What Is the Difference Between Social Security Disability and SSI?
What is the Difference Between Social Security Disability and SSI?
The major differences between Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are:
  • Social Security Disability usually provides higher benefits than SSI.
  • A person can get Social Security Disability, only if he or she previously earned enough “work credits” by working and paying federal taxes into the Social Security system.
  • A person generally earns enough “work credits” by working for 5 out of the last 10 years before becoming disabled. Someone who becomes disabled as a young adult may need fewer “work credits.” The Social Security Act has other exceptions to this work requirement, to allow benefits for blind persons, disabled children, families of deceased workers, and others with special circumstances.
  • A person can get Social Security Disability benefits, even if he or she has personal savings, owns property, lives with someone who is working, or has other sources of income.
  • A disabled individual, who does not qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, may still be able to get Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
  • To get SSI, the disabled person must be living in a low-income household, have very little savings or property, and have little or no other source of financial support.
Many disabled people who have a legal right to Social Security Disability or SSI have trouble showing the Social Security Administration that they meet all the legal requirements.
 
We want to help you get the Social Security Disability benefits you deserve. If you or a loved one was denied Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income, contact an experienced Michigan Social Security lawyer immediately.
 
 
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