SSI vs. SSDI
There are 2 types of claims: SSDI and SSI, both handled by Social Security, but very different animals in many ways. I'd like to outline some differences between SSDI and SSI. If I just confuse you more, feel free to call me and I'll do my best to answer your questions. (256) 799-0297.
SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income. In Social Security lingo it's also called Title XVI. Here are the highlights of SSI:
1. It's also administered by the Social Security Administration.
2. It is for poor individuals who are disabled or over age 65.
3. The maximum federal benefit is $735 per month for an individual or $1,103 for a couple. Some states supplement or add to this. Alabama does not.
4. You do not need a work history to get SSI, so if you never worked and never paid FICA tax, you may still qualify.
5. The medical disability requirements for SSI are the same as for SSDI. You must be unable to work or be old enough to meet retirement guidelines.
6. In addition to being disabled or old enough for SSI, you must meet strict financial guidelines for household income and financial resources. (These do not apply to SSDI).
7. SSI benefits come with Medicaid (not Medicare) to help pay costs of medical treatment.
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SSDI - Stands for Social Security Disability Insurance. In Social Security lingo, it's called "Title II." This program requires a minimum number of quarters of work and some recent work. Basically, a person must have paid FICA taxes on wages or self-employment income OR be eligible for coverage under a covered worker's record (such as a parent or spouse). Other features of SSDI.
1. It's also administered by the Social Security Administration.
2. You do not have to be poor or have limited financial resources. There are no income or resource restrictions for SSDI.
3. The maximum monthly benefit varies from person to person based on age, earnings and when the disability occurs. Benefits are generally higher than for SSI.
4. You must have the minimum quarters of work and work must be recent enough to give you "insured status."
5. The medical requirements are basically the same as for SSI: You must prove that you are not able to work at substantial gainful activity because of a physical and/or mental impairment. OR, you must have reached minimum retirement age, in which case you would receive a retirement pension.
6. SSDI will come with Medicare to help you pay for medical treatment. If based on retirement, Medicare begins at age 65. If based on disability, Medicare will begin 29 months after the disability onset date.
7. SSDI benefits will continue for as long as you remain disabled and will automatically convert to retirement benefits when you reach your full retirement age.
In some cases, it is possible for an individual to receive both SSI and SSDI benefits. This would typically occur when a person qualifies for SSI based on income and financial resources, and also qualifies for SSDI based on his/her work record. If the SSDI monthly benefit is less than $735 (the SSI maximum), then SSI might pay the difference to bring the monthly check up to $735.
Example:
SSDI monthly benefit: $425.00
SSI benefit $310.00
TOTAL BENEFIT $735.00