SW Florida Social Security Lawyer Explains The Difference Between SSDI And SSI
Bryan Greenberg
Accident Lawyers
1 in 4 adults in Florida have some type of disability that often prevents them from working and earning to their full potential. If you or someone you love was recently injured or developed a disability, you may be confused between supplemental security income (SSI) and social security disability insurance (SSDI). An experienced SW Florida social security lawyer explains the differences between the two, as well as the different qualifications each one needs.What Is Social Security Disability Insurance?
Social security disability insurance is a program that provides financial assistance to people with disabilities who have worked for a certain number of years. These individuals are considered “insured” because they or an immediate family member have made contributions to the Social Security trust fund.
To be qualified for SSDI, the candidate must be over 18 years but not older than 65. Once you reach retirement age, you will start collecting retirement benefits.
The beneficiary’s spouse and child dependents are also eligible for auxiliary benefits or partial dependent benefits.
The candidate can start receiving benefits after 6 full months of disability. The beginning of one’s disability is determined by the SSA.
It is possible for the SSDI program to retroactively give payments for the time you have been disabled before you applied for SSDI. Payments can cover up to a year before you applied.
The average monthly benefit beneficiaries receive depends on their earnings record. The maximum amount one can get is $3,345, but the average amount beneficiaries receive is $1,223 as of 2022.
After two years of receiving SSDI, the beneficiary automatically becomes eligible for Medicare. However, if you have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease), you will be automatically eligible for Medicare as soon as you are approved for SSDI.
What Is Social Security Income?
Supplemental security income is a needs-based financial assistance program. This program does not require work history for a candidate to become eligible. Instead of salary contributions, the SSI is funded by general taxes.
To become eligible for SSI, you must have less than $2,000 ($3,000 for couples) in assets and a limited or no income.
Any individual with disability may qualify for SSI regardless of age. Both children and individuals aged 65 above may be eligible.
The candidate may start receiving benefits after the first full month the claim was filed.
The amount of benefit an individual receives depends on their monthly income and where they live—their needs. For example, those who live with a relative or a friend will likely receive a lower benefit. The average monthly benefit as of 2022 is $624 but the maximum payment is $841 or $1,261 for couples.
Beneficiaries of SSI are also automatically qualified for Medicaid. Furthermore, they may also be eligible for food stamps.
Other Facts You Should Know
While SSDI and SSI are completely separate, it is possible for an individual to have work history and have limited income in the present due to a disability. In this case, the individual may be eligible for both SSDI and SSI. However, this also depends on the amount you receive from SSDI. You may receive a small SSI payment if your SSDI payment amounts to less than $861 for individuals and $1,281 for couples. Of course, you should first be eligible for both.
For both SSDI and SSI, it is possible to apply online and in person. The application process for both are somewhat similar in that the candidate must fill up the application form and submit documents that will help prove one’s disability.
Working with an experienced SW Florida social security lawyer will increase your chances of getting approved for SSDI or SSI or both. Contact us now.