Social Security Disability SSI Questions & Answers

Social security disability (also known as ssdi or social security disability insurance) and SSI (supplemental security income) are two separate disability programs that operate under the control of the social security administration. How are they different? Social security disability provides benefits to disabled individuals and, in some cases, their disabled adult children, on the basis of insured coverage that has been earned via work credits. SSI, on the other hand, provides benefits to disabled minor children as well as individuals who were previously insured for SSDI, but whose coverage for social security disability insurance has lapsed.

Additional differences between SSDI and SSI include the fact that eligibility for SSI is means-tested (you cannot have assets exceeding $2000 and a spouse's income will also be used--the exact term is "deemed"--to determine basic eligibility). Additionally, SSI carries medicaid benefits while social security disability recipients are eligible for medicare two years after their date of entitlement has been established.

However, aside from these differences, social security disability and SSI are essentially the same. And, in fact, when it comes to the medical evaluation of a disability case, there is absolutely no difference between the programs. That is, claims for social security disability and SSI are processed in exactly the same way. Individuals, of course, who are disabled should immediately contact the local social security office for the purpose of initiating a claim for disability benefits.

The following links provide answers to basic questions about SSDI ( social security disability) and SSI eligibility.




Section I : Getting started on a social security disability or ssi claim - filing a claim, applying for benefits

Applying for disability (online and otherwise)













Section II : The social security disability and ssi disability evaluation process

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How does the SSI or social security disability process work ?













Section III : Making appeals for either social security disability or ssi - what to do if you get denied and turned for disability

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Disability hearings - how to prepare for an ssi or social security disability hearing.













Section V : Social security disability - General information

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How does social security define disability ?













Section VI : Tips and Advice for disability claims

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General advice when you are trying to win SSI or social security disability benefits