SSI vs. SSDI: Which Social Security Benefits Are Right for You
If your disability is affecting your ability to work, applying for Social Security benefits can be an important step toward financial support. Two main programs provide disability assistance: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
While both programs offer benefits to individuals with disabilities, they operate under different rules, eligibility criteria, and payment structures. Choosing the right one can significantly affect your financial stability and long-term planning.
At Advocates for the Voiceless, we can help you make the correct decision for you. By listening closely and tailoring our strategies, we aim to make sure every client receives strong and reliable legal support. If you need help deciding which benefits you should apply for in Riverdale Park, Maryland, or anywhere in Maryland and across the nation, reach out to our firm now.
What Is SSI?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly payments to individuals who have limited income and resources and who are disabled, blind, or age 65 and older. These payments help cover basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter, and are funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes.
Unlike SSDI, SSI is need-based, which means your income and assets are examined during the application process. SSI is designed to support people who don’t have a substantial work history or who haven’t paid enough into Social Security through payroll taxes.
SSI Eligibility
To qualify for SSI, applicants must meet these conditions:
Have limited income and resources (usually below $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples)
Be age 65 or older, blind, or disabled according to Social Security’s criteria
Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
Live in the United States (with some exceptions)
People who receive SSI often have little or no work history, making it a critical safety net for many disabled adults and children.
What Is SSDI?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits to people who are disabled and have a work history covered by Social Security taxes. This program is insurance-based, funded by payroll taxes, and eligibility depends heavily on your work credits.
SSDI pays monthly benefits to workers who can’t do substantial work because of a medical condition expected to last at least a year or result in death.
SSDI Eligibility
To be eligible for SSDI, you need:
A qualifying disability as defined by the Social Security Administration (SSA)
Enough recent work credits (usually 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before disability)
To have paid Social Security taxes through your job or self-employment
Unlike SSI, SSDI doesn’t consider your current income or resources, so you can have assets without losing eligibility.
Key Differences Between SSI and SSDI
The two programs both support people with disabilities but differ in important ways. Understanding these differences can help determine which benefit is right for you.
Basis:
SSI: Need-based (based on income and resources)
SSDI: Based on work credits and payroll tax contributions
Income/assets limit:
SSI: Yes, there are strict limits
SSDI: No income or asset limit (though work activity can affect eligibility)
Work history required:
SSI: No work history required
SSDI: Yes, work history and enough work credits are required
Monthly benefit amount:
SSI: Fixed federal amount, possibly with state supplements
SSDI: Based on your prior earnings
Medicare eligibility:
SSI: Not automatically, except in some cases after 24 months
SSDI: Yes, after receiving SSDI for 24 months
Medicaid eligibility:
SSI: Usually eligible automatically
SSDI: Not immediately; usually eligible once Medicare begins
Understanding these key differences between SSI and SSDI can help you make informed decisions about which program best fits your financial and medical needs.
Income and Resource Limits Matter for SSI
Since SSI is designed for people with limited means, the program looks closely at your income and resources. This includes wages, Social Security benefits, pensions, and support from others. Here’s what counts as income or resources for SSI:
Countable income: Money you earn from work or receive from other benefits.
Resources: Cash, bank accounts, property, stocks, and other assets.
If your income or resources exceed the limits, you won’t qualify for SSI benefits. This can make SSI a better fit for people with little or no savings and low income.
Work History Is Key for SSDI
SSDI’s foundation is the work you’ve done and the taxes you’ve paid. To qualify, you must have earned enough work credits, which depends on your age and the number of years you worked before becoming disabled.
Work credits are earned by paying Social Security taxes through employment or self-employment. Most people require 40 credits, with 20 earned within the last 10 years; however, younger applicants may qualify with fewer credits. It’s important to check your Social Security Statement to see how many credits you’ve earned and if you meet the requirements.
The more you’ve worked, the higher your SSDI benefits might be, since payments are based on your average lifetime earnings. This makes SSDI ideal for people who have a strong work history but now face a disability that prevents them from working.
Medical Criteria For Both Programs
Both SSI and SSDI require proof of a disabling condition. The SSA has a strict definition of disability: your condition must prevent you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months or result in death.
The SSA uses a guide called the Listing of Impairments to determine whether a condition qualifies as disabling. If your condition matches a listed impairment, you may be approved more quickly. If not, the SSA will assess how your condition limits your ability to work through a more detailed evaluation.
Whether applying for SSI or SSDI, you’ll face a thorough review of your medical condition.
How Benefits Differ Between SSI and SSDI
The way benefits are calculated and paid out varies between the two programs.
SSI benefits provide a fixed monthly amount, set by federal law, which may increase slightly depending on the state you live in.
SSDI benefits are based on your previous earnings, meaning people who earned more before their disability may get higher monthly payments.
SSDI recipients also gain access to Medicare after a 24-month waiting period, while SSI recipients generally qualify for Medicaid immediately.
Who Should Apply For SSI?
SSI suits people who:
Have little to no work history or payroll tax contributions
Have limited income and resources
Need help to cover basic living expenses due to disability, blindness, or old age
Qualify for Medicaid benefits based on SSI eligibility
For some applicants, SSI benefits might be the only option available, especially for those who never worked or didn’t pay Social Security taxes.
Who Should Apply For SSDI?
SSDI fits applicants who:
Have a significant work history with Social Security taxes paid
Meet the SSA’s definition of disability
Need benefits based on their work record
Plan for long-term disability benefits and eventual Medicare coverage
Because SSDI benefits are tied to your work record, the program rewards those who contributed more to Social Security throughout their careers.
What Happens If You Qualify for Both?
It’s possible to qualify for both SSI and SSDI, but the amount you receive will be adjusted. When combined, your benefits usually won’t exceed the maximum SSI payment. People who qualify for SSDI but have limited income or resources might also get SSI as a supplement. This can help cover living costs beyond the SSDI benefit.
Application Process and Time Frames
Applying for either SSI or SSDI involves filling out forms, submitting medical evidence, and sometimes attending interviews. The SSA often takes several months to review applications and make a decision.
It’s also important to know that the initial review process for both programs includes evaluating your medical condition, financial status (for SSI), and work history (for SSDI). You may be required to attend a consultative exam with a doctor chosen by the SSA if your medical documentation is incomplete or unclear.
If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision, which adds time but might improve your chances of approval. Working with a knowledgeable attorney can help with the application or appeal process, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the forms or deadlines.
Reach Out Today
If you’re thinking about applying for Social Security benefits or have questions about the process, contact us at Advocates for the Voiceless. Located in Riverdale Park, Maryland, we serve clients across Maryland and the nation. Call today to discuss your situation and learn how to protect your rights to Social Security benefits.
