SSDI or SSI Disability Benefits - What is the Difference?

The Difference

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Insurance Income (SSI) are both federal income assistance programs managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and are available to help people with disabilities. If you have a disability, which program can help you?

The main difference between the two programs is the source of revenue that funds them.

SSDI, or Social Security Disability Insurance, is funded by Social Security taxes, or FICA taxes.

SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, is funded by general tax revenues. Not Social Security.

Is SSDI the Program for You?

SSDI is for you if you have a long work history and have paid into Social Security in prior years. You also must have worked a total of five years within the last 10 years.

SSDI is available for people who have become seriously disabled and can no longer hold a job to earn income. It is intended for people between the ages of 18 and 65 who have a medical condition that meets SSA’s definition of disability or blindness.

Your SSDI disability benefit is calculated from how much you earned throughout your working years. It is the same formula used to calculate your retirement benefits.

Is SSI the Program for You?

SSI supports people with little or no income and few resources. The program provides cash for basic needs, such as food, clothing and shelter.

SSI is intended for people who are 65 and older, or for people who have a medical condition that meets SSA’s definition of disability or blindness.

Even if you have worked in the past and have paid into Social Security, if you have not worked long enough, you will not qualify for SSDI. But, if you are someone with low income and few assets, SSI can help you.

SSI disability benefits are basically the same nationwide. Your benefit is calculated by counting specific resources you own and subtracting that “countable income” from the federal benefit rate.

Contact Freedom Disability for a Free Evaluation

If you are still unsure about which SSA program to apply to for disability benefits, a Freedom Disability Advocate can help you. Contact us online for a free evaluation, or call us directly at (866) 761-5942.

Social Security Disability benefits summary: For those who are unable to work because of a physical or mental disability, cash and health insurance benefits are available through the government’s Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. If you have previously worked full time and paid Social Security taxes (FICA), you may qualify for these disability benefits. You must furthermore be between the age of 18 and 65 and unable to work full-time in any job available in the U.S to meet Social Security Disability requirements. The average monthly award is $1,100 dollars and you will be eligible to receive Medicare health insurance benefits after 24 months. A wide range of disabilities will qualify you for these benefits as long as they prevent you from working full-time including the following: depression, bi-polar, back pain, arthritis, diabetes, etc. You are able to apply for Social Security Disability directly with the Social Security Administration or your can improve your chances of success through the use of professional Disability Advocates, such as Freedom Disability or Social Security Attorneys. Freedom disability is only paid if you win.