Skip to main content

WHICH PAYS MORE, SSDI OR SSI?

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).

 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

IF I CHANGE ATTORNEYS WILL IT DELAY MY DISABILITY CASE?

No.  Getting a new attorney will NOT delay your pending Social Security disability claim or appeal .  Your new attorney "inherits" the case and picks up where the other attorney left off.  There is no re-filing or starting over, so your case is not set back or delayed at all.  Social Security maintains an electronic folder stored in its system.  This folder contains every document ever submitted concerning your claim or appeal.  Your new lawyer may log into your electronic files and see, in real time, all the evidence and other documents in your file. While we do not recommend changing attorneys while your case is pending a decision, it is sometimes necessary.  You may need a new lawyer if your attorney dies, retires or  becomes disabled before your case is settled.  You may choose a new attorney without delaying or causing any set back to your case. If you are considering obtaining a lawyer to handle your Social Security disability case in...
Post a Comment
Read more

URGENT MESSAGE FROM SOCIAL SECURITY'S TOP OFFICIAL - February 18, 2025

There is a lot of talk and speculation about Social Security in the new Trump Administration.  The acting commissioner of Social Security recently resigned and Lee Dudek has been appointed the new Acting Director. Today (2/18/2025) I received a message from the new Acting Commissioner Dudek.  Here is part of Director Dudek's message on Social Security for 2025:   Our continuing priority is paying beneficiaries the right amount at the right time, and providing other critical services people rely on from us. DOGE personnel CANNOT make changes to agency systems, benefit payments, or other information. They only have READ access. DOGE personnel do not have access to data related to a court ordered temporary restraining order, current or future. DOGE personnel must follow the law and if they violate the law they will be referred to the Department of Justice for possible prosecution.                      ...
Post a Comment
Read more

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY APPLICATION PROCESS

  Here is a brief overview of what takes place after you file your Social Security disability application : Application confirmation  – Social Security will mail you a copy of your application to sign. You will have an opportunity to review the application, correct any errors, and send it back to Social Security for processing. You must return the signed application. Social Security will not process your application until they receive your signed confirmation. And they don't send reminders about this. Function report  – Social Security will mail you a form called a function report . This form will ask questions about your personal care, meals, house and yard work, getting around, shopping, money, hobbies and interests, social activities,  and other abilities. This form will help Social Security determine what you can and cannot do on a daily basis. It must be filled out carefully and fully and returned. Work history report  – Social Security will ma...
Post a Comment
Read more