Everything You Must Know About Social Security Disability

Monthly payments are available for those whose disability prevents them from working and earning a living. Yet, the process might be a bit complicated with the high standards you have to meet. Familiarizing yourself with the steps needed, as well as anything you need to know to have your application approved, is highly essential.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two different programs for earning benefits. The first one is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and the second is the Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

The two programs have some similarities, which might confuse people. Yet, they have significant differences that you can use to differentiate between them. To understand more about SSA and the differences between SSDI and SSI, read on below.

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What Is SSDI?

This insurance is considered to be a safety net for people who might find themselves in the risk of disability that will result in the inability for them to continue their work. While the word insurance in term might give you the idea that you have premiums to an insurance company, SSDI is funded by a portion of the social security taxes you pay with each paycheck.

If you have a qualifying disability that will meet their standards, you will be able to apply and receive the benefits until you are no longer disabled or once you reach retirement age. After that, you can transition to retirement benefits instead. You can apply for benefits either through the SSA website, by phone, or by visiting your local office.

Since these applications are very specific and hard, many people prefer asking for help from Social Security Disability Claim Lawyers to avoid any mistakes or problems they might face. This option is the perfect solution to avoid the confusion between the available legal options and find out the perfect plan for your case.

What Is SSI?

SSI, on the other hand, is more suitable for people with a disabling condition, low income, and limited sources such as seniors, the blind, or the disabled, for example. This program is funded through general tax revenue, and unlike SSDI, where the program offers paychecks based on your past work history, SSI gives a fixed amount.

People who are physically, mentally, or financially challenged can qualify for SSI benefits. However, the monthly income received by the SSI program is usually much lower than the one provided by the SSDI one.

Payment Methods

The SSDI program provides monthly payments based on the designated number of work years. To qualify, people must have earned a sufficient number of work credits for the SSA to be able to determine a suitable amount of income. The work credit requirements vary according to the age of the applicant.

The SSI program, on the other hand, provides a fixed amount every month for people with disabilities, seniors over the age of 65, or for the legally blind. People with a countable income of more than $750 or those who have more than $2000 in countable assets can’t qualify for the program.

Deciding on which program is more suitable for your needs depends on your circumstances, the standards for qualification, and other aspects you have to take into account. Make sure you go over all your options with a fine-toothed comb, and don’t be afraid to ask for legal help.

If you are interested in even more lifestyle-related articles and information from us here at Bit Rebels, then we have a lot to choose from.

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