When you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, you may discover there are two possible programs through which you could obtain monthly income: Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income. 

There are important differences between the two programs, so you should strongly consider talking with a Los Angeles disability lawyer to find out which you are likely to be eligible for and which will provide the most potential benefits.   

​Key Differences Between SSI and SSDI

Some of the many big differences between SSI and SSDI relate to how the program is funded and who is eligible for benefits.

SSDI is funded through Social Security payroll taxes. As you work and pay the payroll taxes you owe, you earn work credits. If you've earned a sufficient number of work credits at the time of your disability -- with the required number based on your age at the time -- you can get SSDI coverage. Your benefits will be determined based on past salary and are not means tested so your household wealth, or lack thereof, won't be a factor in determining benefits eligibility.

Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is different. SSI eligibility isn't based on your work history but is instead based on your household income and the total amount of assets owned by your household. If either income or total assets owned is too high, you won't be able to get SSI benefits. SSI benefits are typically lower than SSDI benefits. 

To find out more about how a Los Angeles disability lawyer can help you to understand whether SSI or SSDI is best for your situation, give us a call today.