Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are both federal programs that provide financial assistance to people with disabilities. While the aims of these programs are similar, they differ in their eligibility criteria, such as employment history requirements and other factors. At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, our SSDI attorneys help injured workers and other clients throughout the greater New York City area understand the difference between SSDI vs. SSDI. We can determine which program may be the best fit for your circumstances.
What Is SSDI?
Social Security Disability Insurance is designed to provide financial assistance to those who are disabled and unable to work. It is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). There are certain criteria to qualify for SSDI, including:
- Work history: SSDI benefits are based on an individual’s work history and their contributions to the Social Security system through payroll taxes. To be eligible for SSDI, an applicant must be under the age of 65 and have earned enough work credits in the course of their employment. The number of credits required for eligibility depends on the person’s age when they submit their SSDI application.
- Disability status: SSDI eligibility also depends on whether someone’s condition meets the SSA’s definition of disability. This means that they have a severe medical condition that prevents them from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA) and that the disability is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.
What Is SSI?
Supplemental Security Income is a need-based program that provides monthly payments to people with disabilities and adults 65 and older who have minimal income or resources. Income and resources may include wages, Social Security benefits, and assets such as bank accounts and property.
SSI recipients also must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. In addition, people who receive SSI typically are eligible for programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid. In some cases, a person may qualify for both SSI and SSDI benefits if they meet the respective criteria for each program.
SSDI vs. SSI: How Are They Funded?
Social Security Disability Insurance is funded through contributions to the Social Security trust fund in the form of FICA Social Security taxes. The amount of SSDI benefits someone may receive is determined by their earnings history and the Social Security taxes they paid during their working years. Generally, people with higher lifetime earnings receive more in Social Security Disability benefits. Under SSDI, a disabled person’s spouse and child dependents are eligible to receive partial dependent benefits.
Supplemental Security Income is funded by general revenue from the U.S. Treasury. It is not based on work history and is intended to provide financial assistance to low-income people who are elderly, blind, or disabled. The amount someone receives from SSI is a standard federal benefit rate set by the government. The base rate is the same in each state and may be adjusted on a case-by-case basis according to factors such as living arrangements and employment income. Additional state-funded supplements to SSI may be available in some areas. SSDI benefits are not supplemented by individual states.
Types of Health Care Coverage Available to SSDI and SSI Recipients
People who receive SSDI benefits are eligible for Medicare after a waiting period, which begins 24 months after the onset of the person’s disability. SSI recipients usually are eligible for state-run Medicaid programs right away.
Are Retroactive SSI and SSDI Benefits Available?
Social Security Disability applicants may be entitled to SSDI retroactive payments for up to 12 months before the date of their application if they were disabled during that period and met all other eligibility requirements. SSI applicants may receive retroactive benefits for up to one month before the date of their application, provided they meet all eligibility criteria during that period.
How an SSDI Attorney in New York Can Help
These are just some of the general differences between SSI and SSDI. Understanding and navigating the Social Security system can be daunting, so it’s crucial to find a disability lawyer in New York with experience handling SSI and SSDI cases. A greater NYC area Social Security Disability lawyer can explain the requirements and nuances of each program in more detail and assist you with applying for SSDI and/or SSI.
Contact an SSDI Lawyer in the Greater New York City Area
At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, our Social Security Disability lawyers have a track record of success in helping disabled clients in the greater NYC area get the benefits they need to protect their health and financial stability. Our Spanish-speaking clients can count on attorney and partner Rolando Cubela to provide attentive, top-notch legal representation. To schedule a free case evaluation with an SSDI attorney in the greater New York City area, call us at 718-273-9000 or contact us online.
