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Which Administration Offers Disability Benefits?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two types of disability programs. Disability benefits programs are made to provide monetary support to disabled individuals who can no longer work due to their medical condition. Adults and children with disabilities may qualify for SSI or SSDI payments.
Both disability programs have their own eligibility requirements, and both have a strict application process that individuals must go through before approval. Applying for Social Security benefits is a confusing process, and many deserving individuals have their initial applications denied. For assistance with disability benefits and appeals, call our law firm at 480-999-4740.
What is SSDI?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments come from the Social Security trust fund. If you receive SSDI payments, your dependents may qualify for benefits under your work record. Dependents include children, spouses, and adults who have been disabled since childhood.
Once your application for SSDI is accepted, there is a five-month waiting period before you can receive your first payment. After two years of receiving SSDI payments, you are eligible for Medicare. Your disability benefits will convert to retirement benefits once you reach retirement age, but the benefits amount will remain unchanged.
It is possible to receive both SSI and SSDI payments simultaneously, although certain circumstances can result in reduced benefits.
Who is Eligible for SSDI?
SSDI eligibility is based primarily on work credits. Work credits are earned by working and reporting your employment income or wages. You also must have worked long enough and recently enough to qualify.
Most people are entitled to SSDI benefits with a total of 40 work credits. Twenty of those work credits must have been earned in the past ten years. As of 2023, you need to make $1,640 to earn one work credit. If you earn $6,560 in one year, you will earn four work credits, the maximum number of yearly work credits you can receive.
Your monthly SSDI payment amounts are based on your earnings record. Your Social Security statement will show you your earnings history plus an estimate of your disability payments.
What is SSI?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are funded by the General U.S. Treasury tax revenue. In most of the country, those receiving SSI benefits become automatically eligible for health insurance under Medicaid.
The monthly SSI payments for an individual are $914 in 2023. The monthly payments for a couple are $1,371. Your state may supplement SSI payments with additional monthly payments if you qualify.
Who is Eligible for SSI?
SSI eligibility is based on need, not on an individual’s work history. The SSA calculates the applicant’s income and financial resources. The calculation includes how much money you make plus assets you own, like stocks and bank accounts.
To qualify for SSI, an individual’s income cannot exceed $1,913 per month pre-tax. A couple’s income cannot exceed $2,827 per month.
Applicants must have little to no access to financial resources. Resources are things you own. Resources cannot exceed $2,000 per individual and $3,000 per couple. However, the value of your home and your vehicles are not counted as resources.
Any adults 65 and older who are disabled or blind are eligible for SSI if they have limited income and resources. Children under 18 years old with medical impairments that severely limit their daily activities are also eligible if they come from a low-income household.
Can a Disability Benefits Attorney Help Me?
Applying for Social Security benefits can be a complex and overwhelming process. Because SSI and SSDI are so similar, many people find themselves confused as to what they are eligible for or which program they should apply for. A disability benefits attorney on our team can review your circumstances and advise you on which benefits program to choose. We can also walk you through the application process for a greater chance of success.
At Roeschke Law, we understand how important it is to receive disability benefits to support yourself and your family. We are dedicated to assisting our clients and making it easier to get the benefits they deserve. For more information about our services, call us today at 480-999-4740.