The difference between SSD and SSI disability benefits often comes down to how you’ve worked and what your financial situation looks like. SSD (or SSDI) is intended for people who have worked for years and paid into Social Security. SSI is designed for those with very limited income or resources, even if they haven’t been able to work in the past.
If you’re not sure which program fits your situation, a Lafayette Social Security disability lawyer can help you understand what you may qualify for and what the Social Security Administration (SSA) will review in your medical file.
This guide will also help by explaining the differences between SSDI and SSI benefits and what you can expect when submitting your application for either program.
The Difference Between SSD and SSI Disability Benefits Under Social Security Administration Rules
SSDI and SSI both provide disability benefits, but they are technically two different systems with different criteria requirements. SSDI is based on your work credits and earning history. SSI is based on income and financial need.
The next section provides a breakdown of how each program works and how the SSA determines eligibility.
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SSD (or SSDI): Disability Insurance Based on Work Credits
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) functions like an insurance program. This means you pay into Social Security taxes during your working years, and those contributions earn you work credits. If you develop a significant medical condition that prevents you from working, you can then use those credits to apply for SSDI.
Who Qualifies for SSDI?
You may qualify for Social Security disability if:
- You have a disabling medical condition that meets the SSA’s definition.
- You have earned enough work credits based on your age.
- You paid Social Security taxes during your employment.
SSDI is meant for individuals who have worked for years and are experiencing an impairment that prevents them from substantial work activity.
How SSDI Monthly Payments are Calculated
SSDI payments are based on your lifetime earnings, not on your household income or financial resources. Higher earners typically receive higher SSD benefits because they contributed more to the disability insurance program.
Health Coverage Through SSDI
Most SSDI recipients become eligible for Medicare after a waiting period. This can help cover long-term medical care and treatment for chronic conditions that limit your work activity.
If Your Work History Meets SSA Requirements
SSDI is usually the right fit if you have worked for many years and paid Social Security taxes through your job or self-employment. If you’ve built up enough work credits, this is the program the SSA will review first.
SSI: Income-Based Disability Benefits for Those With Limited Resources
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is different from SSDI in that it does not rely on work credits. Instead, SSI focuses on financial need and is available to people who have very limited income and resources.
Who Qualifies for SSI?
SSI is available to:
- Adults with disabilities.
- Children with disabilities.
- Individuals age 65 or older with limited income.
- People who do not have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI.
SSI looks at your current income and the resources you have available. Your past work history does not affect eligibility for this program.
How SSI Payments are Calculated
Payments are based on the SSI Federal Payment Amount (or Federal Benefit Rate), which is a set monthly amount that changes each year. The SSA then reviews any income you receive and adjusts your monthly SSI payment based on that information.
State Supplemental Payments
Some states also offer supplemental payments to help individuals with very limited income meet basic needs. These supplements depend on state rules and your specific situation, such as whether you live alone or need help with daily care.
Louisiana does offer Supplemental Security Income. You may be eligible for this state benefit if you have a disability that prevents you from working, you are 65 years of age or older, and your disability is expected to last a year or more or result in death. You are also eligible if you are considered blind according to the SSA’s standards.
SSI Health Coverage
Most people who qualify for SSI also receive Medicaid, giving them access to medical care and treatment they may rely on long term. Because Medicaid has broader coverage for low-income individuals, it can be a vital resource if you are living with a serious impairment.
If You Have Not Worked Recently or Lack Work Credits
If you haven’t worked recently or never earned enough work credits, SSI may fit your situation better than SSDI. Many applicants fall into this category, especially if their disability began years before they were able to build a work history.
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How the SSA Defines Disability for Both Programs
Even though the criteria for receiving SSI and SSD benefits differ, what it means to be declared disabled according to the Social Security Administration is the same. Your disability, therefore, must fall within the criteria below for eligibility.
Under SSA rules, the medical definition of disability means:
- You have a medically determinable impairment.
- The impairment prevents substantial work activity.
- Your condition is expected to last at least one year or result in death.
