
What’s The Difference Between Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are both federal health care programs that pay those that the Social Security Administration (SSA) deems disabled. Fundamentally, the two programs are similar because the SSA uses the same medical criteria and basic process to determine if an individual is entitled to SSDI or SSI. Therefore, they can be very easy to confuse, so understanding the difference is crucial for those seeking assistance.
Who Qualifies for SSDI vs. SSI?
SSDI Is a means-based program, available to people with physical and mental impairments that are severe enough to prevent them from engaging in their normal occupations or any other substantial work. The SSA also outlines how the disability must be expected to last for at least 12 months or to end in death. SSDI is based on an individual who has worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years may be eligible for SSDI. Typically, you need to prove you have least 40 work credits, with 20 of those credits earned in the last 10 years.
SSI is needs-based program, paying benefits to people who are disabled, based on the same definition the SSA defines for SSDI; blind; or 65 and older. SSI does not require work history. Eligibility is strictly determined by an individual’s limited income (generally below the federal benefit rate) and financial resources (limited to $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples).
Benefits Of SSDI & SSI
SSDI delivers monthly cash benefits based on your average lifetime earnings before your disability. In 2024 the average SSDI payment is $1,537 a month. SSDI is based on your earnings record, which means some SSDI recipients can receive much more than this. The maximum amount an SSDI recipient can get is $3,627 per month. It’s important to understand that in most cases, if a person receives an SSDI benefit that is higher than the maximum SSI payment, they won’t be eligible for SSI. Once a recipient has been receiving SSDI benefits after 24 months, they become eligible for Medicare.
SSI provides a standard monthly benefit, which varies state by state due to supplemental state payments. The federal standard SSI benefit amount is $943 per month for an individual in 2024. Any other countable income that a person on SSI receives will cut into their SSI benefits, meaning many SSI recipients ultimately receive less than $943. Most SSI recipients qualify for Medicaid, which provides health coverage.
It generally takes three to five months for a benefits decision to be made, according to Social Security officials. However, the time can vary depending on how long Social Security needs to get medical records and other relevant evidence. Military veterans and people with particular severe medical issues may qualify for expedited processing.
Both SSDI and SSI aim to support individuals with disabilities, although they cater to different populations and have distinct eligibility requirements. Understanding these differences will allow individuals to navigate the application process and choose the program that best suits their needs.
If you need help with the SSDI or SSI benefits process Lowery Law Group is here to help. Contact us at info@lowerylegal.com or call (843) 991-0733. There is no fee for a free consultation regarding your claim.