What is the difference between SSI and SSD?

There is a lot of confusion about what the difference between SSI and SSD is. The full names contain clues: Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance. As you may have gleaned, SSI is income based on need and has requirements such as limited income, limited resources, U.S. citizenship/U.S National status (with some exceptions), and live in the U.S. (also with some exceptions). The differences continue with respect to how much your benefit will be. For SSD the benefit is based on your earnings record. For SSI the benefit will be based on need. Other differences include what sort of medical coverage you are eligible for. For SSD there is a two year waiting period, but once you have been receiving benefits for two years. For SSI you will generally be eligible for Medicaid right away. While they may seem confusing at the beginning, an experienced attorney should be able to clear it up for you as well as any other questions you may have. For more information, please see the Social Security Administration’s website at:

http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/245/~/difference-between-social-security-disability-and-ssi-disability.

Whether you’re just considering applying for disability or you have a hearing already scheduled, call us at (248) 398-7100  for a free consultation or contact us with a private message.