The Difference between SSDI and SSI

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are separate programs of Social Security disability benefits that have unique requirements for eligibility. A Jacksonville Social Security disability lawyer can help you review your situation and explain which programs you are eligible for.

SSDI Requirements and Eligibility

The SSDI program provides Social Security disability benefits to those disabled individuals who have given substantially to the Social Security taxes through their work. To be eligible for SSDI benefits you must have:

• a disabling condition approved by the SSA that prevents you from working;
• a disabling condition that has lasted 12 months or more, or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death;
• worked at jobs that deducted part of your wages for payment into the Social Security program; and
• accumulated at least 40 work credits, 20 of which must have been earned in the past 10 years.

A work credit is earned every time you make a certain amount in wages in a year. For 2010 the earnings equal to a work credit is $1,120 and you can earn up to 4 work credits per year. This means if you start working in 2010 and make at least $4,480 per year, once you work for 10 years you meet the work requirements to be eligible for SSDI.

There are special circumstances for workers under age 31 as it may be difficult for someone under this age to have obtained the necessary work credits before they were disabled. The amount of work credits needed for SSDI changes with age up until you reach 31 years.

SSI Requirements and Eligibility

The SSI program provides Social Security disability benefits to those disabled individuals who are seeking disability benefits on an income-based need. To be eligible for SSI benefits you must have:

• a disabling condition approved by the SSA that prevents you from working;
• a disabling condition that has lasted 12 months or more, or is expected to last at least 12 months or end in death;
• assets totaling no more than $2,000 ($3,000 for married couples); and
• not exceeded the income limits for your state.

SSI Social Security disability benefits are designed to help low income individuals and those over 65 years of age. Your application will take into consideration your current financial situation including assets, wages and general living and household expenses. Certain wages are not counted into your income, such as those used to pay for assistive services such as a wheelchair.

Your assets eligible for use in qualifying for SSI include things such as real estate, bank accounts, cash on hand, stocks and bonds. Assets not counted include your personal residence and land, life insurance policies valued under $1,500, burial plots and funds under $1,500, and in most cases your personal vehicle.

Contacting a Jacksonville Social Security Disability Lawyer

The Social Security attorneys at Sullivan & Hepler understand that you have questions regarding your Jacksonville Social Security disability claim. We have your answers. Before you hire an attorney or file your claim, order this free consumer guide Cutting Through the Red Tape: Top Ten Things Florida Social Security Disability Applicants Should Know for more information about how to build a strong claim. Contact us today at 904-384-8808 or 1-800-295-4193.