Robert J. Dodd Jr., Co., L.P.A.

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Robert J. Dodd Jr., Co., L.P.A.

Helping Injured Workers Since 1981

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    3.  » What’s the difference between SSI and SSDI?

The Difference Between Social Security Income (SSI) And Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

Understanding the difference between the types of Social Security benefits, and disability options available to applicants can be confusing. At Robert J. Dodd Jr., Co., L.P.A., in New Lexington our lead Social Security Disability benefits attorney Maureen Dodd has been assisting clients throughout Ohio with applications for disability benefits for decades. Our firm can help you assess your eligibility and facilitate your application for Social Security Disability benefits.

For a free consultation, please call us at 740-693-1208 or complete our contact form. We represent clients with disabilities throughout Ohio.

Two Types Of Social Security Disability Benefits

There are two types of disability benefits that are available from the Social Security Administration (SSA). With either type of assistance, the applicant’s disability has to meet the strict criteria set forth in the SSA’s definition of disability in order to qualify for benefits.

What Is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

SSDI benefits are available to workers who can no longer work because of a serious disability or illness. With SSDI, disability benefits are:

  • Based on employment records and earnings history (which can be yours, a spouse’s, or your parents)
  • Not dependent on need, with no income or resource caps
  • Not affected by other income but can be subject to an offset due to your receipt of other disability benefits
  • Not affected by the income of other family members who live with you.

In addition, SSDI benefits are available for eligible family members. With SSDI, eligibility for disability assistance depends on a work credit system, designed to analyze how long you were an active participant in the workforce. In other words, you must have a minimum number of work credits to be eligible.

What Is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

SSI benefits offer need-based financial assistance and are available to any individual with a severe disability or illness, who has limited access to resources and minimal income. With SSI, the benefits are:

  • Based on financial need
  • Not based on employment history
  • Not available for family members
  • Potentially affected by other income or resources
  • Potentially affected by who lives with you and where you live.

As a needs-based program, there are financial thresholds. Therefore, the application process will consider your income and resources from outside sources, such as who lives with you and if they provide financial support to the household expenses. It will also consider your living situation and how much it costs for you to live there. Once SSI benefits are granted, financial records are reviewed annually.

Applying For SSDI Or SSI And Need Assistance? Call Today For A Free Consultation.

At Robert J. Dodd Jr., we have decades of experience helping clients apply for disability benefits. Call us today at 740-693-1208 or send us an email to schedule a free consultation. We will answer any questions you may have and help you assess which disability programs you may be eligible to receive.