DIFFERENCES, SSDI vs SSI

Since Social Security disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security income (SSI) are both processed by the Social Security office, many people think they are the same thing. They are, however, very different: different requirements with different benefits. Here's a chart to outline some of the major differences:

SSDI (Disability) SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

Title 2 of the Social Security Act Title 16 of the Social Security Act

Requires recent work credits to qualify Requires no work history at all

No Resource or Income restrictions Severe Resource and income restrictions

Maximum monthly benefit $3,011 Maximum monthly benefit: $794

Comes with Medicare after waiting period Comes with Medicaid with no waiting

Must be medically disabled to qualify Must be aged or medically disabled

Only need to meet medical requirements Must meet both medical and non-medical

Does not pay first 5 months of disability Can pay benefit 1 month after applying

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Individuals who apply for SSI usually don't have sufficient work credits to apply for SSDI. A few claimants who receive very low SSDI payments may also qualify for SSI. However, most SSDI beneficiaries do not qualify for additional SSI benefits.