The Social Security Administration manages two benefit programs for Americans who are blind or disabled. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provide financial assistance and Medicare or Medicaid coverage to recipients. These programs have different payment structures and eligibility requirements, but all beneficiaries must pass the same disability evaluation.
Understanding Supplementary Security Income (SSI) Benefits
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides financial assistance to disabled children, adults and elderly folks who do not qualify for SSDI because they haven’t earned disability credits by working for a certain number of years. The benefits come from tax revenue, so they aren’t dependent on employment contributions or past earnings. That’s why disabled children are eligible for SSI.
This program helps people with limited income and resources. It provides money for food, shelter and essential expenses. To qualify, an individual must have less than $2,000 in countable resources. For couples, the limit is $3,000. Payments are distributed on the first of each month. The amount is set by the government and adjusted annually. As of 2017, the federal benefit rate (FBR) is $735 per month for individuals or $1,103 for couples. Recipients are allowed to receive a small amount of income before the payment is reduced.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Workers who have paid into the disability insurance trust fund through paycheck withholdings are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance. The benefits are similar to traditional Social Security payments because they’re based on employment contributions and are distributed on a staggered schedule depending on the beneficiary’s birth date.
SSDI recipients can collect workers’ compensation simultaneously. You might be eligible for concurrent SSI if you meet the asset and income limits, but your payments will be reduced since federal benefits and workers’ comp count as income. Your attorney can determine which disability benefits you might be eligible to receive.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Disability Attorneys
If you want to apply for SSI or SSDI or if you’re appealing a denial, contact the Social Security disability attorneys at Allums Welsch, PC. Schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your situation and fight for the benefits that you need to support your family and care for yourself. Our experienced attorneys and friendly staff members have helped clients in Bessemer and the greater Birmingham area since 2001.
