Most of us never think about social programs until we need them. In fact, millions of Americans may not even know the safety net exists. Essentially, there are two kinds of programs for people who become too disabled to earn money.
Quick Overview
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is an earned benefit. It is based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you paid through your paycheck (or self-employment taxes).
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program. It is designed for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. Work history is not required.
You can qualify for one, the other, or both at the same time (called concurrent benefits). The SSA generally screens you for both when you apply for disability benefits.
According to Maria, a disability attorney in Melbourne, FL., you must have worked a certain number of hours each year to qualify for SSDI. “This is based on how much you worked, earned, and paid into the system, whereas SSI is available to anyone.”
SSDI
You must have a qualifying disability (or blindness) under SSA rules and be “insured.” This means you have earned enough work credits. The number required depends on your age when you become disabled. In general:
- Younger workers need fewer credits.
- Most people need roughly 40 credits total (about 10 years of work), with a certain number earned in the years just before disability.
Family members (such as a spouse or children) may also qualify on a disabled worker’s record in some cases. There is no strict limit on unearned income or assets, but if you work, your earnings generally cannot exceed the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level on an ongoing basis after any trial work period.
SSI
You must have limited income and limited resources and be:
- Age 65 or older, or
- Blind, or
- Disabled (using the same adult medical definition as SSDI; different rules apply for children).
These programs exist so that you are not left homeless or unable to eat because of an unforeseen tragedy in your life. It’s a great idea to become familiar with these programs, even if you don’t need them now, so that you will know what to do should that time ever come.