What's the Difference Between SSD and SSI?
What is Social Security Disability (SSD)?
Social Security Disability benefits are administered through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. When an individual works and taxes are withheld from his or her pay, a portion of those tax dollars go towards funding the SSDI program. If a person becomes disabled while he or she is still “insured” by paying taxes, he or she becomes eligible to receive SSD benefits. Generally, a person will remain insured for SSD benefits for a short period of time after he or she stops working – typically up to five years, but this period may be longer if disability is due to blindness.
People who have been deemed disabled and eligible for SSD receive monthly compensation. The amount of monthly compensation that a person receives is based upon past earnings, so one person may receive more per month than another.
Additionally, after being eligible for disability benefits for two years, a SSD recipient will then be covered by Medicare.
What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program that offers monthly compensation to individuals who are 65 years old or older, disabled, or blind. In order to receive SSI benefits, a person’s income and resources must fall below certain limits. For 2017, a person’s monthly income must be below $735 per month ($1,103 if married). Resources – the value of a person’s cash on hand, bank accounts, land, life insurance policies, etc. – must be less than $2,000 ($3,000,if married).
People who are disabled and meet the income/resource test are eligible for monthly compensation. This amount may equal up to $735, depending on the person’s income and benefits.
Additionally, people who are eligible for SSI can become eligible for Medicaid coverage. There is no waiting period to become covered for Medicaid once a person is deemed eligible for SSI.
For a helpful comparison of the two programs, click here. If you have additional questions about Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income, and the benefits to which you may be entitled, contact Herdman Yeager, LLC for a free consultation.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information on legal issues and is not a substitute for legal advice. Each individual claim is unique. To seek legal guidance, you should contact an attorney.