Many people believe Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and supplemental security income (SSI) are the same, but that isn’t the case. The biggest difference between the two is that SSDI is for those who have earned a sufficient amount of work credits, while SSI is for low-income individuals who don’t have enough credits. Social Security attorney David W. Kapor & Associates in Cincinnati, OH, has helped countless people get the benefits they deserve. Determine which one is right for you by looking at the information below.

SSI

This program is based entirely on using your assets and income to qualify for benefits. To be eligible, you cannot have more than $3,000 in assets for a married couple or $2,000 for a single individual. An attorney can go through your assets with you to help determine how to best proceed with your case.

Often, individuals on this program are also eligible for Medicaid, food stamps, and other government benefits. Benefits begin from the month you submitted your application and are typically backdated to account for the processing time by the government.

SSDI

Working individuals pay Social Security taxes with each check. With each passing year, you are earning work credits that allow you to receive benefits. Disabled individuals who haven’t reached the age of 65 and have enough credits can apply for benefits to cover a portion of their lost wages and help them make ends meet.

The spouse and children of the disabled individual can also apply for partial benefits. After becoming disabled, you do have to wait for at least five months before you can apply for benefits. Social Security disability benefits vary based on the amount of money earned over the years.

If you applied for Social Security disability benefits and were denied, turn to a trusted attorney to help you with your appeal. At David W. Kapor & Associates in Cincinnati, you can get the legal representation you need to get approved for benefits. Visit them online, or call (513) 721-2820 today.