Skip to main content

WHY SSI (SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME) IS A TYPE OF WELFARE

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.

____________

Charles W. Forsythe is a disability specialist with The Forsythe Firm in Huntsville, AL  Free consultations available by calling (256) 799-0297.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

RED FLAGS IN SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY CASES

  RED FLAGS IN A SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY CASE A red flag is something that causes concern or raises a problem in a Social Security disability case.   In short, it’s something that may get the claim denied or cause a big problem. Here are some of the red flags that we see crop up: ·          Work after the alleged onset date (AOD).   Since the process takes so long, many claimants feel that they are forced to return to work for income.   Social Security often sees this as a sign that the claimant is not disabled. ·          Severe substance abuse.   Chronic and frequent abuse of drugs or alcohol can pose problems. ·           A skimpy work record.   A claimant who has worked very little or has jumped from job to job frequently may not have good credibility. ·          Quitting wo...
Post a Comment
Read more

WHAT YOU WILL BE ASKED AT A DISABILITY HEARING

Most Social Security disability claims will be denied twice:  First at the end of the Application process, and again after the "Reconsideration" process.  The third stop will be a hearing before a federal Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). It is here at the hearing level that most SSDI claims are paid.  So, what do you need to know about your Social Security disability hearing?     First, the judge will follow the rules established by the Social Security Administration.  His or her job is to determine whether you meet the particular laws and rules to receive disability payments.  So, it is a legal proceeding where you must prove certain things in order to get paid. Among the things you must prove:  Your insured status with Social Security:  You have worked recently enough and paid into the Social Security trust fund to gain the required "work credits" to support your claim.  You have a severe medical or mental impairment supported by adequa...
Post a Comment
Read more

HOW TO COMPLETE A FUNCTION REPORT OR ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING FORM

After you apply for Social Security Disability (SSDI), you will be sent a FUNCTION REPORT to fill out and return.  This form asks a lot of very detailed questions about your daily activities:  driving, cooking, cleaning, dressing, visiting others, hobbies, etc. The Social Security Administration will use your answers to determine whether you can work or not.  You must show on this Function Report that you have limitations that do not permit you to work a full-time job.  You do this by showing your limitations in activities of daily living. Your goal in the Function Report is to show the struggles and challenges you have with everyday life.  It may not be sufficient to answer a question with "Yes" and fail to explain. For example:  "Can you drive?"  If you answer "Yes," Social Security will assume that your ability to drive is unlimited:  you can drive anytime, anywhere and as often or as far as you want.  That may not be true and would need t...
Post a Comment
Read more