The United States government has made numerous financial assistance programs available to its citizens and legal residents. Two of these programs are Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income.
These programs provide a monthly stipend to eligible citizens, but their funding system, eligibility criteria, and application process differ slightly. This post provides an overview of these government assistance programs.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal government-funded assistance program that provides financial assistance in cash to citizens with disabilities. Under this program, citizens who cannot work for at least a year due to disabilities are paid a monthly stipend to help with their upkeep.
SSDI is an earned disability Insurance. You must have enough credits accumulated via your work history to qualify.
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Eligibility
Social Security disability insurance is only open to people with a disability that prevents them from working for at least a year or results in death.
Eligibility for this benefit also depends on your work history. You must have worked a job under Social Security for at least 5 of the past ten years or have 40 credits, of which you earned at least 20 in the last five years. This rule is flexible for younger applicants.
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Application Process
When applying for the SSDI program, you must file an application containing vital documents. The Social Security Administration recommends you use this checklist when compiling your documents.
After submitting your application, the SSA will appraise your documents to determine your eligibility for the program. It’s not uncommon for the SSA to contact you with some questions while reviewing your application. They could also ask for additional documents. You can also check your application status using your Social Security account online.
After the review period, they’ll inform you via mail if your application is approved. You can file an appeal within 60 days of receiving the notice if they deny your application.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income is a federal assistance program that caters to the needs of older individuals or disabled persons with limited income. The federal government pays monthly stipends to eligible individuals to cater to basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter. Individuals benefiting from this program are also eligible for food stamps and Medicaid.
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Eligibility
To be eligible for SSI, you must be a US citizen who is 65 years or older, blind or disabled. Children may also qualify, but they must have a severe disability that lasts longer than six months or is expected to cause death.
Secondly, you must meet the limited income requirements, i.e., your monthly income must be within SSIs’ limited income range. The same applies to your assets.
It’s worth noting that an increase in your income or assets can affect your SSI benefit. It could lead to the reduction or outright halt of your SSI. You can find more information on the Social Security website.
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Application Process
You can start the process online by visiting Social Security’s Online Application portal.
Another option is to apply via phone by calling 1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778 if you have hearing disabilities.
Final Thoughts
SSDI and SSI are both available to disabled people; however, there is a slight difference. SSDI is linked to your work history. To qualify, you must have worked enough years and paid your Social Security Taxes for the duration you worked.
SSI, on the other hand, does not require a work history. Applicants only need to have a disability or be 65 years and older.