-800-772-1213. Previously, you could also visit your local Social Security offices, though these have been closed for in-person visitation through much of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Applying for SSDI benefits is similarly straightforward. Again, there is an easy online application that anyone can fill out regardless of age. And if youd prefer to speak to a natural person, you can still call 1-800-772-1213 to get started.
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What If Your Ssi Or Ssdi Application Was Denied
Unfortunately, this is all too common. If the SSA denied your claim, but you believe you qualify, contact a Social Security Disability lawyer. Your lawyer can:
- Determine why you receive a denial
- Make the correct changes to improve your application
- Help you file an appeal
Denials often happen because you need to provide more information. Sometimes, clerical errors can lead to false denials. Either way, your lawyer will investigate and assist you.
What Is The Difference Between Supplemental Security Income And Social Security Disability Income Benefits
The SSI and SSDI disability programs offer benefits for disabled or blind people. However, the financial eligibility requirements are different. The main difference between Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income is the fact that SSDI is available to workers who have accumulated a sufficient number of work credits. SSI disability benefits are only available to low-income individuals who have either never worked or who havent earned enough work credits to qualify for SSDI.
SSI and SSDI are two completely different governmental programs. However, they are both managed under the Social Security Administration umbrella. Medical eligibility for disability is determined in the same manner for both programs. You can learn more @ The Social Security Administration website @
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Determining Your Eligibility For Ssd Or Ssi
There are no asset limits for Social Security Disability. You do not have to spend down to poverty to be eligible. You can collect SSD even if your spouse still works and you own your home.
However, SSI has strict limits on assets and income. The person must essentially qualify for welfare: no more than $2,000 in assets for an individual or $3,000 for a married couple. A car or home is not counted. However, if you own more than one car or home it will count against your claim.
What Are Social Security Benefits
The Social Security program that we know today originally began in 1935, when the Social Security act was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as part of the Second New Deal. The primary goal of the Act was to provide financial aid for children, the unemployed, and the elderly. At the time the legislation was passed, the country was still only midway into the Great Depression, and the Social Security Act was accompanied by several other measures designed to jumpstart the economy and provide financial relief to those in need.
Social Security benefits include the following:
- Social Security Disability Income benefits
- Survivor benefits
- Social Security benefits for children
- Supplemental Security Income benefits
- Social Security retirement benefits
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History Of The Social Security Act
On August 14th, 1935 the Social Security Act was signed and enacted by President Roosevelt. The basic premise was to provide security for the vulnerable of the U.S., which would make for a more secure society. Both Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income were two of the many creations under that program.
How Does A Person Qualify For Ssi
In addition to meeting the disability criteria , an SSI enrollee must meet several non-medical criteria, including having a low income. SSA has complex rules for determining financial eligibility. In general, income is anything received in cash, earned or unearned, that can be used to meet a persons need for food or shelter.17 Income is countable except for some limited amounts that are disregarded.18 Income also includes in kind support, such as any food or shelter provided or paid by another person. In kind support generally is valued at one-third of the maximum federal benefit amount.19 SSA also deems a portion of income from a persons spouse or parent/step-parent as countable income.20 To financially qualify for SSI, a persons countable income cannot exceed the maximum federal benefit rate , and the amount of SSI that a person actually receives is the maximum federal rate reduced by the amount of their countable income.21 These rules apply to SSI enrollees of all ages.
Figure 4: SSI Disability Determination Process for Adults
Figure 5: Disability and SSI Status of Nonelderly Adults with Medicaid, 2019
Figure 6: SSI Application Allowance Rate for Medical Decisions by Adjudicative Level, 2018
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Our Firm Is Backed By Decades Of Experience
The big difference between SSI and SSDI is that SSI is for disabled individuals with limited income and resources. SSI is designed to meet the basic needs of a much smaller population of individuals. SSDI is designed for working individuals who have a medical condition that is preventing them from working.
Additionally, the SSI program aims to help those who are elderly, blind, or disabled due to a medical condition, who have a hard time paying for shelter and food. The financial requirements for eligibility are very strict. In contrast, SSDI provides benefits todisabled people who have worked jobs that are covered by Social Security, regardless of their current income and assets. This program covers a much broader range of individuals.
Additional distinguishing features of SSDI include:
- SSDI requires individuals to have an accumulation of work credits to be eligible
- SSDI monthly amounts are determined by ones Social Security income record
- SSDI monthly payments are often much greater than SSI
- SSDI is funded by FICA and SS taxes, while SSI is funded through general taxes
To find out if you qualify for SSDI or SSI,give us a call at today.
Ssdi And Ssi Whats The Difference
A lot of people get confused about the difference between SSI and SSDI, and some of our clients have spent years applying for disability without any grasp of the two programs. If you’re wondering about the difference, then this is for you.
