SSI vs. SSDI: Mobile and Pensacola Lawyer Knows the Difference
Social Security disability programs
The Social Security Administration (SSA) pays disability benefits under two different programs:
- Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) program
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program
An experienced Mobile or Pensacola SSDI lawyer can help you file for benefits or guide you through the complex appeals process if these benefits are denied.
Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) explained
The SSI program pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources in addition to a qualifying disability. On the other hand, the SSDI program pays benefits to you if you qualify, as well as death benefits and survivor benefits to certain members of your family, including widow’s benefits and children’s benefits. Once you have worked long enough in certain jobs and paid Social Security taxes you become “insured” for Social Security purposes. If you are insured and have a qualifying disability that leaves you unable to work, you may be eligible for benefits. Knowledgeable SSDI or SSI attorneys in Baldwin County can help you analyze your case to determine whether your disability may be eligible for benefits.
Differences between Social Security disability and SSI disability
There are a few key differences between Social Security disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits most SSI and SSDI lawyers in Baldwin County want you to know before applying for benefits or appealing a denial of benefits:
- SSDI is based on your prior work under Social Security. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are based on both your disability and financial need.
- For SSDI, the amount of the monthly benefit is based on the Social Security earnings record of the insured worker. For SSI, the monthly payment varies up to the maximum federal benefit rate, which may be supplemented by the State or decreased by countable income and resources.
- Disabled workers get Medicare coverage automatically after receiving SSDI benefits for two years. In most states, SSI beneficiaries are eligible for Medicaid.
For most people, the medical requirements for benefits eligibility are the same for both SSDI and SSI and are determined under the same process. To learn more about this process, please see our Mobile SSDI attorney’s pages on filing for benefits or the appeal process if your benefits are denied.
Seek quality assistance to obtain SSDI and SSI benefits
If your application for SSI or SSDI benefits is denied, the professional legal team at Byron A. Lassiter & Associates, P.C. has the experience and expertise to help you obtain the benefits you are entitled to. To learn more, contact us online or call toll free at 800.544.3568 for a free initial consultation.
