Many individuals call me who are disabled but do not qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits because they have no recent work history. They haven't paid into Social Security through payroll deduction (or otherwise) and therefore are not insured for SSDI.
If this is the case, we always consider applying for SSI, which stands for Supplemental Security Income.
SSI is really a type of welfare supported by grants from the federal government to the states. Therefore, an individual must meet certain strict medical and financial requirements to qualify for SSI:
- Must have financial resources of not more than $2,000 for an individual applicant.
- Must have financial resources of not more than $3,000 if a couple.
- Must be age 65 or over OR have a qualifying disability.
Many claimants can medically qualify for SSI but are disqualified financially.
On the other hand, many can financially qualify for SSI but are disqualified medically (not disabled or age 65).
I must emphasize that SSI is not the same thing as SSDI or Social Security Disability Insurance. SSDI has no income or financial restrictions at all.
SSDI is a government disability insurance program, paid for by FICA taxes on wage earners. SSDI is not welfare, therefore has no financial or income restrictions. But, as explained above, SSI is an entirely different matter.
SSI and SSDI are easily confused since they both are processed by the Social Security office.
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Charles W. Forsythe is a disability specialist with The Forsythe Firm in Huntsville, AL Free consultations available by calling (256) 799-0297.
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