The Social Security disability process can be confusing for people who have never attempted to apply for benefits. One issue many people are confused about is the types of disability programs that pay people benefits who the agency has determined to be unable to maintain fulltime employment.
Social Security disability is not a one-sized program that fits all. Generally there are two different Social Security disability programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These two programs basically have the same medical rules that a claimant must qualify for before any benefits are due, but both programs have very different technical rules in order to qualify for benefits. There is potential to qualify for both programs, depending on work history and household income, if someone is found disabled, but that will be determined by the Social Security Administration. Below is a description of both programs below and an explanation of how the two programs differ to give an idea of who might be eligible.
SSI
SSI provides minimum basic financial assistance to older adults and persons with disabilities (regardless of age) with very limited income and resources. Federal SSI benefits from the Social Security Administration are often supplemented by state programs.
SSDI
SSDI supports individuals who are disabled and have a qualifying work history, either through their own employment or a family member (spouse/parent).
The Difference
The major difference is that SSI determination is based on age/disability and limited income and resources, whereas SSDI determination is based on disability and work credits.
In addition, in most states, an SSI recipient will automatically qualify for health care coverage through Medicaid. A person with SSDI will automatically qualify for Medicare after 24 months of receiving disability payments (individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [ALS] are eligible for Medicare immediately).
