Andrews Ersoff & Zantello LLC: Your Hometown Lincoln City Lawyer
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are federal programs that allocate financial resources to individuals
which the government has determined to be “disabled.” The
Social Security Administration administers each of these programs and
they each have very different financial requirements.
SSI Is a Means-Tested Program, SSDI Is an Entitlement Program
SSI is a mean-tested program which was designed to meet the basic needs
of older Americans, the blind and disabled individuals who would otherwise
struggle to meet the financial needs of their ongoing survival. Being
means tested means that only individuals with specific financial situations
within the range of the program’s guidelines may qualify. Those
with higher incomes or savings may not qualify for means tested programs
such as SSI.
SSDI differs from SSI in that it is available to any person who has paid
into the Social Security System for a minimum of ten years, regardless
of current income, assets, or savings.
SSI Beneficiaries Typically Receive Medicaid, SSDI Provides Access to Medicare
In most situations, anyone who qualifies for SSI automatically receives
Medicaid Benefits, as well. Medicaid is a joint state and federal program
which provides comprehensive healthcare to those who qualify. Program
specifics vary greatly from state to state.
SSDI beneficiaries, however, are eligible to receive Medicare two years
after they are found to be eligible for SSDI. Medicare is a federal health
insurance program which covers hospital services but not all primary medical
treatments. Medicare is not as comprehensive as Medicaid.
Financially, SSI and SSDI offer recipients different benefits:
- In 2015, the average SSI payment is about $733 per month, per individual.
- In 2015, the average SSDI payment is about $1,165 per month, per individual.
Your Hometown Elder Law Experts
Call us today and we will happily answer any legal questions you or your family might have!