The Differences Between Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability

The differences between Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability might not be obvious at first, but understanding how to distinguish between the two can help with determining which is right for you. Many individuals get SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) confused which is understandable. These two Federal programs, both administered by the Social Security Administration, are available only to those who qualify, which is sometimes more difficult than it should be.  Unfortunately, many people spend months or even years fighting for the assistance that they desperately need to live.

Basically, SSI is designed to assist those in the low income population, while SSDI is designed for the disabled whose health is such that they cannot work to support themselves.

Here is a short description of the differences:

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is supported by the federal government; tax revenues are used to finance this program.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is supported by the FICA payroll taxes deducted from an individual’s pay during his/her employment.

Qualifying for SSI is not easy, as the criteria that must be met is very strict. Those who are 65 or older, or under 65 with certain medical or psychological problems are eligible for SSI when criteria are met. Typically, SSI benefits are far more limited than SSDI benefits.

SSDI is for those who are not yet 65 years old but who have physical or psychological disabilities that leave them unable to work. In order to qualify, one stipulation is that you must have been disabled and unable to work for 12 consecutive months or longer.

SSI is based on the financial need of an individual rather than their work history.  With SSDI, a person must have worked a minimum of 5 of the last 10 years. This program is intended for those who have limited resources and income, and who are blind or mentally disabled, including children.

SSDI is meant for those with conditions that are expected to prevent them from working for at least one year, or that will lead to their death. This program is intended to be a continuous source of income for those whose conditions are permanent and not expected to improve.

There are also similarities that SSI and SSDI have in common. These similarities include:

1. In either case, it must be determined that a worker has been unable to work for a one-year period due to physical or mental disability.
2. Both programs are administered by the SSA (Social Security Administration).

The Social Security Administration defines disability as a condition that prevents you from working in the capacity that you once did and the inability to work at any type of job due to medical conditions. Benefits are not available for those who are considered partially disabled.

But what happens if the Social Security Administration denies your application? If this happens you can request reconsideration within 60 days of receipt of being denied. If you do not receive benefits at reconsideration, you will have another 60 days to appeal to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) for a hearing.

You can read all of the guidelines and qualification criteria on the Social Security Administration’s website, but you may still find it impossible to determine which one you may qualify for, or if you qualify at all. An expe­ri­enced Geor­gia Social Secu­rity  lawyer can help you obtain the SSI or SSDI ben­e­fits you are entitled to.

If you are a resident of Georgia and have been denied Social Secu­rity ben­e­fits, the Keener Law Firm will work aggressively to secure the benefits you deserve. Call now for a free, con­fi­den­tial con­sul­ta­tion: 770–955-3000.