SSI VS. SSDI - THE ESSENTIAL DIFFERENCES

The US Social Security Administration (SSA) administers two very different programs for the disabled and aging:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

SSDI, also called Title II, is based on the claimant's work record where FICA taxes were withheld from paychecks, matched by employers, and placed into the SSDI trust fund.  When the worker proves disability, benefits may be paid out of this trust fund.  There is no means testing for SSDI benefits.  A person need not be poor or have limited financial resources to get SSDI, since he or she paid for the insurance during his her working career.  The two essential requirements to get SSDI benefits are:
  • The claimant has sufficient work history to be insured under the Title II of the Social Security Act, and
  • A severe and medically determinable impairment can be proven which significantly limits the ability to work
 SSDI beneficiaries will usually qualify for Medicare insurance after they have been eligible for SSDI payments for 24 months.
SSI, or Supplemental Security Income,(called Title XVI), requires no work history and there is no trust fund from which benefits are paid.  They are paid from general federal and/or state tax revenues.  While the proof of disability is the same as with SSDI, the benefits are much lower.  The maximum SSI monthly benefit in Alabama is $733 in 2016 (compared to over $2,500 maximum for SSDI benefits).  Also, SSI benefits are means tested.  An individual is required to have less than $2,000 in resources and limited income to get SSI.  A couple can have no more than $3,000 and must have limited income.  (Not all resources count against these limits because some resources may be exempted--  For example, the home you live in, one car, etc.).  SSI beneficiaries usually get Medicaid insurance.

The rules and requirements for SSDI and SSI are rather complicated.  You should speak to either the Social Security Administration or a qualified attorney / non-attorney advocate when contemplating either an SSDI or SSI claim. 
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Posted for general information only. Information is believed to be correct at the time of posting; however, things can change over time.  The Forsythe Firm is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or the US government.  Do not rely on information here for advice for any particular claim or situation.  Seek professional advice.

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