What Is the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?

When it comes to disability benefits, you are entitled to specific compensation for any injury you may sustain at work. It is the responsibility of your employer and the government that you are provided for if you become incapable of working. We have all heard the terms social security and benefits often enough, but what do they actually mean? What do they entail in times of emergencies? In addition, what is the difference between an SSI and SSDI? These are all common questions we hear. We are here to explain further difference between the two social security programs.

What is SSDI?

SSDI stands for the Social Security Disability Insurance Program. It is a program offered by the government to workers who have collected sufficient number of work credits. This program offers benefits to individuals who sustain disabilities while working. These benefits are funded through payroll taxes. This means that as a worker, a portion of your paycheck goes towards your social security taxes. Under this rule, workers are considered “insured” because they contribute towards the FICA social security taxes.

Those receiving SSDI must meet certain work credits to qualify for the benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates your work credits by looking at how much you worked and transforming your wages into credits. They will then decide if you are eligible. In order to qualify, you must also be younger than 65. After an individual receives aid for two years, they become eligible for Medicare.

Finally, a disabled person’s spouse and children can also receive partial dependent benefits. These are called auxiliary benefits. The SSDI has an average of a five-month waiting period, meaning you will not instantly receive benefits the moment of the disability.

What is SSI?

SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income. It is a program strictly governed by need for disabled individuals. It is funded by general fund taxes. Individuals can receive benefits even if they do not have a work history. However, they must fit in a low-income bracket. In order to meet the requirements, an individual must have less than $2,000 in assets ($3,000 for couples) and a limited income.

Those eligible for SSI can also receive Medicaid. The amount a person obtains is determined by their monthly income and where they live. For those who qualify and submit an application, they will begin getting benefits during the first of the month upon submission.

At The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C., we understand how debilitating and difficult it is to sustain a disability. We focus primarily on SSDI cases to better serve our clients. If you believe you have been cheated out of your SSDI benefits, contact our New York Social Security Disability (SSD) lawyers today for a case review!

For over 40 years, David H. Perecman has distinguished himself as one of the leading personal injury lawyers in New York City, championing all types of personal injury cases including construction accidents, premises accidents, automobile accidents, and medical malpractice, along with employment discrimination, false arrest, and civil rights cases.