The MAIN Difference Between SSDI and SSI Benefits

Here is the main difference between SSDI and SSI benefits. My name is Kaitlin Wildoner, and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better. Today we’re going to talk about the main difference between Social Security Disability Insurance, SSDI, and Supplemental Security Income, SSI, benefits. 

First, it’s important to note that both programs require a finding of disabled. This means that you must be disabled and unable to work for a period of at least 12 months due to physical and or mental impairments. 

Now for the difference.

SSDI versus SSI Benefits

SSDI benefits are based on what you paid into the Social Security system while you were able to work. Generally speaking, you must have worked five of the last 10 years or have 20 out of 40 credits, though there are exceptions to that rule. 

With SSI on the other hand, it doesn’t have that work history requirement. Instead, it has income and asset restrictions. If you are single, you cannot have more than $2,000 in assets, and if you are married, you can’t have more than $3,000 in assets and qualify for SSI. That asset threshold does not include one house or one car, and there are a few other things that it won’t include, but it does include bank accounts, retirement accounts, etcetera.

So therefore, the main difference between SSDI and SSI benefits is SSDI has that work requirement, and SSI benefits have income and asset restrictions. 

SSDI and SSI Lawyer

If you’re disabled and unable to work, click the scheduling link here or give us a call directly for a free consultation to see what I can do to help you.