To prepare against this, an enrollment in the SSI and SSDI Insurance can work as a backup plan to avert a financial crisis when the need arises.
Disability or blindness may strike a person at any given time, but though we are not expecting such a thing to happen, in reality, disability is faced by most people.
Understand this: the difference between you and an existing beneficiary is the time when your disability occurred.
Two programs have been designed by the Social Security Administration
- (SSA) to ensure that individuals, who are subject to disability or blindness, benefit from it: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
- The two programs are for different purposes. SSI is meant for those with very limited income and assets, while SSDI is for the worker who has paid into the SSA but is now unable to work because of a disability.
Differences Between SSI and SSDI
Overview on SSI: SSI is primarily for individuals who have low income or assets, including people with a condition that has either rendered them blind or disabled. This program ensures that individuals who lack adequate financial resources continue to receive financial assistance.
Overview of SSDI: SSDI is for anyone who has been paying Social Security through payroll taxes and is unable to work and earn any form of income, due to having a disability. To qualify for SSDI benefits, one should have gained work credits; however, this strictly depends on a person’s past work history.
The payment schedules for both SSI and SSDI depend on when beneficiaries began receiving their Social Security payments.
Here is a description of the key payment schedules for both programs:
- SSI Beneficiaries (before May 1997): For people who began receiving SSI before May 1997, their payments are sent on the 3rd of every month. Those who begin receiving SSI after that receive payments on the 1st of every month.
- SSDI beneficiaries: SSDI beneficiaries who began receiving benefits before May 1997 have a payment schedule that matches that of SSI beneficiaries who began before May 1997.
Those who began receiving benefits after May 1997 have payments structured based on the beneficiary’s birth date, and payments are due on specific Wednesdays of the month.
Payment Schedule Based on Birth Date:
Wednesday of the Month | Birth Date Range |
---|---|
Second Wednesday | 1st to 10th |
Third Wednesday | 11th to 20th |
Fourth Wednesday | 21st to 31st |
Eligibility Criteria for SSI and SSDI
There exist certain eligibility criteria for both SSI and SSDI.
Eligibility for SSI:
- The age of the individual must be either 65 years or more, blind, or disabled.
- The individual’s monthly income has to be below $1,971, or lower than $2,915 in case of couples.
- The asset limit for the individual is $2,000, and for couples, it is $3,000.
Eligibility for SSI:
The individual must have a disability certified by a medical professional, and the disability must prevent the individual from working for at least 12 months.
The individual should have earned sufficient Social Security credits before the start of disability. How many credits required might be a function of the age at disability.
Both SSI and SSDI are indispensable programs, as they provide crucial financial assistance for disabled or blind people. Therefore, it is important to understand the differences between these programs, their eligibility requirements, and payment schedules so that you can prepare in advance.
Enrollment in the proper program can also help you stay on track financially. You’ll get the assistance when you need it if you’re a first-time applicant or making adjustments based on new eligibility requirements. With an understanding of what these programs have to offer, you will make the most informed decision possible.
FAQS:
What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?
SSI is for low-income individuals with no work history, while SSDI is for workers who have paid into the Social Security system and are now unable to work due to a disability.
How do I apply for SSI and SSDI?
Applications for both programs can be done online, via phone, or in person at your local SSA office. Make sure to have your personal and medical details ready when applying.
How are payments determined for SSDI?
SSDI payments are based on lifetime earnings with corresponding amount of money paid into Social Security. Consequently, the more one has paid, the higher his or her SSDI benefit is likely to be.