Let’s start with how the programs are similar. SSDI and SSI both provide monthly benefits for those who are disabled, and the standards for what is a ‘disability’ are virtually identical. Both apply a five-step analysis that grants disability if you are not working, so long as you have a severe impairment that either:
a) meets/equals the medical criteria the government set in its Listing of Impairments, or else:
b) prevents you from performing your past work and any other work in the economy.
And both programs are subject to the lengthy appeal process . So, if you apply for SSI and SSDI, chances are good that both applications will be jointly decided by the same Stage agency and the same judge.
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Get Help From An Experienced Ssi Claims Lawyers In Jacksonville
The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with physical and/or mental disabilities. SSDI pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. SSI pays benefits solely based on financial need.
As noted, initial claims for these benefits are often denied by the SSA due to paperwork errors or insufficient medical evidence verifying a disability. There are a number of levels to the appeals system that leaves most people overwhelmed and frustrated.
At RITE Law, we started the firm for one reason to help those in Florida and elsewhere have the resources of a firm that was big enough to fight but small enough to care. At Rudolph, Israel, Tucker & Ellis , we have the resources and experience to go to trial when it is necessary, and we have the wisdom to advise you appropriately.
Without help from the Social Security disability benefits attorneys in Jacksonville on the RITE team, trying to make insurance claims can lead to a lot of frustration and time and money lost. When you turn to our firm, we spring into action, making sure every detail of your claim is addressed. We answer any questions you have and stand in your corner to give you the best opportunity to receive all the benefits you deserve.
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What Is Supplemental Security Income
SSI provides minimal basic cash assistance to disabled individuals with little recent work experience. To qualify for SSI, you must have a very limited income and less than $2,000 in assets .
Technical requirements for SSI. Unlike the SSDI program, you don’t need to have a certain amount of work history for SSI. If you meet the income and asset limits, you financially qualify for the program. Of course, you must also prove that you medically qualify by proving that you’re disabled.
How much does SSI pay? The amount of SSI that an eligible person will receive is dependent on the amount of regular, monthly income they have and where they live. The maximum federal SSI payment is $841 in 2022 .
When does SSI start? SSI benefits will begin on the first of the month after the month in which you submit your application.
What other benefits are available? 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 qualify for SSI also qualify for food stamps. SSI is paid out of general funds of the U.S. Treasury, much like other safety net programs.
Who gets SSI? SSI applicants are somewhat more likely to be female, as fewer women are eligible for SSDI benefits . Women generally have fewer qualifying years of work .
Learn more about the SSI program and SSI benefits.
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The Difference Between Social Security Disability Insurance And Supplemental Security Income
Welcome to Disability Benefits Help, an organization committed to helping claimants across the United States receive approval for disability benefits.
Since applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a difficult process, a disability attorney or advocate may increase your chances of being awarded benefits by helping accurately and favorably complete the complex paperwork, ensuring that all deadlines are met, and providing you with representation at a hearing. After submitting our web form, you will receive a 100% FREE evaluation of your disability claim. Disability attorneys and advocates receive compensation if you are awarded back benefits. We have no affiliation with the Social Security Administration, the agency at which you can apply for Social Security disability at no cost.
The Social Security Administration operates two disability benefits programs. When you apply for disability, you have to be aware of the difference between Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income. SSDI requires a certain amount of work credits while SSI is based off financial needs.
Having the initials of these plans only a letter apart virtually guarantees confusion among those who may not be aware that they are two different disability programs. Yet that one letter is extremely important since there is actually a big difference between the two disability benefit packages.
What Is The Difference Between Ssi And Social Security Benefits
The United States Social Security Administration has a lot of different programs available to assist Americans in need and elderly Americans. About 178 million people pay into the Social Security system, and about 64 million people receive monthly Social Security benefits. Whether the benefits are for retirement, to help those with disabilities, or to pay survivor benefits, the SSAs goal is to improve the quality of life for many of us.
In fact, SSA plays a role in our lives directly or indirectly from the time we are born until we pass away. Most parents apply for a childs Social Security number at birth. When you get your first and subsequent jobs, the SSA verifies you with your employer based on your Social Security number, which reduces fraud and ensures the accuracy of your earnings. When you get married, you should let the SSA know so that you may receive certain retirement, survivor, and disability benefits with your spouse. And also, the SSA has assistance for those who become disabled, who need financial support in difficult times, and in retirement.
One of those main SSA programs available in the Supplemental Security Income program. Not to be confused with Social Security Disability Insurance , SSI pays monthly benefits to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
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Talk To A Kentucky Disability Lawyer Now
Determining whether you should apply for SSI or SSDI is difficult. However, thats just the first step of the process. If you are disabled and cannot work, you need to speak to a Kentucky disability attorney for help.
At Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, we have extensive experience with these applications, and we want to put that experience to work for you. We can advise on which program is right for you, assist with your application and, if you are denied, continue on with your appeal. We are located in Kentucky with multiple offices in Lexington, Somerset, Manchester, London, Hazard, Paducah, Paintsville and Princeton.
Contact us today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation and to learn more about how we can help you through this complex process.
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