The Key Differences Between A Social Security Disability Insurance Claim (SSDI) and A Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Claim

What makes these two programs similar is that they both require the person to have an illness or condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or ultimately result in death. They are different because to qualify for SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes.

These are your “work credits,” and you need a certain amount to qualify. When you work, your employer withholds your taxes from your paycheck. This money is sent to the government and is credited to your Social Security account.

You earn “4 credits” each year worked before becoming disabled. These “credits” will help you qualify for benefits.

With SSI, however, there is no required amount of work credits. It is based on age, health conditions, and limited resources. Someone could qualify for SSI who has never worked a day.

What is Required for SSDI Eligibility?

First, you must prove that you are physically or mentally impaired. Second, you must have accrued enough work credits. You must have:

• Worked at least five out of the last ten years before becoming disabled.
• Must have a severe physical or mental condition.
• Be unable to return to the work you did previously.
• Be unable to adapt to a new type of work based on age, skills, or education.

Disability Determination Services will evaluate your condition based on the records and documentation you provide to support your disability claim.

What else you should know

Short-term disabilities are not regarded as a qualifying condition. You are not eligible if you earn more than $1,470 per month, the current amount of SGA. However, you might still qualify if you work some but don’t make enough for it to be considered SGA.

There is a mandatory 5-month waiting period before payments will start if approved.

What is Required for SSI Eligibility?

SSI eligibility is not dependent on work credits. You may be eligible for SSI benefits if you meet most or all of these requirements:

• Must be at least age 65 or be blind or disabled.
• Have limited income and resources.
• Be a citizen or a national of the U.S. or an alien who meets specific requirements.
• Reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia.
• For single recipients in 2024, SSI payments will be $943; for married couples who both qualify, the amount will be $1,415.