What Is the Difference Between Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income?

 

What Is the Difference Between Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income?

Life with a chronic illness can easily lead to financial ruin, bankruptcy.  A large portion of the HypoGal EMails I receive is from chronically ill individuals who are frustrated and confused about the different types of government benefits the United States government offers. So, in this HypoGal Blog, I will try to highlight what is the difference between Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Insurance.

Social Security Disability Insurance a.k.a. S.S.D.I:

• Administered by the Social Security Administration and is funded through payroll taxes.

• Offer cash benefits for individuals who are blind or have a disability.

• To receive SSDI you must have worked a certain amount of year and you must have made contributions to the Social Security trust fund.

• Social Security Disability Benefits are paid only after you have been disabled a continuously five month waiting period. Disability Benefits are paid the beginning of the sixth month your disability began.

• You are not entitled to benefits for any period of time during your five-month waiting period.

• Under Social Security Disability Insurance the spouse and children of a disabled person who receives SSDI are eligible to receive partial dependent benefits, called auxiliary benefits.


 

Supplemental Security Income a.k.a. S.S.I. :

• Is a government program that is strictly need-based and is funded by the general tax fund.

• Offer cash benefits for individuals who are blind or have a disability.

• To receive SSI you must show need and have limited financial resources.

• Live in the United States, be a U.S. citizen or national or in one of the certain categories of aliens.

• Approval for benefits usually takes three to six months. Once your SSI application is approved you will receive your benefits retroactive to the date of your application.

• If you have a disability or blindness that prevents you from working you it is possible to receive SSI earlier. However, you must meet all SSI requirements.

• In most states, beneficiaries that receive SSI are automatically eligible for Medicaid.

Additional Resources:

Understanding Supplemental Security Income SSI Income — 2014 Edition

Understanding Supplemental Security Income SSI And Other Government Programs — 2014 Edition

Frequently Asked Questions About Government Disability Programs

Click her to find additional Government Resources. 

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