SSI vs. SSDI: The always up-to-date disability benefits guide
by April L. Roberts | Oct 14, 2022
When seeking benefits due to a disability, it’s essential to understand the difference between SSI and SSDI. Here we compare these federal benefits programs and where to apply. You will also learn how the Social Security Administration (SSA) determines your eligibility and what benefits will provide the highest possible payout.
SSI vs. SSDI: The Difference Explained
Both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are federal benefits providing financial assistance to seniors and those with disabilities. You can apply for Supplemental Security Income SSI and Social Security Disability through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
What Is The Difference Between SSI And SSDI?
When considering SSDI vs. SSI, SSI eligibility is based on limited income and resources with your age and level of disability. In contrast, SSDI eligibility is determined by your disability and the years you have worked based on your proven work history. SSI recipients also qualify for Medicaid health insurance in most states, while SSDI recipients must receive disability payments for 24 months before automatically qualifying for Medicare.
What is Social Security Insurance (SSI)?
The SSI program is designed to assist older people and the disabled with financial assistance to supplement their limited income and resources. Those with disabilities can apply for SSI regardless of age. Disabled children can also receive benefits, but different rules apply. State programs often supplement federal SSI payments approved by the SSA. SSI benefits offer modest income regardless of previous employment history or contributions made to Social Security.
In 2022, income could not exceed $841 for one person or $1,261 per couple to qualify for SSI monthly payments. The amount paid is determined by varying factors, including whether your state supplements SSI benefits. To apply for SSI, you submit an application to the SSA and must meet one of the following requirements:
- You are 65 or older
- You are totally or partially blind
- You suffer from a medical condition impacting your ability to work, and that is expected to last one year or result in death
Eligibility for SSI is determined by the following:
- Your income, including any social security benefits you receive, pensions, supplements for shelter and food, part-time work, etc.
- Your assets (resources), including bank accounts, stocks, and bonds if valued above $2,000 for one person or $3,000 for a couple, not including your home or car
- You must also apply for any other Social Security benefits available to determine if you are eligible to receive further funding.
Is SSI the Same as Disability?
No. SSI is based on limited income and age, while disability benefits are based on a change to your health that impacts your ability to work full-time.
What are Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI)?
SSDI benefits are available to those with an established work history suffering from a disability that keeps them from working. Employment can be through an employer or self-employment. It is designed to protect people with physical or mental impairments who cannot work. Your Social Security tax contributions fund the benefits. You can apply for SSDI through the SSA.
The biggest challenge is proving your eligibility with proof you have a condition meeting the SSA’s definition of disability. The information must be credible, with medical records, treatments, medications, test results, etc. According to the SSA, your condition must last at least one year or result in death. However, it must also limit your ability to perform tasks such as lifting, standing, walking, sitting, logic, decision making, etc. Eligibility for SSI is determined by the following:
- 40 work credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years (you can earn four credits per year worked, and younger applicants can still qualify based on their disability)
- Suffering from a condition expected to last at least a year or that will result in death
- Proof of a qualifying mental or physical disability
The work credits are required to change from year to year. Payments are based on your lifetime earnings. The SSA uses a standard grid to assess your abilities and determine when you are eligible to receive benefits.
A 2023 comparison of SSI and SSDI:
The SSA provides SSDI updates every year. Here’s a 2023 comparison of SSI and SSDI with the most recent information:
| Factor | SSI | SSDI |
| Eligibility for benefits based on | -Age (65+)
-Blindness (any age) -Disability (any age) AND limited/no income or resources |
Disability AND sufficient work credits through own/family employment |
| When the benefit payments begin | First full month after the date the claim was filed or, if later, the eligibility date for SSI | After the 6th full month of disability; 6-month period begins in the first full month after the date SSA determines the disability began |
| Avg. benefit per month | $624 as of January, 2022 | $1,223 as of January, 2022 |
| Maximum monthly benefit | $841/$1,261 (single/married couple) in 2022 (based on income) | $3,345 in 2022 in 2023 (based on work history) |
| Health Insurance | Automatically qualifies for Medicaid upon receipt of SSI (in most states) | Automatically qualifies for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period. This is from the time benefits begin, and there is no waiting period for people with ALS |
Can I Collect Both SSI and SSDI?
Yes, the SSA does provide concurrent benefits for those who qualify. You must have limited income/resources and work history to be eligible for both. Social Security considers all state or federal benefits you receive and exempts $20 a month from your total monthly payments. Also, if your retirement benefits and SSI benefits exceed the SSI maximum disability monthly amount, you can’t receive both. This maximum amount changes each year.
How Do I Apply for SSI or SSDI?
You can apply for SSI online if you are an adult with a disability. Applications for those under 18 or non-disabled seniors over 65 must visit the local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). All SSDI applicants can apply online, via the local office, or by phone.
What Information is Required to Apply for SSI?
You will need to provide information about yourself, your family, your employment history, any income you receive, your physician(s), and your medical condition(s). Although this might seem simple enough, the way information is presented and how your forms are completed determine your outcome. A disability advocate from Princeton Disability helps ensure you include everything required with your application and that all forms are completed and submitted correctly.
What Information is Required to Apply for SSDI?
Detailed information about your condition in hand with information about your family, your employment history, your income, your healthcare providers, and treatments are required, including:
- Work history
- Medical evidence
- Testimony from witnesses
- Complaints and symptoms
- Ability to work
- Activity level
- Mental ability
The SSA also sends detailed questionnaires you and a third party must complete. Answers must align with their expectations and be consistent with answers provided by the third party. Princeton Disability advocates use our own version of these forms so you can complete them and submit them from the very beginning. This ensures everything is provided upfront to ensure your application is approved.
Should I Get Professional Help?
Statistics show only 34 percent of applicants submitted without the assistance of an advocate are approved for disability benefits. Therefore, SSI and SSDI claims handled by disability advocates are more likely to win approval. Princeton Disability Advocates helps you file your claim correctly right from the start to reduce the risk of delays or denials. If you are looking for a disability advocate who fights for your rights, reach out to our team today.