Comparing SSI Disability Benefits to SSD Insurance

It is common for people to confuse Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). 

The SSI program is run by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and was established to provide federal benefits to a select group of individuals. Those eligible must have limited income or resources and be blind, disabled, or age 65 and older. The SSI program defines “disabled” as a mental or physical impairment that has persisted or is expected to persist for 12 months or more, can cause an inability to complete practical activities, and can end in death. 

The applicant’s financial standing is the critical factor that differentiates SSI from other SSD benefit programs. While SSI is a resource for people with low economic status, SSD is an insurance program for individuals that have worked but are not currently working due to adverse health conditions. The SSI program focuses its attention on age and disability, in addition to income and financial resources. The SSDI program, also run by the SSA, bases its determination on disability and “work credits.”

The SSDI program pays cash benefits to individuals or families suffering from an injury or illness that prevents them from engaging in certain activities. The SSDI program defines “disabled” as an injury or illness that is projected to last for 12 months or more and can result in death. Additionally, under this principle, individuals who are disabled are unable to take on a different occupation or role due to the severity of their health condition. 

To receive SSDI benefits, applicants must have worked for a particular time, completed the required number of work credits, and paid Social Security taxes. However, it is common to be initially denied, as the SSA does not accept 70 percent of SSD applicants. Nonetheless, most of these applicants can ultimately get their claims approved with the help of Social Security disability lawyers. To learn more about SSDI, we invite you to watch this video from Craig Rosasco, one of the managing partners at Turley, Redmond, and Rosasco. 

To receive more information about SSI, SSD, and the criteria you must possess to qualify for one or both programs, don’t hesitate to contact the New York Social Security disability lawyers at Turley, Redmond, and Rosasco. Call us at 855-208-7783 or complete an online intake form on our website to schedule a free initial consultation today. We serve Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, and more.