Social Security has two types of disability cases: Supplemental Security Insurance, SSI or Title 16, and Social Security Disability Insurance, SSDI or Title II.
How are the programs similar?
- Both programs require medical evidence to prove you have a disability.
- Both programs require you to outline your functional limitations.
- Both programs provide medical, state Medicaid or Medicare (SSDI – typically after the 24 months waiting period)
What is different?
SSDI is a program based on work history where you paid Social Security taxes on your earnings, so you are “insured”.
SSI is a program based on medical evidence and financial need. You would likely apply for this program if you have never worked or not worked 5 out of the last 10 years. Additionally, there are asset limits for receiving approval.
ASSET LIMITS: The financial need means you have $2000.00 or less in your bank account, have only one vehicle and one house. If your assets include real estate, you are not living or an additional car, even if it does not run, you will not qualify. Annuities, stocks, bonds, retirement, life insurance, mineral rights or any other cashable assets count towards that $2000.00. These are the basic asset limits, for additional details on other resources check out https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-resources-ussi.htm.
When does SSI begin?
SSI payments begin 1 month after the date you contact Social Security or apply for benefits and are found eligible.
How much will you receive on SSI?
The standard amount is $794.00 per month for an individual or child. If you are not paying rent or a house payment and someone is paying for you or allowing you to live rent free your SSI payment can be reduced by Social Security.
Do you get medical benefits?
Yes, Medicaid is available with SSI. Medicaid is a federally funded, but state operated fund, which is available through the State Health and Social Service Agency.
When does SSDI begin?
SSDI payments begin after you serve a five-month waiting period, which generally starts with the date you became disabled. The first benefit payment will be for the sixth full month after that date.
How do you qualify for SSDI benefits?
In order to qualify you must be physically or mentally impaired for 12 full months or expect your disabling condition will last for 12 months. You must be “vested,” which means you have accrued 40 work credits (less if you are under the age of 32), and “current,” meaning you have worked 5 out of the last 10 years or have 20 quarters.
How much will you receive on SSDI?
The amount of money you will receive is based on the number of years you’ve worked and the amount of money earned. You can check your statement online on your My SSA account if you have set that up, or you can create an account at https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/.
Are medical benefits available on SSDI?
Yes, after a delay period. Once you have been deemed disabled by Social Security, Medicare begins on the 25th month from the date Social Security starts paying benefits.
Can you get both SSI and SSDI?
Yes, that is called a concurrent case. There are several ways to have a concurrent case.
1) If you have worked, but the amount of your SSDI is not equal to the $794; and you qualify financially you can receive SSI and SSDI at the same time.
2) If you apply for SSDI, there is a 5 month wait period, during these 5 months you can collect SSI if you qualify financially. When approved you will receive SSI for those 5 months, followed by SSDI based on your work credits.
Is there more to know?
Understanding Social Security can be confusing and difficult. There are many exceptions to the rules. Please feel free to contact a representative at Mission Possible for assistance in understanding if you qualify for one or both programs. We will walk you through the process and help you understand if and how you may qualify. Please call (360) 798-2920 or 866-686-7556.
~ Patty
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