What Is The Difference Between SSDI And SSI?
Both Social Security Disability Income (SSD or SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provide income and medical care benefits to people who cannot work due to a disability. SSI is a needs-based program, whereas SSD or SSDI is based on your work history.
At Harlan Still & Koch in Columbia, our disability lawyers are available to answer your questions and help you understand your eligibility for disability benefits. They have dedicated their legal careers to helping our injured clients throughout Missouri secure the benefits they deserve.
Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits
Social Security Disability benefits help those who have been injured or are unable to work. The SSD and SSI programs are similar. These similarities include:
- Both disability programs support those who are unable to work because of a disability.
- Both programs use the same definition of a disability.
- The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees the application process for both programs.
- Both programs require the same five-step application process.
Our experienced Social Security benefits attorneys at Harlan Still & Koch can help you complete the application process for either program. While the SSA manages both disability programs, each has different requirements.
How Does The SSA Define Disability?
The SSA has a strict definition of disability. They will evaluate your medical condition, as well as your work history, to determine if you meet their definition of disability. The SSA defines disability as:
- Your inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment.
- This impairment must be expected to result in death, or it must have lasted or be expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months.
- “Substantial gainful activity” is any work or employment that earns you more than a certain monthly amount.
In other words, your physical or mental impairment must be long term and it must interfere with your ability to earn an income. If your medical condition prevents you from doing work you previously did, they will also consider whether you can adjust to other work. If you can, the SSA will likely determine that you are not disabled.
Who Is Eligible For SSDI?
SSDI benefits are reserved for workers. You must have a qualifying disability as defined by the SSA. Also, you must have a long enough history of work credits to qualify for SSD benefits. In addition, you must also have a history of paying Social Security taxes.
Who Is Eligible For SSI?
SSI benefits are based on financial need. Unlike SSD benefits, they have nothing to do with your work history. Since they do not require a history of work credits, you could also apply for SSI benefits for children who have qualifying disabilities. The rules for SSI are complex. The SSA will consider your income, your assets and your living arrangements.
Can Someone Receive Both SSDI And SSI Benefits At The Same Time?
Because SSD and SSI are separate programs, it is possible to receive both SSDI and SSI benefits concurrently if your SSDI benefit is low and your income and assets fall within the SSI limits.
Concurrent benefits may be available when someone has a limited income and resources, as required for SSI, and also has a qualifying work history for SSDI.
However, the amount of your SSDI benefit affects your eligibility for SSI. The SSA will subtract the SSDI amount from the SSI payment. If your SSDI income is low enough, you can still qualify for some SSI benefits.
Can You Appeal A Denial Of SSD or SSDI?
If the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies your claim for SSD or SSDI benefits, you have the right to appeal. You must request an appeal within 60 days of the date you receive the denial notice. The appeals process consists of several levels.
The first level is reconsideration, where the SSA reviews your case again. If the reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). This hearing offers an opportunity for you and your lawyer to present evidence and testimony. If the ALJ denies your claim, you can appeal to the Appeals Council, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit in federal court.
Navigating the appeals process can be challenging, and it is best to seek legal advice. We can assess your case, gather additional medical evidence and represent you at hearings to improve your chances of a successful appeal.
Protecting Your Right To SSD And SSI Benefits
Applying for disability benefits can be difficult and discouraging. You do not have to face the process alone. Our Social Security Disability attorneys have been helping people just like you obtain disability benefits since 1978. Our years of experience help us to provide you with knowledgeable assistance from start to finish.
Consult A Disability Benefits Lawyer For Free
At Harlan Still & Koch, we offer free and confidential consultations. To schedule your free appointment, call us at 1-800-483-1789 or send us a message. We can review your situation, assess your potential eligibility and help you better understand the application process. As your disability attorneys, we will assist you at every stage of the application process to help you secure the benefits you deserve.