Social Security Disability Insurance Compared To Supplemental Security Income
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Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is similar to a disability insurance policy. You've paid the premium through payroll deduction. Since you paid for it, you're entitled to the benefit if there's a covered loss. Instead of the money coming from a private insurance policy, the "company" is Social Security. SSDI is also known as RSDI, Title XVI or Title II.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a welfare program for people with limited income and assets. The idea behind SSI is to provide a minimum income to pay for basic food, clothing and shelter for certain people -- including people with a disability.
More specifically, the differences between the programs are:
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE (SSDI) SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI)
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Eligibility |
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|
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Disability definition and determination |
Same for both programs. Doesn't cover partial disability |
Same for both programs. Doesn't cover partial disability |
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Covers |
Insured worker, spouses, widows, children, parents |
Benefits only qualified applicant |
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Amount of payment |
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Waiting period for 1st payment |
5 months |
None |
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Is it possible to receive a payment when apply? |
No payments until end of waiting period |
Yes -- known as Presumptive Disability. Payment is made if your condition is obviously disabling and you appear to meet the income and asset limits |
|
Retroactive payments |
Can receive payments for up to 12 months prior to the Filing Date |
No payments before Filing Date |
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Does insurance come with? |
Eligible for Medicare 24 months after payments begin or at retirement age, whichever is earlier |
Medicaid In some states:
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Do food stamps come with? |
No |
Generally yes, depending on the state in which you live |
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How long do payments last? |
As long as the disability continues, possibly for life |
As long as the disability continues, possibly for life |
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Does it matter if I have other earnings? |
No. |
Yes. For example, if you receive SSDI, the amount you receive from SSDI will be deducted from potential SSI payment. Income from savings, dividends, annuities, rents etc is also deducted. |
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What if I feel well enough to go back to work? |
Trial work program permits work while benefits continue |
Trial work program. Features of the program are different from SSDI |
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Month to which Benefits relate |
Benefits are paid one month behind |
Benefits are for month in which received |
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When checks are issued |
Checks are issued through out the month |
All checks are issued on the 1st of the month |
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Deductions |
Only Workers Compensation or other Federal or state disability payments may affect payment level |
Any income whether earned or unearned |
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Date Last Insured |
Sets date after you stop working by which claim must be filed |
Doesn't apply to SSI |
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