SSI vs. SSDI: Differences Between These Disability Programs

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Understanding SSI vs. SSDI: Differences & Similarities

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A woman sitting down discussing SSI and SSDI benefits with a man in a wheelchair.

Social Security Disability benefits can help you manage your finances when you’re unable to work due to a medical condition. Many people get confused about the two main types of disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Let’s explore what makes these programs different from one another and how they can help you.

What Makes SSDI & SSI Similar?

SSI and SSDI are both federal programs that provide monthly financial support to disabled Americans. They are both managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The same definition of disability applies to all benefit applications, except for children’s SSI claims.

What Makes SSDI & SSI Different?

The main difference between SSI and SSDI comes down to eligibility, which revolves around work history and finances. SSDI is for disabled people who have worked and paid payroll taxes over their lifetime. This means they have paid into the Social Security system. SSI supports disabled, blind, or aged (65+) individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of their work history.

General funds of the U.S. Treasury fund SSI while payroll taxes fund SSDI.

Understanding SSDI Benefits

SSDI works like an insurance program you pay into while working. When you work jobs covered by Social Security, you build up work credits. These credits determine whether you can get SSDI if you become disabled and retirement benefits when you’re older. Your monthly payment amount depends on how much you have earned while working.

A few key points about SSDI:

  • Your savings and other assets won’t affect your ability to receive benefits
  • Your benefit amount can be affected by other income sources, such as workers’ compensation, state benefits, or remaining work earnings
  • After receiving SSDI for 2 years, you qualify for Medicare coverage
  • Benefits start 5 months after the SSA approves your claim
  • You can receive back payments for up to 12 months before your application date (from your disability onset date) and/or payments for the time between your application date and approval date (minus the 5-month waiting period)

Understanding SSI Benefits

SSI is for people who have limited income and resources. You don’t need any work history to qualify. Instead, the Social Security Administration looks at your current financial situation and other circumstances before approving your claim.

Important things to know about SSI:

  • You must have very limited income and resources to qualify (different types of income and assets can affect eligibility)
  • Most people who receive SSI automatically get Medicaid coverage (this depends on what state you live in)
  • Benefits can start the month after you apply or the month after you become eligible
  • Your living situation can affect your payment amount
  • You can only receive back pay for the time between your application date and claim approval date

If you live in the Kansas City area and need help understanding SSI and SSDI differences, contact our law firm. We work with clients throughout Missouri to help them access the disability benefits they need.

Can Someone Receive Both SSI & SSDI?

Yes, some people can receive both SSDI and SSI payments at the same time. This happens when someone qualifies for SSDI but receives a low payment amount. If their SSDI payment falls below the SSI limit and they meet income and resource requirements, they might receive monthly benefits from both programs.

Changes That Can Affect Your Benefits

Your benefits might change if:

  • Your health improves
  • You start working again
  • Your family structure changes
  • Your living situation changes
  • Your assets change
  • You receive other types of income
  • You become or are no longer a student

Applying for Disability Benefits

Applying for disability benefits can be challenging and overwhelming. At Grundy Disability Group, we help people throughout Liberty, Kansas City, Missouri, and surrounding areas understand their options for support. Our team knows how the SSA defines disability and what it takes to qualify for benefits.

We can help you:

  • Figure out which program fits your situation
  • Understand the application process
  • Identify whether you have a qualifying condition
  • Navigate the complex Social Security system
  • Present your case effectively to the SSA

Let our team guide you through the process of applying for financial support. We understand each client’s situation is unique. The benefits you qualify for will depend on your circumstances, including your work history, current income, disability, and resources. We can help you fully understand what the differences are between the SSA’s SSI and SSDI disability programs.

Contact us today for a free consultation!

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    Frequently Asked Questions

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    You have to have been disabled, or expect to be disabled, for at least one year to be eligible. So, if you expect to be out of work for one year or more on account of illness or injury, you should file for Social Security disability benefits. Read More

    To apply for Social Security disability benefits, you will need to complete an application for Social Security Benefits and the Disability Report. You can also print the Disability Report, complete it and return it to your local Social Security office. Read More

    Cases are generally handled on a contingency basis. That means the representative receives a fee only if you win your case. Normally the fee is 25% of your back benefits and must be approved by Social Security. Read More

    You do not have to wait until the workers’ compensation ends, and you should not wait that long. Read More