Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, and Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, are both programs funded federally and managed through the Social Security Administration. They are both designed to support people who have disabilities which prevent them from working.
The main difference between SSDI and SSI is the revenue source through which they are funded. SSDI is funded through FICA and Social Security taxes. SSI is not financed through Social Security, but rather through general tax revenues. The qualifications for SSDI and SSI also differ.
SSDI, or Social Security Disability Insurance, will help you if you have a long history of work, and you have paid into Social Security in prior work years. To qualify for SSDI, you also need to have been working for five of the last ten years. SSDI will help if you are severely disabled and can't be employed in your field of work. Your medical issue must meet the Social Security disability guidelines, and SSDI will pay eligible family members, as well.
Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, will support you if you have low income and few resources. It will give you cash for your basic needs, like shelter, clothing, and food. SSI pays out money based mainly on your monetary need. The program will award benefits if you have low income and are 65 or older, if you are disabled due to a medical condition, or if you are blind.
If you submit a disability claim for Social Security Disability Insurance or SSI, the review workers will go through the application process. They will collect information and facts about your case and come to a decision.
The Difference Between SSDI and SSI
If you are unable to work due to a disability you may be eligible to receive either SSDI or SSI benefits. There is a difference between SSDI and SSI. The former is based in your age and the number of work credits you have accumulated over a period of time while SSI is available to those who have insufficient work credits and have a low income and few assets. Another difference between SSDI and SSI is that SSDI is only available to workers over 18, while SSI does not have age restrictions.
SSI makes monthly payments to people who are not eligible for SSDI and have a low income and limited resources. They need to be Age 65 years or older or be blind or be disabled. The basic SSI amount is the same countrywide but some states, however, do add money to the basic benefit. You may be eligible to get SSI if your resources are just $2,000 or less for a single person while a couple may be able to get SSI if they have resources that are just $3,000 or less.
SSDI is awarded for those with sufficient work credits. For example, if you are under 24 years you require 6 work credits and 18 months of work to qualify. A person aged 50 years requires 28 work credits and 7 years of work and those 62 plus years need 40 credits and 10 years of work.
You may be able to work through the system more efficiently if you work with a disability attorney or representative who can help you with the paperwork as well as the disability appeal processes. An attorney will be able to assist you in preparing all pertinent information and forms to ensure that your claim is properly handled as it moves through the system. consider speaking with a lawyer before applying for SSDI.
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