If you can't work because of medical disabilities and you need financial help, you may be eligible for cash benefits from the federal government. You could get monthly disability benefits from both the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. But, each program has very specific eligibility rules. Do you qualify?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Work Rule
SSDI is a form of insurance for workers who have paid into Social Security through past jobs. So, if you have worked and paid FICA taxes from your wages, you could be eligible to get SSDI benefits. The catch, however, is that you must have a recent work history.
The work rule if you're 31 years of age or older is you must have accumulated 40 work credits within the past 10 years. That equals to five years of work. This doesn't mean five years in a row. It means your work credits must have been earned within the past 10 years.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Medical Rule
If you meet the work rule, then you must medically prove why you can't work. This can be a challenge. If you have a medical condition that has been identified by the Social Security Administration (SSA) as a disability, you won't have a problem getting approved for SSDI benefits. Otherwise, you're going to need medical support from your doctors and a detailed medical history that clearly shows SSA why you can't work.
Your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefit
How much you get in a monthly cash benefit is based upon how much you have earned over the years. Once you get SSDI benefits you can't get an increase even if your condition worsens. That's because you are no longer paying into the Social Security system. The average SSDI monthly cash benefit in 2012 was $1,111.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits Have a Needs-Based Rule
SSI is not based on work at all. It is based on need. If you don't have a lot to support you, which SSA calls "resources," and if you don't have much income, you could qualify for SSI monthly cash benefits as long as you can medically prove that you are disabled.
Your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefit
Your cash benefit is calculated from how much you have in income and resources. In 2012, the average cash benefit for one person was $698 a month and $1,048 for married couples.
Getting Both SSI and SSDI
The thing is, SSA counts your SSDI benefit as unearned income. Even if you are eligible for both SSDI and SSI benefits, you won't get the maximum SSI amount if you're also getting SSDI. You'll get a portion of it. That's because SSA subtracts your countable income from your SSI benefit. You may only gain a few extra dollars by getting both benefits.
These federal disability benefits programs are very complicated to understand. But, if you need disability benefits, make it easier on yourself. Find a Social Security Disability advocacy group to help you apply for the cash you qualify for.
