Understanding SSI and SSDI – Frequently Asked Questions

People often get SSI and SSDI confused and/or think they are the same program. While there are similarities, SSI and SSDI are distinct assistance programs for those with disabilities.  Both programs are funded by the U.S. federal government through the Social Security Administration. Both programs also provide monthly monetary assistance to individuals who meet the federal government’s definition of “disabled.”

To be considered disabled for purposes of SSI or SSDI eligibility you must meet the federal government’s definition of “disabled.” To do that, you must prove that:

• You cannot do work that you did before AND
• You cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s) AND
• Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

Along with meeting the federal government’s definition of disabled, an applicant must also have sufficient “work credits” to qualify for SSDI. A work credit is earned by earning a designated amount, subject to change each year to keep up with inflation, up to a maximum of four credits a year. The exact number of “work credits” you will need depends on your age at the time of application; however, most applicants need to have earned 20 credits during the preceding 10 years. If you qualify for SSDI, your dependents may also qualify for monthly benefits based on your work record. The amount of your monthly benefit through SSDI will also depend on the amount you have paid into Social Security prior to applying for benefits. In most cases, however, the monthly benefit you receive from SSDI will be higher than what you would receive in SSI benefits. The maximum SSDI monthly SSDI for 2021 is $3,148.

Like SSDI, you must meet the federal government’s definition of disabled to be eligible for SSI. Unlike SSDI, however, eligibility for SSI is not based on your work history. Instead, eligibility for SSI is based solely on your income and resources. To qualify, you must have income and resources that are below the program limits. The resources limit for an individual is $2,000 and for a married couple $3,000. Unlike the SSDI program, SSI benefits are not available to family members; however, eligibility for SSI can automatically make you eligible for other assistance programs, such as Medicaid, and SNAP (food stamps). The maximum SSI benefit, referred to as the “Federal Benefit Rate (FBR),” considerably less than the maximum SSDI amount. For 2021, the maximum FBR is $794 for an individual. The FBR does increase annually if there is a Social Security cost-of-living adjustment. Some states also supplement the federal SSI monthly benefit.

For most applicants, there is a five-month waiting period before SSDI benefits can be paid out, even if you qualify immediately. You can apply for SSDI directly through the SSA website. Applying for SSDI can be done online through the SSA website.

You can also apply for SSI benefits online through the SSA office. Before starting your application, read through the Adult Application Checklist to make sure you have everything you will need to complete the application and increase the likelihood of your application being approved.

Almost 70 percent of initial SSDI and SSI applications are denied. Sometimes this is the result of incomplete applications or missing information. Other times the SSA is not convinced that an applicant meets the definition of “disabled.” Fortunately, a denial can be appealed; however, you must do so within the allotted time frame, and you must be prepared to correct the issues that caused your original application to be denied.