The Difference between Social Security and Supplemental Security Income
There are numerous programs in the United States of America that are designed to assist those less fortunate by supplying financial assistance. These programs are usually meant to help out specific groups of people or those who have similar life circumstances. Two of these programs, the Social Security program (SSI) and the Supplemental Security Income program (SSDI), both provide money to those who require it due to disabilities and other circumstances, however there are a number of differences between these two programs. Learning these differences will help you pick the best program for your situation and receive the correct benefits that you need.
The SSI program is meant to assist anyone who meets the requirements of the program, which are generally a present disability and the inability to earn income through employment. SSDI, on the other hand, has more requirements to it. In order to receive SSDI benefits, one must have paid into the system prior to collecting money from it. Generally, this refers to retired individuals and those who were injured at work and can’t continue to work, but it excludes those with conditions that allowed them to never work in the first place.
Likewise, both SSI and SSDI are connected to different government systems that dispense funds. SSI beneficiaries often also receive funding from Medicaid, while those who collect SSDI typically also collect from Medicare. This isn’t often a huge difference, but it can matter in some situations. In addition, the amount of funding for both respective programs, SSI and SSDI, are different. Those who collect from SSDI are eligible to receive significantly more funding if they paid into it earlier in life. By contrast, those who collect SSI are generally locked into a certain amount depending on their individual circumstances.
Whether you are trying to receive benefits from SSI or SSDI, you can always appeal your case to receive those benefits if they are rejected or to receive more if not. We at the Franco Law Firm are experienced in assisting with both kinds of applications and programs, so we are at the ready to assist you in yours. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation with our office, please call (813) 872-0929.