Both the Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income programs are administered through the Social Security Administration. However, they are not the same program and it is important to realize the differences between them. Both programs are available to people who are disabled and/or blind.
There are several Social Security disability requirements. In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits (SSDI), you must have a prior work history. You must have earned enough of what Social Security calls “credits.” In general terms, you need to have worked five of the last ten years to qualify. One way to determine if you have enough credits would be to look at your Social Security Statement. This should show your work history and the amount of your benefit if you qualify for Social Security disability benefits. It is important to double check your Social Security Statement when you receive it to make sure that it accurately reflects your work history. If it does not show part of your earnings, you should contact Social Security and have that rectified. If you receive SSDI benefits, you will also receive Medicare two years after you become entitled to SSDI benefits.
Although administered through Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is paid through the U.S. Treasury and is based on need. It is not necessary to have a work history to receive SSI benefits; therefore many people who do not qualify for SSDI may be eligible for SSI, including children. It is still necessary that you have a qualifying disability for SSI benefits. Although the basic SSI amount is the same nationwide, the amount of your SSI benefit can decrease based upon the state that you live in, income, resources (bank accounts, stocks, bonds), and the amount you contribute for items such as food and shelter. If you qualify for SSI, your household income is also taken into account and determines the amount of SSI benefits, if any, you will receive. In most cases, qualifying for SSI entitles you to Medicaid benefits.
So what qualifies as a disability under Social Security? In other words, what are the Social Security disability requirements? "Disability" under Social Security is based on your inability to work. Social Security considers you disabled if:
- You cannot do work that you did before;
- You cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
- Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.
At The Hamilton Firm, we know the ins and outs of the various Social Security disability requirements and how to help you qualify for Social Security disability benefits. A good Tennessee Social Security attorney or Georgia Social Security attorney can help you get the benefits you have earned and deserve.
