How Can I tell the Difference Between Social Security Disability and Social Security Income?

Issue

SS Disability

SSI

Disability Standard:

Same for both programs

Same for both programs

Source of Payment

Social Security Trust Fund

General Revenue

Amount of payment:

Based on worker’s earnings

Federal amount set by Congress plus state supplement, if any, set by state.  State Supplement amount may vary according to living arrangement.

Payment to Children:

Yes, additional payment based on earnings records to children under age 18 or under age 19 And still in high school.

No increased federal payment for child; but some state SSI supplements add money for Children. Otherwise, children may receive welfare, which is not counted as income; i.e., welfare does not reduce SSI benefit amount.

Payment to spouse:

Yes, if child in spouse’s care is under age 16 or is disabled. There is an income limit for Spouse’s payment

No increased federal payment but some state SSI supplements add money for spouse.

Earnings requirement:

Fully insured (1 QC for each year after age 21): and disability  insured status (20/40 rule)

None

Asset limitation:

None

$2,000 individual, $3,000
Couple

Unearned income limit:

None

A small amount is disregarded; the rest is deducted from SSI benefit.

Earned income limit:

Same for both programs for claimants; SGA results in step one denial

After individual is receiving benefits, SSI has more liberal rules designed to encourage work.

Waiting period:

Five full months from date Of onset of disability

For applications on or after August 11, 1996, payment begins with first of month after all requirements are met.  For earlier applications, payment begins with date of application if all requirements are met.

Retroactivity of application:

12 months if all requirements are met

No retroactivity.

Time limit for reopening:

4 years

2 years

Payment processing office:

Baltimore or regional payment center

Local Office

Payment applies to:

Previous month

Current month

Payment Date:

Varies by birthday except concurrent cases paid on 3rd of month

1st day of month

Envelope:

Brown

Blue

Check says:

SOC SEC FOR INS.

SSI

Attorney’s fees:

25 percent of past due benefits withheld for direct payment

No witholding.

Medical coverage:

Medicare begins after receipt of 24 months of benefits.

Medical coverage in most States begins with entitlement to SSI (sometimes 3 months before).

Eligibility of legal aliens:

Eligible

Aliens who were lawfully residing in the U.S. on August 22, 1996 are, for the most part, eligible for SSI disability benefits; but those who arrive later are ineligible with limited exceptions.