SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is a vital aid for all those who suffer some form of work disability in the United States. However, for many of them, this aid falls especially short, so Social Security allows this payment to be supplemented with another payment, in this case, SSI (Supplemental Security Income). For many people, both benefits are a real lifesaver, but understanding the rules and requirements can be a challenge. In this article, we will explain how these programs work, and whether you can benefit from both to ensure a greater stability.
Let’s start by step. What is disability?
This term refers to any condition (physical, mental, intellectual or sensorial) that limits a person in the development of daily tasks or limits their participation in society.
On the other hand, incapacity is a more specific concept that is used mainly in the workplace, and means the loss (partial or total) of a person’s ability to perform a specific task.
Another curious thing is that a disabled person can also be incapacitated. For example, let’s suppose there is a woman who was born with a hearing disability (deafness), but this does not prevent her from working. At her work, as a supermarket employee, she suffers an accident in which she breaks her elbow, so the doctor diagnoses her with temporary disability (since she cannot perform her job as normal).
The basics of SSDI and SSI: what makes them different?
Both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and aim to provide financial support to people who suffer from some type of disability, helping them cope with the economic challenges of living with a disability. However, there are key differences between the two projects:
On the one hand, there is SSDI, which is a service intended for those people who have previously worked (that is, who have contributed to the Social Security system through their taxes). Therefore, access does not depend on the financial situation but on their work history.
On the other hand, SSI is aimed at people with limited resources (or who live below the poverty line). This also includes people over 65 years of age and does not require a work history to be able to receive this benefit.
Although both share the central requirement of helping people with disabilities or incapacity, you see that one takes into account people who have been able to work and the other not.
So, is it possible to apply for both payments?
Although each has specific criteria that you will have to meet, you can of course apply for both benefits, although it is not automatic. This is referred to by the SSA as “concurrent,” which allows you to qualify for both programs, although not in their entirety. For example, it is possible to receive SSDI payments and at the same time get a small supplement from SSI. This will, of course, depend on the economic and social situation of the applicant, so both benefits are limited to very specific limits.
This is where the applicant’s work history comes into play, because, as we have said, if he has worked previously he will be able to access SSDI and if not, it will be more difficult for him to qualify for this benefit.
How can I find out what I need to apply for this payment?
You can find more information on the official SSA website, where they will tell you how to proceed in each case and the specific requirements for each benefit. Remember that the SSA takes into account that the income received by each applicant is not exceeded, so if you think you may qualify for both benefits, go for it!