Is supplemental security income the same as social security

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The SSI and SSDI disability programs offer benefits for disabled or blind people. However, the financial eligibility requirements are different. The main difference between Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is the fact that SSDI is available to workers who have accumulated a sufficient number of work credits. SSI disability benefits are only available to low-income individuals who have either never worked or who haven’t earned enough work credits to qualify for SSDI.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) are two completely different governmental programs. However, they are both managed under the Social Security Administration umbrella. Medical eligibility for disability is determined in the same manner for both programs. You can learn more @ The Social Security Administration website @ https://www.ssa.gov/redbook/eng/overview-disability.htm.

Supplemental Security Income is a program that is strictly need-based, according to income and assets, and is funded by general tax funding (not from the Social Security trust fund). SSI has nothing to do with work history, it is based strictly on financial need. To meet the SSI income requirements, you must have less than $2,000 in assets (or $3,000 for a couple) and a very limited income.

Disabled people who are eligible under the income requirements for SSI are also able to receive Medicaid in the state they live in. People who qualify for SSI are also usually qualified for food stamps, and the amount an eligible person will receive is dependent on where they live and the amount of regular, monthly income they have. SSI benefits begin on the first of the month when you first submit your application.

What Is SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)?

Social Security Disability Insurance is funded through our payroll taxes. SSDI recipients are considered “insured” because they have worked for a certain number of years and have made contributions to the Social Security trust fund in the form of FICA Social Security taxes. SSDI candidates must be younger than 65 and have earned a certain number of work credits. credits After receiving SSDI for two years, a disabled person will become eligible for Medicare. Under SSDI, a disabled person’s spouse and children dependents are eligible to receive partial dependent benefits. However, only adults over the age of 18 can receive the SSDI disability benefit.

There is a five-month waiting period for benefits, you must wait five months after you become disabled. The amount of the monthly benefit after the waiting period is over depends on your earnings record, much like the Social Security retirement benefit. Approval rates for SSDI are higher on average than they are for SSI. most SSI applicants don’t have.

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Supplemental Security Income (En español)

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness who have income and resources below specific financial limits. SSI payments are also made to people age 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial qualifications.

You may be eligible to receive SSI monthly payments even if you are already receiving Social Security Disability Insurance or retirement benefits.

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Call us to make an appointment to file your application at 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call us at TTY 1-800-325-0778.

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  • Start a disability claim online (if age 18-64)
  • Start a child's disability claim online (under age 18)

More about the program

How SSI Works

SSI is a Federal program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes). It provides monthly payments to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. The base monthly federal amount varies depending on your living arrangement and countable income.

Not everyone gets the same amount. You may get more if you live in a state that adds money to the federal SSI payment. You may get less if you have other income such as wages, pensions, or Social Security benefits. You may also get less if someone pays your household expenses or if you live with a spouse and he or she has income.

You may be able to get SSI if your resources are worth $2,000 or less. A couple may be able to get SSI if they have resources worth $3,000 or less.

Who is Eligible for SSI?

Anyone may apply for SSI. The SSI program provides monthly payments to people who:

  • Are at least age 65 or blind or disabled.
  • Have limited income (wages, pensions, etc.).
  • Have limited resources (the things you own).
  • Are U.S. citizens, nationals of the U.S., or some noncitizens.
  • Reside in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands. Exception: The children of military parent(s) assigned to permanent duty outside the U.S. and certain students temporarily abroad may receive SSI payments outside the U.S.