What Is the Difference Between SSDI and SSI Benefits?

 Posted on July 09, 2021 in Social Security Disability

People in the United States who are unable to work may be able to receive benefits through the federal government. Social Security offers disability benefits to those who experience physical or mental conditions that prevent them from earning enough income to support themselves, as long as a person’s condition has lasted or is expected to last for 12 months or more. There are two different types of Social Security disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income. Understanding the differences between these two programs will help a person with a disability understand the types of benefits they may be able to receive.

Qualifying for SSDI With Work Credits

Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, provides benefits based on a person’s work history. To qualify for SSDI, a person must have earned sufficient work credits throughout their career. A person can earn up to four work credits per year, and these credits are based on the amount they earned in a particular year. For 2021, earnings of $1,470 will constitute one work credit, and a person will earn all four credits for the year once they make $5,880.

Generally, a person must have 40 work credits before they can receive SSDI benefits, and they must have earned 20 credits within the past 10 years. However, younger workers may be able to qualify for SSDI with fewer work credits. In these cases, a person will generally need to meet the requirements for recent work.

The requirements for recent work will be based on a person’s age, as follows:

• Those who are younger than 24 years old must have earned at least six work credits in the three years before they first experienced the condition that caused them to be disabled.

• Those between 24 and 31 years old must have earned work credits equivalent to working at least half the time between age 21 and their current age. For example, a 26-year-old would need to have worked for at least 2.5 years and earned 10 work credits.

• Those who are 31 years old or more must have earned at least 20 work credits during the 10 years before the onset of their disability.

Requirements for SSI Benefits

Those who have not earned sufficient work credits to qualify for SSDI may be able to receive SSI benefits. To qualify for SSI, a person must have limited income, and their financial resources, including the assets they own, the funds in their bank accounts, and their cash on hand, must be less than $2,000. SSI benefits provide monthly payments meant to help a person meet their basic needs, including food, shelter, and clothing.

Contact Our Dallas SSD Benefits Attorneys

At the Law Offices of Coats & Todd, we can help you determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements for SSDI or SSI benefits through Social Security, and we will assist with the application process or help you appeal a denied claim. For a free case evaluation, contact our Plano Social Security disability lawyers at 972-671-9922.

Sources:

https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html

https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/credits.html

https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/