Difference Between Social Security Disability Benefits And Supplemental Security Income

February 13, 2013

One of the most common questions a person who has become disabled and is applying for Social Security Disability Benefits may have is, “What is the difference between Social Security Disability (SSD) Benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?”

An informational chart from the Social Security Administration (SSA) breaks down some of the major differences between the two programs. Essentially, a person must meet more qualifications to receive SSI and will receive several different benefits if enrolled in the program. A person wishing to receive SSI must be able to prove they have limited to no income or resources to receive income. Also, they must be a United States citizen or in a certain category of alien and live in the U.S. or its territories, whereas a beneficiary of Social Security must have paid into the program to receive benefits.

The medical coverage a recipient from each program receives could be different as well. A person receiving SSD benefits will often get Medicare coverage compared to Medicaid most SSI recipients are given.

The amount in benefits a recipient is to receive from either program is also based on different criteria.

The Social Security Disability Attorneys with the law firm of Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin are aware of how complex and confusing the laws regarding certain disability benefits can be and suggest talking with a qualified and experienced attorney if you are preparing to file a claim or have a claim that was denied in the past.