SSI & SSDI Differences

Our Attorneys Explain SSI & SSDI Benefits

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) sound similar, but they are actually noticeably different. If you got the two of them mixed up, then don’t feel embarrassed. Most people will admit that they thought SSDI and SSI were one and the same.

Our attorneys from Troutman & Troutman, P.C. in Tulsa can help you understand the differences – and similarities – between SSDI and SSI. Since 1995, we have focused our practice entirely on Social Security Disability cases, questions, and claims. You can trust in us to give you the guidance and counsel you want to get the benefits you need.

Call (918) 265-1404 if you have questions about disability benefits in Oklahoma.

Key Differences Between SSI & SSDI

When you let our attorneys work on your SSDI case, you don’t need to worry about the details of the law, Disability Insurance policies, and regulations. But knowing a little certainly helps. At the least, it can bring you peace of mind while your case progresses.

We have provided a list of key differences between SSI and SSDI:

• Eligibility: People with disabilities and who are above full retirement age are ineligible for SSDI benefits. People with disabilities of any age can qualify for SSI benefits.
• Qualifications: You qualify for SSDI benefits based on your work history and an evaluation from the Social Security Administration (SSA). To qualify for SSI benefits, your income limitations and other resources are weighed to see if you meet the living arrangement requirements.
• Medical benefits: When receiving SSDI benefits, you automatically qualify for Medicare coverage if your disability persists for at least two years. When receiving SSI benefits, you automatically qualify for Medicaid.
• Review of benefits: For people who are receiving SSDI benefits, the SSA will conduct a Continuing Disability Review (CDR) once every three years or so, unless the disability is expected to improve rapidly in the meantime. For people who are receiving SSI benefits, the SSA will conduct annual reviews to check for continued eligibility. Once an SSI recipient’s income exceeds the maximum limit, the benefits stop.
• Additional beneficiaries: Some dependents of an SSDI recipient can become eligible to receive benefits, too. Such benefits are most often granted to other adults with disabilities, children under 18, and spouses in low-income households. SSI provides no such direct payments to beneficiaries.
• Payment start dates: You must have a disability for at least five months before you can receive your first SSDI benefits. SSI benefits can begin almost immediately, usually on the first day of the next month after being approved.
• Funding: The SSDI program is paid for by Social Security taxes paid by workers and employers. The SSI program is funded through general tax revenues rather than Social Security trust funds.

Have Questions? We Have Answers

Are you unsure if you qualify for SSD or SSI benefits? Maybe you can qualify for both, but don’t know which one is the best option? Rather than guessing and making things more difficult for yourself, come to our firm and let our legal professionals answer all of your questions. We can even help you start and manage your claim.

Get in touch with our attorneys. We help people throughout Tulsa and the rest of Oklahoma. Call (918) 265-1404 or contact us online now.