Difference Between SSDI and SSI

Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, and Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, are programs that help the disabled financially because they are no longer able to work and support themselves. However, just as the names suggest, there are differences in the way they are structured and the ways in which they operate. Here are some of the differences listed out for you:

• PROGRAM FUNDING: SSDI is a program that is funded by the Federal Insurance Contributions Act and Social Security taxes. On the other hand, SSI is funded by revenue earned through general taxes.
• MEANS AND INCOME SOURCES : SSDI proves useful if you have been working for some time and have paid into Social Security in your work years. You need to have been working for at least five of the past ten years prior to your disability for you to be eligible. As a result, all workers, including those earning a high income, may apply for SSDI benefits , depending on their eligibility.

  SSI provides financial aid for low income people with limited resources. The group benefited includes people over the age of 65 years who are blind and/or disabled and unable to fund necessities like food and shelter.

• MEDICAL INSURANCE: SSDI beneficiaries are eligible for Medicare once their benefits are approved. As a federal health insurance program, Medicare provides for hospital services, though not all medical care is covered by it. As a result, beneficiaries may purchase private policies to see them through the times when coverage thins out.

  On the other hand, SSI provides Medicaid benefits to the individuals who qualify for it. Medicaid is a jointly run program (state and federal) and provides a comprehensive medical care plan for beneficiaries.

• FINANCIAL BENEFITS: The benefits from SSDI are dependent on the amount of money the applicant earned as well as payment history towards Social Security.

  SSI payments are smaller, even with a state-added component, in some cases. Further, in case any other income source is present for the beneficiary, this will impact the benefits received, reducing them further.

Why You Need a Professional by Your Side

• Are you eligible for SSDI? How do you apply and with what documents?
• Know someone who could benefit with SSI aid? Wondering how to help them out?
• Worried about the medical insurance gap in SSDI?

If these are some of the questions that occur to you, you need to access professional help for your application, or even that of someone else.

Approval methods for both, SSDI and SSI programs are similar and entail review of the application for information related to the disability as well as details about the applicant’s financial status, ability to earn a living, work history, etc. Claims, once submitted, undergo a thorough review before being approved or disapproved.

Your case stands a stronger chance of approval if you work along with the system in submitting the application. With an SSDI attorney by your side, your application stands a better chance of being approved.

About Us:

Legal Rights Advocates, PLLC is a law firm that helps clients apply for disability benefits. Our team of social security disability attorneys , over the years, has helped countless clients prepare to apply for disability benefits, helping them understand and work effectively with the system to ensure positive results.

If you are interested in learning more about how to apply for SSDI or SSI, or if you need help with the process, call us at (855) 254-7841 for immediate assistance.