If you meet the criteria, you may be entitled to both SSDI and SSI
In the United States, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two forms of benefits who are unable to work due to a disability: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). While both programs offer monthly payments to individuals who cannot work due to a disability, there are significant differences between the two.
According to a California disability benefits attorney, the first difference between SSI and SSDI is how they are funded. SSDI is financed through contributions to the Social Security Trust through FICA Social Security taxes. By contrast, SSI is funded through general revenues. In other words, Americans don’t pay specific taxes for SSI. Instead, the taxes that we all pay are used to fund the program.
The second difference is how you qualify for benefits. Both programs require you to be unable to work for a period of 12 months or longer (or have a terminal condition) due to a disability. There is a multi-step process used by the SSA to determine if a person has a qualifying disability, and if that disability leaves them unable to work. However, there are additional requirements that do not overlap for SSDI and SSI.
Because SSDI is based on taxes paid by payroll taxes, you must have worked for a specific period of time in order to qualify for it. Specifically, when you work in a job that pays into Social Security, you earn a certain number of work credits. To be eligible for SSDI, you must have earned a certain number of work credits. This number varies based on your age, so that someone who becomes disabled at a relatively young age won’t be required to have the same number of credits as someone who has been in the workforce for 20+ years.
SSI is a needs-based program, unlike SSDI. This means that in addition to proving that you are unable to work due to a disability, you must also demonstrate that you have very limited assets and income. A person who qualifies for SSI may also qualify for other benefits programs, such as food stamps.
So can you qualify for both SSDI and SSI? Yes. If you are eligible for both programs, then you will be able to get SSDI and SSI at the same time. The key is that you must have (1) enough work credits to qualify for SSDI and (2) meet the criteria for assets and income for SSI.
The process of applying for Social Security benefits can be confusing, particularly when it comes to providing enough evidence to prove that you are unable to work due to a disability. At PLBH, we are here for people with disabilities. We’ll work collaboratively with you to help you get the benefits that you are entitled to, from the initial application through any appeals and a final decision. To schedule a consultation with a California disability benefits attorney, contact us today at (800) 435-7542 or info@plblaw.com.