If you’ve ever tried to figure out Social Security benefits, you’ve probably discovered that the names are confusing. You have SSDI, SSI, or just SS retirement benefits.
So, what is the difference between SSI vs. Social Security? These benefits have different purposes, different eligibility requirements, and different rules about income, resources, and work history. Here is what you need to know to make applying a little easier.
What Are Social Security Benefits?
Social Security benefits are connected to your work history and earnings. As you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn work credits. Those credits can help you qualify for some benefits.
Social Security includes several different types of benefits, including:
- Social Security retirement benefits
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Family benefits
- Survivor benefits
These requirements depend on the type of benefit you are applying for. For example, someone who has worked for decades may qualify for retirement benefits. But someone who becomes disabled after working enough years may be eligible for SSDI.
Many Social Security benefits are based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you have paid. However, the number of work credits required depends on the type of benefit. For example, most people need 40 credits to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, while the number of credits required for SSDI depends on your age when your disability begins.
Survivor benefits may also be available to qualifying family members, including certain widows and widowers, based on the deceased worker’s Social Security record.
What Is SSI?
Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is a different program. This is a needs-based federal program for people with limited income and resources who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled.
However, you don’t need a work history to qualify for SSI. In these cases, the Social Security Administration looks at your financial circumstances to see if you meet the program’s age, blindness, or disability requirements.
SSI benefits can help eligible people pay for basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.
So, while the programs have similar names and are administered by the same agency, SSI and Social Security are not interchangeable benefits.
What’s the Difference Between SSI and SSDI?
SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can both provide financial assistance to people with disabilities, but they work differently.
SSDI is tied to your work history. In most cases, you must have worked long enough and recently enough to earn the required number of work credits.
But SSI does not work that way. You could qualify for SSI even if you have little or no work history, as long as you meet the program’s financial and medical requirements.
And you may qualify for both SSI and SSDI at the same time. For example, someone may qualify for SSDI based on their work history but receive a relatively small monthly benefit. If they also have limited income and resources, they could qualify for SSI as well.
How Do You Know Which Benefits You May Qualify For?
Your age, disability status, work history, income, resources, and other circumstances can all affect your eligibility for these benefits.
You do not want to assume you don’t qualify because you don’t have a lengthy work history or because you’ve been told you don’t make enough to receive Social Security.
Your situation may be more complicated than it appears at first glance. And this is when you need the assistance of a qualified Social Security Administration benefits lawyer.
Understanding Your Benefits
What is the difference between SSI and Social Security? SSI is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. Social Security benefits are tied to a person’s work history and earnings.
And yes, you can qualify for more than one program. If you’re trying to figure out which benefits you may qualify for, don’t let the alphabet soup scare you off.
At DeVore Law, PLLC, we can help you figure out which ones you may be entitled to. Reach out today and schedule a consultation.
