What is the Difference between Social Security and SSI Disability?
The Social Security Administration handles two disability programs: Social Security disability and Supplemental Security Income disability. The medical determination process is the same for both disability programs. You file a disability claim with Social Security and it is sent to a state disability agency for a medical determination.
Disability examiners use the same Disability Evaluation Under Social Security handbook to make both SSI and SSD medical decisions. This handbook is known as the “bluebook” and it contains general information, evidentiary requirements, and a listing of impairments. There are fourteen adult impairment body system listings that contain the disability evaluation criteria for each body system.
In addition to this disability guidebook, disability examiners use your work history and questionnaires completed by yourself and your third party contact (generally the contact person you listed on your initial disability application) to make their medical determination.
If your SSI and/or SSD claim is denied, the disability appeal process is also the same.
So now what are the differences between Social Security disability and Supplemental Security Income disability? Well as you may have ascertained, the difference in the programs involve non-disability criteria.
For instance, Social Security disability is based upon insured status, which is earned through work activity. Each year, you can potentially earn four quarters of coverage toward insured status for both Social Security disability and retirement. The amount of quarters need for insured status depends upon your age when you became disabled.
If you are insured for Social Security disability, there is a monetary benefit payable to you and potentially your dependents. Conversely, Supplemental Security Income disability is based upon need and just like any other need based program there are income and resource limits. If you are a single individual you are allowed to have two thousand dollars in resources.
Resources might include vehicles, boats, land, homes, retirement funds, trust funds, 401ks, bank balances, and so forth. You are allowed to have the home and land you live on and one vehicle excluded (generally the highest vehicle). If you are a couple the resource limit is three thousand dollars.
Additionally, there are income limits established for this program. Income limits depend upon the type of income involved (work earnings, unemployment, short term disability, long term disability, veteran’s benefits, etc) and household members. Income levels can vary depending upon the family situation.
In summary, both Social Security disability programs go through the same medical evaluation process and appeal process, but eligibility is dependent upon different non-disability criteria.
Return to:
Social Security Disability Secrets
Social Security Disability Benefit Questions
Other Posts
SSI disability claim overview
SSI disability claim
SSI eligibility disability qualifications
Definition of disability how does social security define disability
Filing for disability, how to file
Can you get approved for disability for CFS?
Disability examiners use the same Disability Evaluation Under Social Security handbook to make both SSI and SSD medical decisions. This handbook is known as the “bluebook” and it contains general information, evidentiary requirements, and a listing of impairments. There are fourteen adult impairment body system listings that contain the disability evaluation criteria for each body system.
In addition to this disability guidebook, disability examiners use your work history and questionnaires completed by yourself and your third party contact (generally the contact person you listed on your initial disability application) to make their medical determination.
If your SSI and/or SSD claim is denied, the disability appeal process is also the same.
So now what are the differences between Social Security disability and Supplemental Security Income disability? Well as you may have ascertained, the difference in the programs involve non-disability criteria.
For instance, Social Security disability is based upon insured status, which is earned through work activity. Each year, you can potentially earn four quarters of coverage toward insured status for both Social Security disability and retirement. The amount of quarters need for insured status depends upon your age when you became disabled.
If you are insured for Social Security disability, there is a monetary benefit payable to you and potentially your dependents. Conversely, Supplemental Security Income disability is based upon need and just like any other need based program there are income and resource limits. If you are a single individual you are allowed to have two thousand dollars in resources.
Resources might include vehicles, boats, land, homes, retirement funds, trust funds, 401ks, bank balances, and so forth. You are allowed to have the home and land you live on and one vehicle excluded (generally the highest vehicle). If you are a couple the resource limit is three thousand dollars.
Additionally, there are income limits established for this program. Income limits depend upon the type of income involved (work earnings, unemployment, short term disability, long term disability, veteran’s benefits, etc) and household members. Income levels can vary depending upon the family situation.
In summary, both Social Security disability programs go through the same medical evaluation process and appeal process, but eligibility is dependent upon different non-disability criteria.
Return to:
Other Posts
SSI disability claim overview
SSI disability claim
SSI eligibility disability qualifications
Definition of disability how does social security define disability
Filing for disability, how to file
Can you get approved for disability for CFS?
Labels: social security disability benefits, ssi disability claim
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