| SSD
Social Security Disability |
SSI
Supplemental Security Income |
| SSD is a financial assistance program for those people who have earned enough Social Security "credits" to qualify for disability on their own work record. Eligibility IS NOT based upon income or assets. |
SSI is a financial assistance program for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or ages 65+. Blind or disabled children can also receive SSI benefits.
Eligibility IS based upon income and assets. |
| Can apply at local Social Security office as soon as person becomes disabled. Applications may be submitted by phone or through the internet. |
SAME |
| Must have a medical condition that prevents substantial work and that will last at least 12 months or result in death. |
Must have a medical condition that prevents work OR be age 65 or older AND must meet income and asset limits. |
| First benefit check is paid the 6th full month after the date that the disability BEGAN. (There is a five month waiting period before benefits start.) |
First benefit check is paid the 1st full month after the date a person filed his/her claim, or, if later, the date on which he/she becomes eligible for SSI. |
| Appeals of unfavorable determinations (denials) must be filed at the local Social Security field office within 60 days of the date the determination letter was received |
SAME |
| Monthly payment is based on disabled person's lifetime average of Social Security taxed earnings. |
Monthly payment is a standard, minimum amount that may vary month to month based on changes in income or living arrangement. |
| Certain members of the disabled person’s family may also qualify for benefits based on disabled person's work record. |
SSI payments are for the individual only. |
| People receiving SSD are automatically eligible for Medicare after they have received SSD benefits for two years. They may also be eligible for Medicaid if their income and assets are low enough. |
Generally, people who receive SSI will qualify for Medicaid, food stamps, State Supplement and other types of assistance. States pay Medicare premiums for Medicare beneficiaries who receive SSI benefits if they are also eligible for Medicaid. |
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Benefits can stop if you work at a level considered "substantial." For 2008, usually work generating average earnings of $940 or more a month are considered "substantial." (Different amounts apply to people who are disabled because of blindness.) |
SAME |
| Benefits can also stop if the Social Security Administration decides that your medical condition has improved to the point that you are no longer disabled. |
SAME if you are receiving SSI based on a medical condition; NOT true if you are receiving SSI based on age. Benefits can change or stop if your income or living arrangement changes. |
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