SSDI stands for Social Security Disability Insurance. It covers workers and recent workers who have paid into the Social Security system and become disabled.
SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income. It requires no work history/credits but requires a medical disability plus very limited resources and income.
Which pays the larger benefit, SSDI or SSI?
The answer is SSDI, potentially.
In 2024, the maximum SSDI benefit for an individual is $3,822 per month. Your actual benefit will be based on your average lifetime earnings.
In 2024, the maximum SSI benefit will be $943 per month for an individual or $1,731 for a couple. Your actual benefit will depend on several factors, including financial need.
When you should apply for SSDI: Generally, you should apply for SSDI (Title 2) benefits if you have previously worked for at least 5 years out of the past 10-year period. This claim can potentially get a much larger benefit than SSI, and it does not require that you have financial need.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is based on 2 factors: medical disability or advanced age, and financial need (very limited income and financial resources).
A word of caution: The Social Security Administration will deny up to 8 out of 10 disability claims--both SSI and SSDI. Many of these claims are wrongful denials which can be won with an appeal (or two).
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