Are There Eligibility Overlaps Between SSDI and SSI?
Did you recently become disabled? You may have been seriously injured in an accident at work, or you might have been diagnosed with a serious medical condition that is going to require a substantial amount of time away from work on a short-term, long-term, or permanent basis so that you can receive treatment. Regardless of whether your disability stems from an injury or a medical condition, you may be able to receive disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). As soon as you begin looking into the SSA and disability benefits, you will learn that there are two separate types of disability benefits administered by the SSA: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. These are two separate types of disability programs, and each have two major requirements.
The first requirement for both SSDI and SSI is a medical requirement, and the requirement overlaps. The second requirement for each type of disability benefit, however, is distinct. Our national SSDI lawyers can explain in more detail.
Requirement Number 1: Medical Requirement is the Same for SSDI and SSI
The first requirement for both SSDI and SSI is the same, and it is a medical requirement that must be proven with medical evidence. To qualify for either type of benefit, you will need to show:
You have a medical condition that is either expected to last 12 months or longer or to result in your death, and it must be severe enough that it prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (i.e., it prevents you from working).
SSDI Requirement Number 2: Work Requirement
The second requirement for SSDI is a work requirement. You must have worked in jobs that were covered by Social Security, and you must have worked long enough and recently enough to have enough “credits” to qualify.
SSI Requirement Number 2: Income and Assets
The second requirement for SSI is based on income and assets. You must have limited income, assets, and/or resources to qualify. The specific amount is based on your family situation and other factors.
For SSDI purposes, it does not matter what your income was prior to your disability. High earners and low earners alike can qualify. SSI, however, is different. And for SSI purposes, the SSA will not assess your work history and work requirements like it will for SSDI. Whether you worked continuous and long hours over an extended period of time or never worked at all, you can be eligible for SSI.
Contact a National Disability Benefits Attorney Today for Assistance
Do you have questions about applying for disability benefits through the SSA, or do you need assistance with an initial application or an appeal? For any of your disability needs, one of the experienced national SSDI benefits attorneys at the Law Offices of Stephen Barszcz can speak with you today. We can answer questions you have about the process for applying for disability benefits, appealing a denial, and much more. Contact our firm today to learn more about how we can help you with your SSDI case.
Sources:
ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html
ssa.gov/ssi/eligibility
