What is the Difference Between SSD and SSI?

When you become disabled and can no longer work to support yourself, it could be a tremendous stressor for you and your family. Fortunately, Social Security Disability benefits are available for millions of Americans to rely on for vital financial relief.

However, there are different kinds of Social Security benefits, and the qualifications for each vary. To determine which benefits are right for you, speak with a skilled Boston Social Security Disability attorney, who will walk you through your options and handle the claims process every step of the way.

At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we receive many Social Security questions, with one in particular that is most frequent: what is the difference between two of the most common SSA programs, Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? 

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

The main difference between SSD and SSI is that SSD is based on disability and work credits, and SSI is based on age/disability and limited income and resources.

SSD is a program that provides financial support to disabled individuals with a qualifying work history through their employment or that of their parent or spouse. For your work history to qualify for SSD, you or a family member need to have earned enough work credits. Typically, people working and paying FICA taxes toward Social Security earn four work credits each year. To be eligible for SSD, you must have earned 40 work credits, with 20 work credits earned within the past ten years. However, this varies based on the applicant’s age. 

Unlike SSD, SSI is a program that provides essential financial assistance to older adults and disabled individuals with minimal income and resources. In addition to financial aid, SSI automatically qualifies the beneficiary for Medicaid in most states. SSD beneficiaries could also be eligible for Medicaid, but not until they’ve collected SSD benefits for at least 24 months, except for those with ALS.

Committed Boston Social Security Experts With a Track Record of Winning

At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we understand how complex and confusing the Social Security claims process can be. That’s why we’re equipped and ready to answer your questions and ensure that you navigate the process with confidence and peace of mind. We’re committed to representing our clients to help secure the life-changing benefits you need to get by. Speak with us today for free – we won’t get paid until you do.

Contact us today by submitting a contact form below or calling our office at 617-777-7777 for a free case evaluation.