The Social Security Administration manages two programs to help people: The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs. People sometimes get the programs confused or they think they are the same thing. However, they are two separate programs. If you need to apply, you also need to know which one you should be applying for. Some people may be eligible for both programs concurrently.
SSI
SSI eligibility is based on income and disability. To qualify for SSI, you must have limited resources and income. Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require any work history. If you qualify for SSI, you will begin receiving Medicaid benefits immediately.
Your SSI payment is calculated by subtracting your countable income from the Federal Benefit Rate and adding your state supplement, if you receive a state supplement. SSI payments are adjusted yearly based on the cost-of-living changes.
SSDI
SSDI is based solely on disability and work credits. The program is designed to assist people who are disabled, over the age of 18 and under the age of 65, who have contributed via the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA). Your benefit amount is based on your FICA contributions.
Generally, SSDI benefits begin after a full six months of disability, which is considered to have started the first full month after the Social Security Administration determines the disability began (Five months of disability plus the month the disability began). If you qualify for SSDI, you will automatically qualify for Medicare, but it will not begin until after 24 months have passed (with the exception of an ALS diagnosis).
Your SSDI payments are based on the amount you contributed during your working lifetime. The Social Security Administration does reduce payments if you receive certain disability payments and the amount received is adjusted yearly based on the cost-of-living.
You may qualify for both SSI and SSDI if you are disabled and your income and resources are limited, even after collecting your SSDI benefits.
Disclaimer
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