| Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are | | | | mentally disabled, blind, or be at least 65 years old with |
| given to individuals who become disabled and are | | | | limited resources and income. Children who are blind or |
| unable to work. These benefits are determined by a | | | | disabled may also qualify to receive SSI benefits. |
| person's work history. Supplemental Security Income | | | | Those who receive SSI benefits typically qualify for |
| (SSI) is a federal program, designed to give financial | | | | monthly food stamps and Medicaid, which offers |
| assistance to those suffering from disabilities. SSI | | | | assistance with doctor visits and hospital bills. The |
| benefits are based on a person's income and assets, | | | | amount of money you can receive depends on |
| not their work history. | | | | several factors, such as: |
| About SSDI | | | | • Where you live |
| To obtain Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, | | | | • What you own (real estate, vehicles, land, etc.) |
| you must meet the definition of "disabled." This means | | | | • Your monthly income |
| that you have a physical or mental impairment that is | | | | • Amount of stocks, bonds, and money in bank |
| so severe that you are not able to perform your | | | | accounts |
| previous work, or engage in any other type of | | | | SSDI vs. SSI |
| substantial, gainful employment. The impairment must | | | | In order to collect SSDI benefits, you must have |
| be expected to result in death or must have lasted (or | | | | worked full-time for at least one year prior to acquiring |
| is expected to last) for a year or more. SSDI benefits | | | | your disability. With SSI, you are not required to have |
| are awarded by the Social Security Administration, and | | | | ever worked to receive benefits. SSI funds are |
| include a complex application process that can involve | | | | distributed to disabled children, low-income elderly, and |
| multiple hearings and possible appeals. | | | | those who are blind or have a qualifying disability. |
| If the Social Security Administration approves your | | | | Other examples of individuals who can collect SSI |
| application and decides that you meet the eligibility | | | | benefits include those who: |
| requirements, you must wait five months before | | | | • Are terminally ill |
| collecting payment. SSDI benefits will begin at the sixth | | | | • Are mentally retarded |
| month and continue until two months after your | | | | • Have heart defects |
| disability improves or you are able to start working | | | | To qualify for SSI funds, you must be a citizen of the |
| again. | | | | United States. Children who receive SSI are given |
| About SSI | | | | money based on the income of their parents or |
| The SSI program is a cash assistance program that is | | | | guardians, who must be legal citizens of the United |
| based on an individual's financial need. Unlike SSDI | | | | States and display a valid Social Security card. |
| benefits that are funded by the Social Security | | | | If Your Claim is Denied |
| Administration, SSI is financed by the U.S. Treasury. It | | | | If your claim for SSDI or SSI benefits is denied, you |
| was created to help those who were blind, elderly and | | | | have the right to appeal. A Social Security Benefits |
| disabled and who had little or no income. The SSI | | | | attorney can help you through this process to help |
| program grants the underserved population a monthly | | | | increase your chances of a successful claim the |
| check for things like food, clothing, and shelter. | | | | second time around. |
| To be eligible for SSI, you must be physically or | | | | |