Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two types of disability benefits offered through the Social Security Administration. Although they are both federally funded programs designed to provide disabled individuals with a source of cash flow, this is as far as their similarities go.

The lawyers at D’Agosto & Howe, LLC provide the residents of Shelton, CT, with expert guidance when filing social security disability claims and effective representation throughout the appeals process. Below, they explain some of the key differences between SSDI and SSI to help you determine which is right for your needs:

• Eligibility: The way eligibility is determined for each of these social security disability benefits programs is the biggest aspect that separates the two. SSI is based on need, which means your income and assets must be below a certain amount to qualify. On the other hand, SSDI eligibility is dependent on work history. To be considered, you need to have worked for a minimum number of years before becoming disabled.
• Medicare vs. Medicaid: If you are approved for SSI payments, there’s a good chance you will instantly qualify for health care benefits under Medicaid. In contrast, SSDI recipients become eligible to receive Medicare two years after qualifying for SSDI benefits. Unlike Medicaid, Medicare won’t cover all primary medical expenses, which means most people will need a supplemental policy to fill in the gaps.
• Financial Benefits: Another significant difference is how much money each program provides. SSI pays out a standard benefit amount to every beneficiary, and most states include a supplementary payment. The amount may be adjusted if you earn any income. The amount paid out by SSDI varies considerably from person to person since it’s based on an individual’s record of earnings.

Once you have a clear understanding of the characteristics that distinguish both social security disability benefits programs, it will be easier to identify which is the appropriate one to apply for given your situation. If you need help figuring out which is right for you, or you need representation during an appeal, the team at D’Agosto & Howe, LLC is here to help. Give them a call today at (203) 538-9026 to schedule a consultation, or visit their website for additional information on their services.