Q. What is the difference between Social Security disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI ) disability ?
A. The Social Security Administration is responsible for two major programs that provide benefits based on disabilities. They are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI ), which is based on prior work under Social Security, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI ), which is based on need. SSDI is financed with Social Security taxes paid by workers, employers and self-employed people. SSI payments are paid from general revenues.
Q. How much will I receive in Supplemental Security Income (SSI ) benefits ?
A: The amount of your SSI benefit depends, in part, on where you live. The basic SSI check is the same nationwide. However, many states add money to the basic check and some offer other supplements. For 2008, the maximum federal SSI payment is $ 637 per month for an individual and $ 956 for a couple. Because SSI is a needsbased program, this amount may be reduced due to other income. If you get SSI, you also may be able to get other help from your state or county. For example, you may be able to get Medicaid, food stamps or some other social services.
Any questions may be directed to: rsi5@srt.com
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Long time reader, first time poster. Excellent blog sir.
ReplyDeleteIs there a maximum duration to SSI benefits? Does receipt of SSI credit towards your Social Security Retirement?
Also, what is the limits to what you can earn in other income before impacting your eligibility for SSI benefits? I know many people collecting Work Comp or private disability benefits likely aren't eligible. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Thanks for the line.
ReplyDeleteNo "maximum duration" for SSI - as long as the disability does not improve beyond the Fed. definition.
Eligibility for SSI at the date of determination is the SGA this year of $940. Once on SSI however, the "limit" for eligibility goes way way up. In North Dakota, an SSI recipient remains eligible for SSI and Medicaid until earned income reaches $37,917 per year!!! (and actually can be higher based on individual medical need).
WSI or private insurance payments count as "unearned" income for SSI purposes...so if those payments are low enough - then yes, someone can qualify for both. Typically if those monthly payments are less than $657 per month.
SSDI payments count in the same way...and actually can be offset due to a WSI or private disability insurance payment. Starts getting really complicated then!
Feel free to run questions by me at anytime. Hope it helps and thanks for reading!