Several federal programs provide benefits to seniors and disabled individuals. Two of the most common programs are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). However, each program comes with eligibility requirements that must be met to qualify for monthly payments.
So, what’s the difference between SSI and SSDI? The Social Security Administration administers both programs. However, the qualification requirements and funding sources differ. Many people will qualify for one program, but not the other, and some will be eligible for both. A Social Security disability lawyer can help determine which program you could apply for.
What Is SSI?
SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income. The SSI program makes payments to people who are disabled, blind, or above retirement age and whose income and resources are limited. SSI is funded through tax revenues.
You can qualify for SSI if you have a limited or no job history. However, SSI is a means-tested program, so it’s only available if your household income and other resources are low enough.
Although SSI is a federal program, some state governments often supplement SSI payments. For instance, Oklahoma offers a State Supplemental Payment (SSP) to people who would qualify for SSI but exceed the resource threshold. A Social Security disability law firm can help you determine whether your income and assets are low enough to qualify for SSI or SSP.
What Is SSDI?
SSDI stands for Social Security Disability Insurance. The SSDI program makes payments to people who are blind or disabled by a condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. SSDI is funded through payroll taxes and is only available to people who have worked enough to qualify, usually five of the last 10 years. The disability must also prevent them from performing any substantial gainful activity.
Unlike SSI, SSDI is not means-tested. Other household income and resources are irrelevant when determining whether you qualify for SSDI benefits.
Qualifications to Get SSI or SSDI
According to the National Council on Aging, the primary difference between SSI and SSDI is in how you qualify for each program:
- To qualify for SSI, you must have limited household income and resources, and you must either be disabled, blind, or at least 65 years old.
- SSDI eligibility requirements mandate that you must be disabled with a condition expected to last at least one year or result in death. You must also have built up enough recent work credits through employment.
If you are disabled, you might also qualify for SSDI as a dependent of a spouse or parent with a history of paying into the Social Security trust fund.
The SSI qualifications also include a residence requirement. To receive SSI, you must be a U.S. citizen or national residing in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands.
You cannot receive payments through the SSI program if you live in:
- Puerto Rico
- Guam
- American Samoa
- The U.S. Virgin Islands
What Do You Get with SSI vs. SSDI?
To calculate SSI payments, the Social Security Administration subtracts the recipient’s countable income (including other household income) from the Federal Benefit Rate and then adds any available state supplement.
To calculate SSDI payments, the Social Security Administration calculates the recipient’s lifetime average earnings and then adjusts the monthly benefit accordingly.
One big difference between SSI and SSDI relates to health insurance. SSI recipients qualify automatically for health insurance through Medicaid. Recipients of SSDI benefits qualify for health insurance through Medicare, but only after a two-year waiting period. The waiting period does not apply to people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Can I Receive Both SSI and SSDI?
Wondering if you can receive SSDI and SSI at the same time? Because the qualifications for these programs are different, it is sometimes possible to qualify for both.
For instance, if you qualify for SSDI due to a disability and your work history, but you also qualify for SSI due to your age and lack of income or assets, then you could be eligible for both programs. However, your SSDI payments will probably be smaller if you qualify for concurrent benefits under both SSDI and SSI.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Apply for SSI or SSDI?
While it is possible to apply for SSI or SSDI without the help of a skilled attorney, it may not be the best idea. Disability applications are complicated, and it’s easy to make a mistake when filling one out.
Most SSDI applications get rejected. Although you can appeal the decision, 75 percent of applications are denied on review. If you’re struggling with a disability, you can’t afford to take a chance with your application. An experienced Social Security disability lawyer can help you avoid a denial based on a simple error.
Contact Our Oklahoma Social Security Disability Lawyers Now
Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons is an Oklahoma City Social Security disability law firm. Our partner, Philip Ryan, has handled SSI and SSDI claims for almost 30 years and has represented clients in over 3,000 SSDI hearings. He is the author of the book Seven Costly Mistakes that Can Ruin Your Social Security Disability Claim (and how to avoid them). Our attorneys can walk you through every step of the SSI or SSDI process to prevent you from the stress and hassle of dealing with everything alone.
Worried that you can’t afford a Social Security disability lawyer? At Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we secure money for you.
Ready to get started? Contact Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons today for a free consultation.