Both SSDI and SSI programs require you to have strong medical evidence and consistent treatment records, along with other documentation that shows how your impairment limits your daily activities. When looking at this evidence and documentation, the SSA will evaluate both physical and mental conditions.
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The SSA’s Five-Step Process for Disability Determination
The administration uses the same five-step disability determination process, whether you are submitting an application for SSDI or SSI. Each of these steps helps the SSA understand the severity of your condition and how it affects your ability to work in any capacity.
1. Are You Working Over the SGA Level?
The SSA first checks whether you are earning above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is a monthly income cap that changes each year. If your income is higher than this amount, SSA typically does not consider you disabled.
2. Do You Have a Severe Medically Determinable Impairment?
Your medical condition must prevent or limit you from performing basic work activities such as standing, lifting, concentrating, following instructions, or interacting with others. It must also meet the 12-month duration requirement, meaning the impairment has lasted, or is expected to last, at least a full year.
3. Does Your Condition Meet the Listing of Impairments?
The SSA’s Listing of Impairments includes strict medical criteria for a wide range of conditions. If your medical records show that your symptoms meet those criteria or that your limitations are equal in severity, the SSA may approve your disability claim without moving to later steps.
4. Can You Perform Any of Your Past Work?
If your condition does not meet a listing, the SSA reviews your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC), which outlines the most you can still do physically and mentally despite your impairments. They then compare your RFC to the demands of your previous jobs to determine whether you could realistically return to that work.
5. Can You Adjust to Other Work?
If you cannot return to past work, the SSA then evaluates whether you can adjust to working other types of jobs, taking into account your age, education, skills, and functional limitations. If no suitable work exists based on your limitations, you may be approved for disability benefits.
Medical Evidence Needed for SSD and SSI Disability Claims
The decisions the Social Security Administration makes for SSDI and SSI benefits rely heavily on the medical evidence included in your file. The SSA needs a full picture of your diagnosis as well as how your symptoms affect your daily life and the treatments you have received.
To do this, the kinds of evidence they will look at can include:
- Records from your treating doctors.
- Imaging tests such as MRIs, CT scans, or X-rays.
- Lab results and diagnostic reports.
- Hospital or clinic records.
- Notes from specialists and mental health providers.
- Psychological assessments.
- Statements from medical professionals familiar with your condition.
- Functional capacity evaluations.
- Information about your daily routines and limitations.
The more consistent and detailed your documentation is, the better, as this makes it easier for the SSA to understand the severity of your condition and whether it meets their disability standard.
Can You Receive SSD and SSI at the Same Time?
In some cases, yes. You could potentially qualify for both SSDI and SSI if you receive SSD and the payments are low due to a limited work history. In this case, if your SSDI benefit amount falls below the SSI payment threshold, you may receive supplemental SSI payments to meet the financial minimum.
The SSA will evaluate your income and SSDI benefit rate to determine if concurrent benefits apply.
Why Understanding the Difference Between SSD and SSI Matters
Knowing the difference between SSDI and SSI can help you avoid delays and choose the right application process. It can also help you identify what evidence you need. Applying for the wrong program or misunderstanding SSA’s requirements can lead to avoidable denials and longer wait times.
However, keep in mind that a denied claim does not always mean you are ineligible. Often, the SSA just needs better documentation or clearer explanations of your limitations.
If this happens, a Social Security disability attorney in Louisiana can:
- Help you identify the correct program.
- Gather stronger medical evidence.
- Better prepare you for questions from the SSA or a judge.
- Handle the appeals application process.
To avoid further complications, it is not advised to appeal a Social Security denial without a lawyer. Even if you haven’t received a denial or haven’t applied yet, an SSD lawyer can offer you guidance and support so you can avoid dealing with a denial in the first place.
Get the Disability Help You Need From Galloway Jefcoat
Galloway Jefcoat Injury Attorneys has been trusted in Louisiana since 1996. Our team understands how the SSA reviews disability claims, and we work hard to help people secure the benefits they rely on.
If you’re unsure about the difference between SSDI and SSI disability benefits, or which program fits your situation, reach out for a free consultation. Our attorneys will look at your medical and financial details and explain your options so you can have a better understanding of how to move forward.
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