What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? When you apply for disability, Social Security will look at your eligibility for both programs. Social Security disability is an insurance program. Only those who have paid in enough quarters can receive benefits. When you receive income and pay your social security tax and medicare tax you receive credit for it and Social Security records these credits throughout your work history. If you do not work outside the home, or do not pay the Social Security tax you will not be eligible for Social Security disability. For instance, some universities do not have their employees pay into the Social Security system.
If you do not have enough work credits for SSD, you can still be eligible for SSI. The problem with SSI is that it is limited to the range of $600 per month currently, and it is an asset based program. This means if you earn other income or someone in your family earns income or you have certain assets such as savings accounts or retirement accounts Social Security starts subtracting from your monthly benefits and you can end up with very little per month.
If you have any questions about whether you are eligible for SSD please feel free to give me a call.