What is the Difference Between SSDI and SSI Benefits?

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Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two very different governmental programs with different eligibility criteria.
First, it is important to understand that both of these programs are managed and run by the Social Security Administration. In addition, the eligibility for disability is evaluated in the same fashion for both programs, but there are differences between the two.
The major difference between SSDI and SSI is that SSDI is only available to employees (workers) who have worked and accumulated an adequate number of work credits. On the other hand, SSI disability benefits are generally available to individuals with low income who have not earned enough work credits or have never worked to qualify for SSDI.

What is Supplementary Security Income?

SSI is a financial aid program that is based strictly on an individual’s assets and income. This program is funded from the general taxes collected. SSI has nothing to do with employment or a person’s work history. It is based solely on the financial need of the individual. To qualify for SSI, one must have assets of less than $2,000 (or $3,000 for a couple) and must have very little or no income. The majority of people on food stamps also qualify for SSI.
In addition, individuals who are disabled and have no or little income are also eligible to receive Medicaid. However, the amount of SSI an individual will receive varies, depending on which state they reside in and the amount of any regular income that they have each month. If you satisfy the requirements for SSI benefits, the money will be directly deposited in your bank account, or you will be sent a check beginning on the first of the month when the application was submitted.

What Is Social Security Disability Insurance?

SSDI is strictly funded from the taxes collected while you work. Individuals who are eligible for SSDI have worked for a certain number of years and have made a contribution to the social security fund in the form of FICA social security taxes.
To be eligible for SSDI, the person has to be younger than 65 but older than 18 and must have earned a minimum number of work credits. Once a disabled individual starts to receive SSDI for 24 months, they will be eligible for Medicare.
Under the SSDI program, the spouse and dependent children of the disabled individual are also eligible to receive auxiliary benefits or what is also known as partial dependent benefits.
Once an application has been made for SSDI and is approved, there is a 5-month waiting period for the benefits to be paid. Once the waiting period has elapsed, the amount of monthly benefits one receives depend on the record of earnings. Unlike SSI, one is more likely to be approved for SSDI benefits. The key reason is that applicants for SSDI usually have a work history, have a high income and have earned a certain number of work credits. In addition, these individuals are more likely to have seen a healthcare provider to confirm and manage their health problems. It is almost impossible to get any disability without seeing a healthcare worker.

Contact a Greenville Disability Lawyer

If you are interested in obtaining more information about SSDI benefits, you should contact a Greenville disability lawyer. Keep in mind that sometimes application for these benefits can be delayed or denied. It is best to use the services of a social disability attorney so that the risk of denial is minimized. Contact a Greenville disability lawyer at J. Robert Surface Attorney at Law and they will be able to assist you.
In case you have received a denial of SSDI benefits, again, it is recommended that you speak to a Greenville disability lawyer.  Our disability lawyers can help you handle the delivery process and will also ensure that your legal rights with respect to SSDI are fulfilled. Call our office today to set up your first consultation with a Greenville disability lawyer.
There is no point in taking a risk as far as your SSDI benefits are concerned. There are certain laws in place in Greenville, South Carolina and our social security disability lawyers are here to ensure that these rights are maintained and you receive the benefits if you are eligible for them. Call us now, and our disability lawyers will be happy to assist you.

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