The Social Security Administration has two primary programs paying disability benefits. Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance help people meet their financial needs when they cannot work due to a disabling medical condition.
However, the differences between the two programs outnumber the similarities. Here are a few of the differences between the two disability programs.
Different qualifying standards
You must be “insured” to qualify for disability benefits through the SSDI program. Insured means that you worked at jobs where the money earned was subject to payment of Social Security taxes. You must have worked recently enough and for a duration that was long enough to qualify for Social Security retirement and disability benefits.
SSDI is an entitlement program you must work to qualify for. SSI is need-based without a work requirement. Instead, you must have little or no income and financial resources of $2,000 or less. Couples may have resources of $3,000 or less.
You can qualify for disability benefits through SSI without a work history. Some people with a work history may qualify for concurrent benefits through SSI and SSDI.
Different methods for determining the amount of monthly benefits
SSDI monthly benefits are determined based on your average lifetime earnings subject to payment of Social Security taxes. Annual limits on earnings subject to payment of Social Security taxes mean the maximum monthly benefit you can receive through SSDI in 2024 is $3,822. The average monthly disability benefits paid to workers in 2024, according to the Social Security Administration, are $1,537.
The disability benefits payable through the SSI program are to help you meet monthly expenses for necessities, such as food, living accommodations, and clothing. The maximum federal benefit is $943 per month in 2024 for individuals and $1,415 for eligible couples.
Your disability benefits through SSI could be less if you have countable income from other sources. It could be more if you live in states that give their residents a supplemental payment. There are currently six states that do supplement SSI benefits:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Mississippi
- North Dakota
- Tennessee
- West Virginia
Some states administer their supplemental payment programs, but others rely on the Social Security Administration to do it.
Differences in who is eligible for benefits
The requirement of a work history to qualify for disability benefits limits eligibility for the SSDI program to adults. Benefits through the SSI program are available to adults and children with disabling medical conditions.
Another difference between the two programs is that SSI pays benefits to people who are not disabled and who meet the financial limits to qualify for benefits. You can receive benefits if you are at least 65, even though you do not have a disability.
Definition of a qualifying disability
Adults who apply for disability benefits through SSDI and SSI must meet the same requirements to be eligible for benefits. You must have a medically determination physical or mental impairment that keeps you from doing substantial gainful activity. The impairment or combination of impairments must last for a continuous period of at least 12 months or cause death.
The definition of a disability for children to qualify for SSI benefits differs from that for adults. Children who apply for disability benefits through SSI must have a physical or mental condition that seriously limits their activities and must last or be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.
Difference in medical benefits available through SSI and SSDI
If you qualify for SSDI benefits, you become eligible for medical insurance coverage through Medicare. Medicare coverage does not become available until after you receive SSDI monthly payments for 24 months.
SSI recipients qualify for medical benefits through Medicaid. Medicaid generally becomes available immediately after you are approved for SSI, but you may have to apply for it separately depending on the laws of the state where you live.
Learn more about SSI and SSDI benefits and medical coverage, including how to increase disability payments, by speaking to a disability lawyer in Ohio. A disability lawyer can review your claim and provide advice and representation.