David Vinokurov
Difference between Social Security disability and SSI disability
Good Morning,
Many of you have asked what is the difference between Social Security disability and SSI disability? Below is a brief chart with detailed links to help you and your constituents/clients further understand these two programs.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
This program is financed with Social Security taxes paid by workers, employers, and self-employed persons.
· The worker will get Medicare coverage automatically after receiving disability benefits for two years.
· To be eligible for a Social Security benefit, the worker must earn sufficient credits based on taxable work to be "insured" for Social Security purposes.
· Disability benefits are payable to:
o blind or disabled workers
o their children
o widow(er)s
o adults disabled since childhood
· The amount of the monthly disability benefit is based on the Social Security earnings record of the insured worker.
See Understanding the Benefits for a complete explanation SSDI.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
This program is financed through general revenues from taxes, meaning benefits are not based on your prior work history.
· In most states, beneficiaries will automatically be eligible for Medicaid.
· SSI benefits are payable to:
o individuals age 65 or older
o adults who are disabled or blind
o children who are disabled or blind
· Eligibility requirements:
o have limited income and resourcesmeet the living arrangement requirements
o a U.S. citizen or national, or in one of certain categories of aliens.
· The monthly payment varies up to the maximum federal benefit rate, which may be supplemented by the state.
See Understanding Supplemental Security Income for a complete explanation of SSI.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Answers to other related Social Security Disability Topics.
· Time it takes to get disability benefits
· Effects of private disability on Social Security benefits
· Time limits on Social Security disability benefits
· How your disability affects your benefit amount
· Eligibility requirements for a disabled adult child’s benefit
· How do I apply for disability benefits? See attached previously shared email regarding Applying Online for Social Security Disability benefits,
David Vinokurov
District Manager – Trenton, NJ
Social Security Administration
CHECK OUT OURONLINE SERVICES
WWW.SOCIALSECURITY.GOV
www.socialsecurity.gov. From applying for disability, retirement, Medicare or spouses benefits, to obtaining a proof of income letter, changing an address or phone number, getting a replacement Medicare card or a Social Security Benefit Statement, Social Security’s website can save you and your clients a lot of time.
Think www.socialsecurity.gov first!!!
