Social Security Disability (SSD) vs. Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI)

California Lawyers Explain Difference Between Social Security Disability & Supplemental Security Insurance

When an individual becomes disabled they often refer to the benefits they receive simply as “Social Security” – but there are actually several different programs that fall under the umbrella of the Social Security Administration, including:  Social Security Retirement Insurance, Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income.

In this area our experienced Los Angeles Social Security lawyers explain the difference between each.

Social Security Retirement Insurance (RDI)

Retirement Insurance Benefits – previoiusly called old-age insurance benefits – are payments made by the Social Security Administration based upon the attainment of age 62, or older. Social Security Retirement Insurance is not based on disability, simply on age.

The amount of Social Security Retirement Insurance benefits you will receive depend upon how much you have paid into the Social Security system through your work payroll taxes. Anyone who has paid into the sytem may begin collecting benefits at age 62 – however those who delay collecting Social Security Retirement will receive larger monthly payments for every year they delay up to age 70.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Only workers who have paid enough money into the Social Security system over their working lives are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

To be eligible to collect Social Security Disability, an ill orr injured worker must prove that they have a disability that will last a year or longer (or is fatal) and that they are unable to perform any job in the general economy.

These benefits are funded by the prior contributions of the disabled worker. A disabled applicant’s actual monthly benefit amount will be determined by how much he or she individually paid into Social Security.

In most cases that our lawyers have seen, individuals over age 31 must have worked in at least ten calendar years to be eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

Individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are also eligible for Medicare health insurance after they have received 24 months of cash benefits. Additionally, dependents of individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may also be entitled to extra monthly benefits, called “auxiliary benefits”.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a government sponsored program for disabled individuals who have limited income and little resources. There is no prior work requirement to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are a set amount that is typically much lower than Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients are eligible for Medicaid (not Medicare) health insurance immediately upon being approved for SSI.

While the benefit amount paid under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is usually higher than the benefit paid under Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the standard for proving that an applicant is “disabled” is the same for both SSDI and SSI.

Our Experienced Los Angeles Social Security Lawyers Get Maximum Social Security Benefits

If you have been disabled and you live in the greater Los Angeles area or anywhere in Southern California, we offer a free consultation with an experienced California Social Security lawyer to help you understand your rights and obtain the maximum Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits that you deserve.

Click Here or call us today for a free consultation: 562-622-4800