SSDI or SSI: Which is Right for Me?

Have you been unable to work due to a disabling injury or disabling health condition? If so, it is important to think carefully about your options, including applying for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). When you are beginning to look into your options for receiving disability benefits, it can be confusing to understand the differences between benefits paid through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Both are administered by the SSA, and both are intended for individuals with disabilities. However, there are important differences between the programs.

While some people may be eligible for both SSDI and SSI, many SSDI applicants will not meet the eligibility requirements for SSI payments. Which is right for you? Consider the following information.

Meeting the Definition of a “Disability”

Before you determine whether you should be applying for SSDI or SSI, or both, it is essential to determine if you meet the definition of a “disability” used by the SSA for both types of benefits. If you do not meet the definition of a disability, you will not be eligible for either SSDI or SSI.

How does the SSA define a disability? A disability is a medical condition or impairment that is expected to last at least 12 months or to result in the person’s death, and it must be severe enough that it prevents the person from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA).

SSDI versus SSI 

If you believe you do meet the definition of having a disability according to the SSA, then you will need to assess your eligibility for SSDI and/or SSI. To be eligible for SSDI, you need to have a disability and a sufficient work history (regardless of your income level during your working years). To be eligible for SSI, you must have a disability and limited income and resources (in other words, your income level matters significantly, and you must have little to no income or resources).

SSDI is for individuals with disabilities regardless of income level as long as the individual worked recently enough, and for a long enough period, to have SSDI coverage. You can receive SSDI benefits whether you earned a very low income during your working years or an income at the top of most income brackets. Your SSDI payment will be a portion of your average earnings, up to a limit.

SSI is for disabled people who have very limited income and resources, even if they have never worked. Your working history is not taken into account for SSI eligibility — only your relevant present income and resources, along with your medical history pertaining to your disability.

Contact a National Disability Benefits Attorney for Assistance 

If you have questions about your eligibility for disability benefits, including SSDI or SSI, it is important to seek legal advice. One of the experienced national SSDI benefits lawyers at the Law Offices of Stephen Barszcz can answer any questions you have today and we can assist you with your SSDI application. Many applications are denied initially when applicants do not work with a lawyer and make a minor error. We can help you to avoid any initial missteps, and if your application was initially denied, we are here to assist you with your appeal. Contact us today for assistance with your disability claim.

Sources:

ssa.gov/disability

ssa.gov/ssi