Dear HoG: SSI and SSDI
Horizons in Hemophilia, September 2012
Dear HoG: What is the difference between SSI and SSDI? They sound very similar!
--Confused
Dear Confused: It can be confusing trying to navigate the alphabet soup that makes up most government programs. Although Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) have very similar acronyms, they are different programs designed to help different types of people.
Social Security Disability Income is an “earned benefit” which means that people who are eligible for it have paid into the Social Security system. SSDI is mainly intended for people who are disabled and who have a condition that will keep them out of work for at least twelve months. However, if you have not been able to work because you have been disabled since you were a child, you may also qualify. Similarly, if you are a spouse or a child of a disabled worker, you may also receive some benefits.
The amount of your Social Security Disability Income is based on how long and how much you paid into the Social Security system (these taxes are labeled “FICA” on your pay stub). People on SSDI receive monthly checks. On average, these checks range from $200 to $1,600. Once you've received Social Security Disability Income for two years, you will be eligible for health insurance through the Medicare program. During this waiting period, you may qualify for health insurance through a former employer. You apply for Social Security Disability Income through your local office or online. The Social Security Administration keeps a list of conditions that assure a quick approval process; if your condition is not listed, you can still apply, but the process may take a bit longer.
On the other hand, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for aged, blind, and disabled people who have not earned enough to pay Social Security taxes and have limited income and resources. Unlike Social Security Disability Income, this benefit is not tied to your work record, but is a “means-tested” benefit, which means you have to hit certain income requirements. To qualify for Supplemental Security Income, you cannot have more than $2,000 in “resources”, which are things like property or money in the bank (the limit is $3,000 for a couple). In 2012 people on SSI receive monthly checks for up to $698 for an individual or $1,048 for a couple. If you do earn some income, your monthly SSI check may be a bit lower, depending on how much additional money you earn per month.
The income rules for Supplemental Security Income can be quite complex. It is important to talk to your social worker if you have any questions about income or resources. In Georgia, if you are receiving Supplemental Security Income, you automatically qualify for Medicaid and may also qualify for Medicare, depending on how long you have been disabled. You apply for Supplemental Security Income through a local Social Security Administration office.
For both programs, a person must be a US citizen. If you have any questions about either of these programs, please contact your social worker.
More resources:
- Social Security Disability Income website
- Supplemental Security Income website
- Social Security Administration local offices