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Are there different requirements to qualify for SSDI versus SSI?

On Behalf of | Feb 12, 2015 | Social Security Disability

Government entities love their acronyms. From CIA to FBI to IRS, the federal system includes a veritable alphabet soup of letters. So it is certainly understandable if your average Ohio resident may get a bit befuddled about the differences between certain acronyms, especially when they are fairly similar. Take, for example, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Both programs exist as a “safety net” for people who are unable to work for one reason or another. But which one you qualify for and why may be a bit confusing. SSDI is an insurance program that will pay benefits to people who are disabled such that they are unable to work for at least 12 months, regardless of the type of illness or injury involved. SSDI also requires that some amount has been paid into the system by the individual in the past, normally through money withheld from earnings. SSI, on the other hand, while also benefiting those who are unable to work, is less commonly qualified for, but can be paid out to people who don’t own homes and, for some reason or other, do not meet the SSDI payment history threshold.

If you need to figure out what benefits program you may be eligible for, you could consider contacting an experienced disability attorney. He or she will be able to help you gather the required evidence, knowing what the government is looking for in SSDI and SSI applications. If your claim is denied, as many are the first time, an experienced attorney can be instrumental in preparing and presenting a request for reconsideration or an appeal.

Our firm has over 30 years of experience in the disability benefits field, and have helped hundreds of people receive the benefits to which they were entitled. If you have questions about SSDI or SSI, please consider perusing our web page on qualifying for benefits.