Should I Apply For SSDI Or SSI?

By Staff Reporter Feb 07, 2022 12:14 PM EST

In the US, various Social Security Administration programs, including Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), provide people with disabilities with appropriate financial support. While both offer cash benefits, they differ in financial eligibility requirements. If you've experienced injury or have a disability that prohibits you from working, explore the differences between SSI and SSDI programs to ensure you get the right benefits.

What are SSDI and SSI?

SSDI is part of the Social Security Administration (SSA) program that focuses on people with a significant work history but are physically challenged with a long-term impairment, limiting their capacity to work and support themselves. In short, SSDI applies to individuals that have gathered enough work credits to be considered insured for the program. On the other hand, SSI offers basic cash assistance to disabled individuals regardless of age. Eligibility is based on financial needs without imposing any work requirements.

Both benefits are straightforward, but obtaining them may present challenges and difficulties if you're unfamiliar with them. According to www.acreelaw.com, you need to hire an expert disability attorney to increase your chances of getting SSDI or SSI benefits.

What are the differences between SSDI and SSI?

SSDI and SSI programs vary in various technical requirements. Note their nature, similarities, and differences below.

Eligibility

For the SSDI program, you should present proof that you have worked in a job covered by Social Security. You must also be in that job for five years in the past ten years. You should also present medical evidence proving that you suffered from a medical condition that prevented you from working. Also, you need to show that this condition corresponds to SSA's definition of 'disability.' Social Security follows a strict definition of disability based on your ability to work and the expected duration of your disability. This is why it is necessary to submit medical records to support your application.

In terms of the work credits, it varies from individual to individual. For instance, if you are under 24 years old, you may be eligible for SSDI benefits if you have earned six work credits in the past three years before the onset of your disability. There are various points to consider about work credits, so to be guided properly, it is better to contact a legal disability attorney as soon as possible.

You may qualify for the SSI program if you are a U.S. citizen over the age of 65, is blind, or handicapped, and has limited income and financial resources.

Benefits

SSDI is more complex than SSI when it comes to requirements. Note that SSDI benefits are more significant. For instance, the average SSDI benefit will be $1,358. The average SSI payment would be $841 per month for an individual, and $1,261 per month for a couple with both spouses being eligible beneficiaries.

On the other hand, if you qualify for the SSDI program, you will automatically receive health insurance from Medicare after a 24-month waiting period. Meanwhile, an SSI beneficiary will receive health insurance from Medicaid upon receipt of SSI.

When to apply for SSDI and SSI?

You should immediately apply for SSDI or SSI as soon as you become physically challenged. It may take up to three to five months for your claim to be approved, so it is generally better to start your application process right away.

Can SSDI and SSI applications possibly be rejected?

If you fail to meet the aforementioned criteria for both programs, this usually results in rejection of your application. However, if you believe that you have been wrongly denied, immediately find a legal adviser familiar with Social Security disability policies to represent you. You can ask for reconsideration.

Seek professional help

If you are experiencing trouble in filing your application process, consider hiring a disability attorney. They will assist you in completing the SSDI or SSI application. They can also help obtain medical records and other evidence crucial to your claim.

In addition, they are also experts in checking the specifics of your application and looking for errors that could jeopardize your chances of approval. The Social Security Administration will work directly with your representative to offer access to information from your Social Security file. This is why you need to make sure that your lawyer can make the process as efficient as possible.