SSDI vs. SSI BENEFITS

The US Social Security Administration* administers two disability programs that are in some ways similar and in other ways very different.

I.  Social Security Disabiilty (SSDI) - Also Called Title 2.
  • Requires a work history to be covered or "insured."  (A minimum number of quarters of work are needed to be covered or "insured").
  • Requires a medical finding of disability to receive benefits
  • 2015 maximum individual benefit is $2,663 per month. Your benefit is based on your lifetime average earnings before you became disabled).
  • No means testing.  You do not have to have low income to receive benefits.
  • Has a 5 month waiting period (No benefits payable during first 5 months of disability)
  • Financed by FICA taxes withheld from workers' pay and matched by their employers.

 II.  Supplemental Security Income (SSI) - Also Called Title XVI.
  • Requires no work history to be covered - No minimum quarters of work needed.
  • Requires a medical finding of disability to receive benefits (before retirement age).
  • 2015 maximum individual benefit is $733 per month or $1100 for a couple.
  • Is means tested - you must meet limited resource and income requirements.
  • No waiting period (Benefits are paid the next month after you qualify).
  • Financed by the general budget, no specific tax is withheld to finance SSI.

SSDI applications may be filed online at www.socialsecurity.gov.  However, SSI applications must be filed with a local Social Security field office.  This can be done by telephone.  The required medical proof of disability are identical between the two programs.  If you meet the medical requirements for disability under one program, you will meet the requirements under the other program, also.  For SSI, additional financial requirements will apply (household income, limited household financial resources, etc.). 
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*The Forsythe Firm is not affiliated with the US Social Security Administration or any other government agency.  Information posted here is believed to be accurate at the time of writing.  However, Social Security/SSI rules and regulations change frequently.  

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