What Is the Difference Between Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Attorney Richard Griffin and his firm (Griffin Law Firm) specialize in social security disability claims. Since this area of the law involves different benefits each with their own requirements for eligibility, having the representation of a good social security lawyer makes all the difference in whether you will be granted the social security benefits that you need.
What are Supplemental Security Income Benefits (SSI)?
Social Security benefits called SSI are summarized below:
(1) SSI Benefits: These are the benefits that are provided by the Social Security Administration as a federal welfare program for low income individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled. [42 U.S.C. Section 1381-1383d (Title XVI)]
(2) Disabled From Work: It is required that you are disabled from work as defined by the Social Security Administration. The standards used to establish being disabled for SSI are virtually the same as those used for SSDI.
(3) Restricted Assets and Income: Individuals cannot have income or assets exceeding $2000 and $3000 for a couple living together. [20 C.F.R. Section 416.1205]
(4) Waiting Period: There is no waiting period for SSI benefits.
(5) Back benefits: You are only able to recover back SSI benefits back to the date the application was filed.
(6) Maximum Benefit: Currently the maximum SSI benefit is $637.00.
(7) Medicaid: SSI claimants receive Medicaid throughout the period of disability. This differs from Social Security Disability Income Benefits (SSDI) since SSDI comes with Medicare coverage rather than Medicaid.
What are Social Security Disability Income Benefits (Title II or SSDI)?
Social Security Disability Income Benefits (SSDI) are summarized below:
(1) Payment Requirement: Workers must have earned or paid in to Social Security through wages earned for at least 20 quarters out of the last 40 (i.e. worked 5 of the last 10 years) to be eligible for SSDI. A worker earns credit for working a quarter if he or she reports at least $460 for the quarter.
2- SSDI Benefits: Eligible workers receive their retirement benefits early if they are disabled prior to age 65.
3- Back Benefits: Workers can earn back benefits from five months following the date of disability onset (onset date).
4- Medicare: Workers who are eligible for SSDI are also eligible for Medicare 29 months following the onset of disability. This differs from SSI because SSI comes with Medicaid.
Who is most likely to receive Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI)?
The main factors for Social Security Disability Income Benefits are:
(1) Age: You can be eligible for SSDI at any age, but if you are older than 50, then the Social Security Administration has a lower requirement for being deemed disable and eligible for SSDI benefits.
(2) Education: Individuals with less education have a better chance of being deemed disabled and eligible for SSDI benefits because it is harder to return to sedentary work with fewer office skills.
(3) Work History: Individuals with a work history of heavy labor or physically demanding labor only have a better chance of being deemed disabled and being eligible for SSDI benefits. This is because the ALJ Social Security Judges will evaluate whether you are capable of doing any of your past jobs as part of their evaluation. Then they will evaluate if there is any other job in the U.S. economy that you could do. If you have a job history of office jobs or other sedentary jobs, then it is often harder to receive SSDI benefits.
(4) Medical Condition: Your disability must be the result of a medical condition that limits your ability to work. Under 20 CFR 404, subpart P, Appendix 1, there are medical conditions that are known as the "Listings". If your medical condition matches one of these listing conditions, then your chances of receiving SSD are much greater.
What are the medical conditions on the "Listings" found in 20 CFR 404, subpart P, Appendix 1?
(1) Growth Impairment (100.00): July 2, 2012.
(2) Musculoskeletal System (1.00 and 101.00): February 18, 2013.
(3) Special Senses and Speech (2.00 and 102.00): August 3, 2015.
(4) Respiratory System (3.00 and 103.00): July 2, 2012.
(5) Cardiovascular System (4.00 and 104.00): February 18, 2013.
(6) Digestive System (5.00 and 105.00): October 19, 2012.
(7) Genitourinary Impairments (6.00 and 106.00): September 6, 2013.
(8) Hematological Disorders (7.00 and 107.00): July 2, 2012.
(9) Skin Disorders (8.00 and 108.00): July 9, 2012.
(10) Endocrine System (9.00 and 109.00): July 2, 2012.
(11) Impairments That Affect Multiple Body Systems (10.00 and 110.00): October 31,
2013.
(12) Neurological (11.00 and 111.00): July 2, 2012.
(13) Mental Disorders (12.00 and 112.00): July 2, 2012.
(14) Malignant Neoplastic Diseases (13.00 and 113.00): November 5, 2017.
(15) Immune System Disorders (14.00 and 114.00): June 16, 2016.
Why should I hire a social security attorney if I am denied my social security disability benefits?
It is very difficult to get awarded social security disability benefits under SSDI without being represented by an experienced social security lawyer. Why? Because being it is assumed by the Social Security Administration that you are not disabled unless you can prove otherwise. Just stating to the Social Security judge that you are unable to work is not enough. You must have medical evidence supported by doctors, and an understanding of the social security laws, or it is very unlikely that you will be granted your social security disability benefits (SSDI).
If you or someone you know has a medical condition that disables you from working, then you should call The Griffin Law Firm, P.C. at 866-847-6545 for a free consultation or use the below link:
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