Within all the benefits that the United States can offer through its Social Security Administration there are three main ones. The name of these three is Retirement Benefit, Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Some of these payments can be combined, but not all. This means that many people can collect two different benefits at the same time.
Still, today we are going to focus on the differences between the disability benefit and SSI. As far as the retirement benefit is concerned, it is practically the same as the disability benefit, but it differs in the amount of money to be received and the age at which it can be applied for. In addition, the requirements also change. But these two, disability and retirement due to age, cannot be combined because they are in the same category. On the other hand, the Social Security Administration can pay disability and SSI at the same time.
Different Social Security payments
On the one hand, we have Social Security Disability Income, which is a benefit for people with disabilities. On the other hand, we have Supplemental Security Income, which is a subsidy for people with low income. As you can see, each is limited to a particular group. Although the two can be combined.
The main difference is that SSI can be combined with Social Security retirement and disability. In addition to this, it should also be noted that SSI is a supplement and not a benefit as such. Therefore, SSDI can have SSI as a supplement to allow the beneficiary to earn a little extra money each month.
SSDI and SSI Requirements
In terms of eligibility, the Social Security Administration grants SSDI to people with a disability who are unable to work. The conditions are usually different in each case and the best way to find out whether or not you are eligible for this subsidy is to speak directly with your local office.
On the other hand, SSI is intended for all people with low incomes. Scholarships or benefits, for example, are not included in this income. To find out if you qualify for Social Security SSI, use the BEST tool. This tool lets you know what kind of subsidies you may be eligible for after you enter your information. After checking if you are eligible for this or any other benefit, contact your SSA office to begin the application process.