SSDI And SSI: Which One Is Right For You?
It's easy to get confused between the two main forms of disability benefits. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Disability Income (SSI) are aimed at different populations. Find out which one is right for you below.
Social Security Disability Insurance
When you can no longer work at your job because of a medical or mental health disability, SSDI may provide benefits. This form of monetary support comes from a fund that workers pay into each time they get a paycheck. That means that the disabled worker must have worked enough and contributed enough to qualify.
The calculation to determine eligibility is complex. You can talk to an SSDI caseworker or access your Social Security account online to find out if you have worked enough and the amount you can expect to be paid. If you have not worked enough to qualify for SSDI, you could be eligible for SSI.
Supplemental Security Insurance
This program targets those who have not worked enough for SSDI and are too disabled to work. Some minor children also qualify for SSI. The sticking point with SSI is that the claimants are limited in what they own and their income.
Rather than look at the claimant's work history, SSI evaluations focus on how much they have access to regarding income and assets. Some assets are counted toward the maximum but not everything. Certain assets like a primary residence and one vehicle are exempt.
Medical Conditions
Both SSDI and SSI programs place a lot of emphasis on the claimant's medical condition. Claimants must prove that their condition prevents them from earning money. Medical records and letters from doctors may be required to prove a disability.
If you apply for SSDI and don't have enough work credits to qualify, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will automatically evaluate you for SSI. If you own too much property or have access to too much income, you may be turned down for SSI, however.
Get Help with Your Claim
Applicants can improve their chances of being approved for SSDI and SSI. It all starts with the application. While the application for benefits is lengthy and detailed, it provides the SSA with needed information about your disability.
You can get help with your application by contacting a Social Security lawyer. These special lawyers are approved to help claimants by the SSA. A lawyer will help you fill out your application properly and provide the needed proof to the SSA.
If you are turned down for SSDI and SSI, a Social Security lawyer can also help you at your appeal hearing. Many are approved at this hearing if they have legal assistance. Speak to a Social Security attorney to find out more.
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