SSI Disability and SSDI Benefits are disability programs offer benefits for disabilities but are two very different programs. The main difference is that SSD is available to workers who have enough work credits. SSI disability benefits are available for low-income individuals who have never worked or earned enough work credits. Both programs are managed and overseen by the SSA, and medical eligibility is determined in a similar manner, but, there is more to each program than meets the eye.
What is SSI?
Supplemental Security Income is a strictly need-based program that considers assets and income. It is funded by general fund taxes and not from the SS trust fund. It is referred to a means-tested program, which means it isn’t related to your work history. It only takes into account your financial need. To be eligible, you must have less than $2,000 in assets if you are single or $3,000 for a couple. They must also have a very limited income. The amount you would receive will be based on where you live and how much monthly income you have.
What is SSDI?
On the other hand, Social Security Disability Insurance is funded through payroll. Recipients of SSDI have ascertained enough work credits based on the number of years they have worked and how many contributions they have made to the Social Security trust fund in FICA SS taxes. Candidates have to be younger than 65 years of age. Then, after two years they will be eligible for Medicare. Moreover, SSDI benefits allow the applicant’s spouse and children’s dependents to receive auxiliary benefits or partial dependent benefits. But, only applicants over the age of 18 can receive SSDI benefits. Additionally, the disability must prevent you from working for at least 12 months or end in death. General requirements include the following:
- Be unable to work
- Not have a short-term disability
- Meet the definition of a disability according to the SSA
- Is younger than the required age,
There is a waiting period of five months for SSDI, so the SSA will not pay you your benefits for the first five months after you become disabled. The amount of benefits you receive is determined by your earnings record.
Now that you know the difference, you can determine which service you want to apply for. If you need more information, you can check out SSI benefits. Learn more about SSDI here.
