The Social Security Administration sends different checks to retirees in the United States. Each of these checks is different not only in the sense of the type of beneficiary. The type of benefit can also be different, so we must know all the types of benefits to know which ones we can apply for from Social Security.
Two of the most commonly requested benefits are the Social Security disability check and Supplemental Security Income. Although many people think they are the same benefit, nothing could be further from the truth. Each of these Social Security payments are completely different and, moreover, they are separate and can be combined.
This means that a retiree with the disability benefit can apply for Social Security Supplemental Security Income. So yes, a beneficiary can receive two of these checks every month. In rare cases, retirees can even receive three. The most important thing of all is to know the requirements for each and to know what the differences are.
Differences between the Disability Benefit and Supplemental Security Income
The first thing to know is what the maximum amount of each is. On the one hand, the disability payment has a maximum check of $3,627 per month. The Supplemental Security Income, on the other hand, has a maximum amount of $914 per month.
Each of these checks has a different purpose as well. The Supplemental Security Income payment is actually a sort of supplement to the other benefits. On the other hand, the disability payment is a benefit like the age retirement benefit. United States citizens can stop receiving either one or the other if they cease to qualify.
Eligibility for these Social Security benefits
As a final piece of information, let’s also look at the eligibility requirements for these two benefits. Each of the Social Security checks has different requirements, and Supplemental Security Income has different requirements, as does the disability check.
Conditions for Supplemental Security Income
First of all, you must be 65 years of age or have a disability. If we meet these two objectives we already have 50% of the requirements to obtain the Supplemental Security Income on a monthly basis.
The second requirement to apply for this benefit is to have low income. Each case is completely individual, so the Social Security Administration must thoroughly review each Supplemental Security Income application for a specific amount.
Disability Benefit Eligibility
The Disability Benefit check depends on one basic requirement. In order to qualify for this benefit, you must meet Social Security’s requirements under the description of disability.
In general, this benefit is only available to citizens who are unable to work because of a long-term illness or disability. Each case is also totally unique, so we must apply for it to know if we can really receive it or not.
In case we want to apply for the disability benefit we will need to present all kinds of medical documents. In addition, this benefit opens the door to apply for Supplemental Security Income, so it is a good idea to apply for it if you are eligible.