Although Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance both provide financial assistance, they have a few key differences. Once you understand which program is best for your needs, an Ocala Social Security lawyer can assist you with collecting benefits.

What is SSI and SSDI?

SSI provides benefits on the basis of financial need to:

• adults over the age of 65
• blind individuals, regardless of age
• disabled individuals, regardless of age
• those with limited income and resources

On the other hand, SSDI allows workers with disabilities to collect their Social Security retirement benefits early, with stipulations. Applicants must:

• be younger than 65 years old
• have a disability
• have earned a certain number of work credits through employment

What’s the Difference Between SSI and SSDI?

The main difference between SSI and SSDI is that SSI benefits are available to those with a low or no income, who have never worked or haven’t earned enough credits to qualify for SSDI, while SSDI benefits are available to individuals who have collected enough work credits. While SSI is meant to provide basic amenities to elderly and disabled individuals, any disabled individual who has accumulated a sufficient number of work credits is eligible to receive SSDI benefits, even if they have a high income.

Another difference between these two programs is when the individual begins receiving benefits. While SSI benefits typically begin the first full month after you file your claim, SSDI benefits usually begin six months after the onset of your disability. Furthermore, the average monthly benefit is $794 for SSI. SSDI varies from person to person, depending how much has been pain in. Lastly, while those eligible for SSI automatically qualify for Medicaid, those eligible for SSDI qualify for Medicare two years from the time they started receiving benefits.

If you’re unsure which program you qualify for, an experienced Social Security lawyer in Ocala can assist you. Contact the Law Office of JW Chalkley III, PA at (866) 629-7511 or fill out the online contact form.