Differences between SSDI and SSI

What Is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program in the United States that provides financial assistance to elderly, blind, and disabled individuals with limited income and resources. Administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), SSI is designed to ensure that eligible individuals and couples have enough income to meet their basic needs for food, shelter, and clothing.

Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is based on prior work history and contributions to the Social Security system, Social Security Income is not contingent on a person's work history. Instead, eligibility is determined by financial need and specific criteria related to age, disability, or blindness. The program is intended to support those who may not qualify for regular Social Security benefits or have insufficient income and resources to meet their essential living expenses.

What Is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program in the United States that provides financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a qualifying disability. Unlike Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SSDI is not based on financial need but is instead tied to an individual's prior work history and contributions to the Social Security system.

To be eligible for SSDI, individuals must have worked and paid Social Security taxes, earning enough work credits based on their age at the time they became disabled. The number of work credits required depends on the individual's age when the disability began. Additionally, the disability must meet the Social Security Administration's definition of a severe impairment that is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.

SSI Vs. SSDI

SSI and SSDI serve as vital disability assistance programs with distinct eligibility criteria. SSI is tailored for individuals with limited income and resources, determined primarily by age and disability. In contrast, SSDI focuses on disability and work credits, ensuring coverage for those who have contributed to the Social Security system. Here are some key differences between SSI and SSDI.

1. Based on Eligibility Criteria 

As can be deduced from the names, these two are different, and so it follows that each has different criteria for eligibility.

a) For SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

Supplemental Security income is the minimum basic financial assistance that older persons as well as people who have a disability, regardless of age, are provided with. These are people who typically have resources and income that are extremely limited, making it important for them to get some monetary assistance. This is supplemented by state programs most of the time.

b) For SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)

Social Security Disability Insurance, on the other hand, is support that's provided for people who have a qualifying work history, but who are currently disabled. This could be either through their employment or through the employment of a parent or spouse.

Read more: How to Find Reputable Social Security Attorneys

2. Financial Benefits Can Be Very Different

Since these two forms of Supplemental Financial support are different, it follows that the benefits they offer are also going to differ from each other.

a) For SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

For Supplemental Security Income, the payout is given based on the financial need in question. This means that benefits are paid out to those with a low income and elderly, blind, or disabled individuals. Generally, this payout is lower than SSDI, an average whose standard in 2024 is set to be $943 per month for an individual or $1,414 per month for couples in 2024.

To find out whether someone is eligible, they have to present a complete picture of their income, personal resources such as the assets that they have, and their living arrangement. To make an application, the person in question will need to provide documentation outlining the needs shared above. This program may be harder to qualify for as the financial requirements governing it are quite strict.

b) For SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)

For Social Security Disability Insurance, the payout is given based on the history of your earnings. The determination of eligibility is made based on work credits and disability. This means that to be eligible, you, or your parent or spouse should be a qualified worker who has paid into the Social Security system for a minimum of 10 years. The average payout in 2024 is set to be $1,537 a month. The benefits could either be an individual's earnings or the earnings of the individual's spouse or their parents. 

3. Medical Eligibility Access for SSI and SSDI

Medical eligibility also differs between these two financial assistance programs. For instance, people who are eligible for Supplemental Security Income also qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid generally provides comprehensive coverage for its beneficiaries and is a joint federal and state health care program.

People qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance become eligible for Medicare after two years when being found to be eligible for SSDI. Medicare, unlike Medicaid, covers routine hospital services as well as several primary medical care. It's not as comprehensive as Medicaid, possibly because it's a federal health insurance program. This leads to a number of those who qualify for Medicare having to purchase private policies that are generally called "Medigap" to fill the gaps left by their coverage.

Conclusion

If you need comprehensive guidance on the benefits of both, reach out to us at Eric R. Hunt Attorney and our team is going to help you understand the details that are important to your particular case as far as SSA disability programs go. You need not suffer when there's a possible solution to which you can take advantage to improve your quality of life.