What Is SSI (Supplemental Security Income)?
According to need-based income and assets, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program funded by general tax revenue (not from the Social Security trust fund). SSI requirements have nothing to do with employment history; they are based purely on financial instability. You must have less than $2,000 in assets (or $3,000 for a couple) and limited income resources to meet these qualifications.
What Is SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)?
Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) is a government-sponsored program that gives monthly payments to those who are unable to work because of a disabling condition. If you have paid taxes for a certain number of years, then you have likely contributed to the Social Security trust fund, which pays for SSDI benefits. To be eligible for SSDI, candidates must earn enough work credits. A disabled person who has received SSDI for two years will become eligible for Medicare. Under SSDI, a disabled person’s spouse and children’s dependents may be eligible to receive partial dependent benefits. However, only adults over 18 can receive the SSDI disability benefit.
Though SSI and SSDI provide income to those with disabilities, they are two distinct programs that offer different benefits and have additional requirements for eligibility.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
If you are blind or disabled and can no longer do any substantial work, you may be eligible for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program through the Social Security Administration (SSA). It might also result in death. If you have an impairment or illness on the federal government’s list of severe impairments, you are automatically eligible for SSDI benefits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
The SSA also administers the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. It provides cash assistance to eligible individuals who are over 64, blind, or disabled and meet specific financial requirements. Unlike SSDI, which is based on an individual’s work history, SSI eligibility is determined solely by income and resources. While the exact definition of disability applies to both programs, individuals typically only qualify for SSI if they don’t have enough work history to meet the requirements for SSDI. To be income eligible, an individual’s “countable income” must be less than the “standard of need.”
