Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that provides financial assistance to individuals with disabilities who are unable to work. To qualify for SSDI, an individual must have a disabling condition that prohibits them from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA) and must have paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. The amount of monthly SSDI benefit payments is determined by a formula based on the amount of an individual’s past earnings.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides financial assistance to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or elderly. SSI is not based on work history or payroll taxes. Instead, eligibility is determined by income and asset limits. The maximum monthly SSI benefit payment is adjusted annually and varies by state.
To apply for either SSDI or SSI, an individual must provide detailed information about their medical condition, work history, and financial situation. The application process can be lengthy and may involve medical evaluations and appeals. Once approved, benefit payments are made monthly and continue until the individual is no longer considered disabled or reaches retirement age.
