Two Types of Benefits Programs | Understanding the Difference Between SSDI and SSI
Before determining whether or not you qualify to receive benefits, the first step is to determine whether you meet the requirements to apply.
Who can apply for disability benefits? An individual who is unable to work at the substantial gainful activity level (see below for what qualifies as SGA) due to a medical condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least one year or result in death. However, the requirements do not stop there. Social Security has two types of disability benefits programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). We must determine whether the disabled individual has enough work credits to be eligible to apply for SSDI or have income and resources below specific financial limits to be eligible to apply for SSI.
The difference between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a benefits program that is based on whether the disabled individual has earned enough work credits to have “insured” themselves under this program. When an individual works and pay taxes to Social Security, they insure themselves under the Social Security Disability program; however, there are specific requirements that need to be met. In general, an individual must meet two different earnings tests:
1) A recent work test, based on that person’s age at the time they developed a disability. 2) A duration of work test to show that the person worked long enough to insurance themselves under Social Security. Certain workers who are blind have to meet only the duration of work test.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) on the other hand is a benefits program that is based on whether the disabled individual meets the financial needs requirements. This program has nothing to do with past work. Whether an individual can get SSI depends on their income and resources (the things they own). Very generally speaking, they may be able to get SSI if their resources are worth $2,000 or less. A couple may be able to get SSI if they have resources worth $3,000 or less.
In order to learn specifics about eligibility to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits or Supplemental Security Income, please click on the following links:
What is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)?
To be eligible for benefits, a person must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). SGA for non-blind individuals in the year 2022 was $1,350 in gross wages per month, meaning the amount of earnings before taxes are taken out. SGA for non-blind individuals in 2023 is $1,470 in gross wages per month.
Get in Touch
Understanding the rules is critical when applying for disability benefits. Jenny knows what it takes to win a case through years of experience, strategy, and know-how. Don’t go through this process alone. Take the next step and reach out to Jenny for a free consultation.
It is free to obtain representation and no payment is collected directly from the applicant. The representative is only paid if the case is WON and Social Security owes the applicant past due benefits, meaning payment back to the date they determine the applicant is eligible. By the time an individual wins their case, there can be months to years of backpay owed. The representative is then paid a one-time, lump sum percentage of the backpay amount.