Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are both federal benefits programs for people who are unable to work because of a disability. The differences between SSDI and SSI in Southfield are largely based on who qualifies. Depending on your situation, you may be able to receive both SSI and SSDI payments. Our SSDI attorneys can help you plan the best way to maximize your disability benefits.
What Are the Key Differences Between SSDI and SSI Benefits?
Both programs require the applicant to meet Social Security’s definition of disabled, which is that the person is unable to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of a condition that will last at least one year or lead to death. SGA is usually determined by earnings. SSDI benefits are based on the disabled person’s work history and do not consider their financial situation at all. Those who have earned enough work credits qualify for SSDI, whether they have significant investments and a vacation home or no assets at all.
SSI is a needs-based program. There are no work history requirements, but the disabled person needs to have limited income and assets to qualify. An individual cannot have more than $2,000 in resources, or assets, to receive SSI. However, this does not count their main home, one vehicle, business property, personal items like jewelry, burial plots, certain small life insurance policies, and a few other exceptions. The income rules for SSI can be complicated, but recipients generally cannot earn more than about $2,000 per month. Some states, including Michigan, offer supplements to those on SSI. Southfield residents can get a small additional payment every three months. There is no state component to SSDI. Our attorneys in Southfield can help an individual understand the differences between SSDI and SSI and how to qualify.
Can a Disabled Person Receive Both SSDI and SSI Benefits?
If someone qualifies for both programs, they might be able to receive both sets of benefits. Wealthier people with long work histories will qualify for SSDI but not SSI. Someone with minimal savings and no work history will qualify for SSI but not SSDI. The amount of SSDI a person receives is based on their earnings history, so this will affect whether claiming both is beneficial. Someone who worked enough to qualify for SSDI but did not earn much will likely get a bigger benefit by claiming both. A higher earner who worked for decades will probably get too much from SSDI to qualify for SSI. There is a waiting period for SSDI, but not for SSI. If a person meets the resource limit, they may be able to claim SSI for the first few months of their disability while they wait for their SSDI benefits to start. Reach out to our Southfield lawyer to discuss your options based on the differences between SSDI and SSI.
Discuss Your Disability Benefit Options With an Attorney in Southfield Now
Understanding the differences between SSDI and SSI in Southfield is only the first step toward claiming disability benefits. If you have recently become disabled, determining whether you qualify for either or both programs can be difficult. Working with a lawyer can provide clarity and ensure that you are getting all of the benefits you are entitled to. Our team can help you estimate the payments you will receive, navigate asset requirements, and develop a plan for the future. Contact Thurswell Law at (248) 654-8807 to discuss your SSDI and SSI options today.
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