SSD
Social Security Disability

SSI
Supplemental Security Income

SSD is a financial assistance program for 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 who have NOT earned enough Social Security credits to qualify for disability on their own work record.

Eligibility IS based upon income and assets.

Applications are available at the SSA website or by phone, and can be submitted online or at a Social Security office.

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Applicants must have a physical or mental impairment that prevents substantial work and that will last at least 12 months or result in death.

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The first benefit check is paid the sixth full month after the date that the disability began. There is a five month waiting period before benefits start.

The first benefit check is paid the first full month after the date a person filed a claim, or, if later, the date on which the person becomes eligible for SSI.

Appeals must be filed at a Social Security office within 60 days of receiving a determination letter. If a claim is denied for a medical reason, an appeal can be filed at the SSA website.

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Monthly payment is based on a person's lifetime average of Social Security taxed earnings.

Monthly payment is a standard, minimum amount.

Certain members of a person’s family may qualify for benefits based on that person's work record.

SSI payments are for the disabled 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.

People receiving SSI may qualify for Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), State Supplement, and other types of assistance.

Benefits can stop if a person works at a level considered substantial. For 2011, work generating earnings of $1010+ a month is considered substantial.

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A Trial Work Period (TWP) of nine months (not necessarily consecutive) allows a person to work and earn money (regardless of amount) and continue receiving SSD benefits.

Payments may be paid to persons even if they work. As earnings increase, the amount of SSI payment is reduced. If SSI payments stop because of wages, the person may be able to keep Medicaid coverage.

Benefits can stop if it is determined that a person's medical condition has improved to the point that it is no longer considered a disability.

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