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SSDI vs SSI | What is the difference between them?

SSDI vs SSI | What is the difference between them?

The main difference between SSDI and SSI is that one is simply merit-based disability benefits if they have enough credits and the other is need-based, provided only to low income individuals

The Social Security Administration (SSA) runs both the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) under the Federal programs. The disability guidelines stated by the SSA are the same for both the programs which is stated in the Blue Book. An American who qualifies the federal definition of disability stated in the Blue Book automatically becomes eligible for applying for social security to the SSA. However, the similarities between the two programs end here.

While SSI is a need-based program allotted to the disabled people who need financial assistance the most, the SSDI is more of an entitlement program which is only granted if you have enough credit of work history after of course being eligible in the disability handbook as stated above.

SSI eligibility requirements differ from the SSDI eligibility requirements apart from the disability.

For SSI eligibility the value of your assets should not exceed the monthly income of $2000 for singles and $3000 for couples. The things SSA counts as your assets include real estate, bonds, stock, cash and bank accounts. However, SSA would exclude a personal car and a single home as resources while considering your application.

For SSDI eligibility, you need to have certain amount of work hours in your lifetime and paid social security taxes just like insurance premiums are paid to get the benefits.

You may be able to receive both SSI and SSDI benefits if you have enough work hour credits accumulated in your lifetime and if you net income at the time of application is less than that stated in the SSI eligibility.

You would receive cash payments for your SSDI claims if approved. But, if you are receiving both benefits your net benefit amount could not exceed the SSI amount.

How to Apply for SSDI payments?

If you want to strategize your benefits between retirement, SSDI or SSI, feel free to contact our top notch Social Security Attorneys
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Friday, 29 March 2024