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What’s the difference between SSI and SSDI?
The difference is significant. Below is a brief description of each program and how it works.
SSDI - This is known as Title II (2) Social Security Disability Benefits. This program is for people who have made sufficient FICA (Federal Insurance Contribution Act) contributions in the last 5 years. We have listed below the minimum amounts of earnings in 2003 to qualify for Title II Disability Benefits.
| Year |
Amount Per Quarter |
|
Amount Per Year |
| 2003 |
$890.00 |
|
$3,480.00 |
For Example: if in 2003, you earned at least $890.00 of gross wages (wages which you or your employer reported and paid FICA taxes), you would have paid for 1 quarter of SSDI coverage. If you earn $3,480.00 in 2003 you are covered for the entire year (4 Quarters). Remember, you need to pay 20 of the last 40 quarters to be eligible for SSDI benefits. Below is the coverage amounts for years 2002 through 1994.
| Year |
Amount Per Quarter |
Amount Per Year |
| 2002 |
$870.00 |
$3,480.00 |
| 2001 |
$830.00 |
$3,320.00 |
| 2000 |
$780.00 |
$3,120.00 |
| 1999 |
$740.00 |
$2,960.00 |
| 1998 |
$700.00 |
$2,800.00 |
| 1997 |
$670.00 |
$2,680.00 |
| 1996 |
$640.00 |
$2,560.00 |
| 1995 |
$630.00 |
$2,520.00 |
|
1994 |
$620.00 |
$2,480.00 |
If you qualify for SSDI benefits, you must file an application and be deemed medically disabled under SSA’s rules. Once you are approved, you need not worry about other sources of income such as rental income, stocks bonds, etc. Once you start to earn income from “work” or “Substantial Gainful Activity” as SSA deems it, then these earnings are monitored for purposes of a trial work period. (see this section of our web site for details)
If you qualify for SSDI benefits, THE SOCIAL SECURITY LAW GROUP® can assist you in your application or appeal.
SSI—This is known as Title XVI (16) Supplemental Security Income. This program is for people who either:
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Have not paid enough quarters (earnings) into Social Security for any reason.
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You must have paid into Social Security through wage and FICA contributions for 20 out of the last 40 quarters.
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b. If you are unsure, please read the instructions below as to how to confirm if you have paid enough into SSDI.
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Have limited resources and income
Although you must be disabled according to SSA’s definition, you must first meet SSA’s strict resource eligibility test prior to your medical condition being considered. If your resources exceed SSA’s limit, you cannot collect SSI irrespective of your medical disability.
Once you are approved, all your other sources of income will be monitored by SSA to ensure that you continually meet their strict resource requirements. THE SOCIAL SECURITY LAW GROUP® is presently not assisting claimant’s in SSI claims.
What if I am not sure if I qualify for SSI or SSDI?
Some of the people who visit our site and contact us are unsure if they are Title II eligible. You are encouraged to contact SSA to verify your eligibility for Title II. To do so, please follow the instructions below:
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Call the SSA national Toll Free line at 800-772-1213
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Follow the prompts to speak with a representative
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Tell the representative you want to file a Disability claim, and you need to know if you are Title 2 or Title 16 eligible. If they tell you that you are Title 2 eligible, please ask them:
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What is my DATE LAST INSURED?
If you are Title 2 eligible, please contact us and we can further discuss assisting you with your claim.
Please note, we cannot properly consider your
case without a valid e-mail address.
Work History:
Social Security Claim Status:
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