What is Social Security Disability
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Disability Insurance)
Sometimes, because of disease or some unfortunate severe malfunction of the body an adult can no longer work. For a child, the malfunction may be of such a severe nature, that it is most unlikely he/she will be able to work. The medical condition(s) preventing someone from working must have a duration of one year or ultimately end in death. To be determined disabled there is a five-step process.
Some work benefits may include short-term or partial disability benefits. This is not true with Social Security. There are no short-term or partial disability benefits. Sometimes family members may also receive Social Security, if there is a disabled worker receiving benefits within the family unit.
Out of many Federal programs that provide assistance, Social Security disability programs provide some amount of monetary relief for those who qualify for them.
Social Security and SSI ( Supplemental Security Income)
The amount a Claimant may receive under SSI is somewhat based upon income/resources. For example: only a portion of your income is counted, food stamps are not counted and home energy assistance may not be counted.
Some of the resources that may be counted include: real estate, bank accounts, cash, stocks and bonds. As it says in the title, it is supplemental.
The qualifications for SSI are:
- One must be blind, disabled or at least 65 years old and have limited income and resources,
- There is criteria regarding citizenship as well.
- The criteria is a little different for children (under age 18).
Please note, there is criteria that needs to be met before someone may qualify for disability benefits.
There are some social security benefits a qualified recipient of SSI may be eligible for as well, such as:
- Medicaid and food stamps
The monetary resources for this program do not come from Social Security taxes, but from other revenues within the US Treasury.
Social Security and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
This Social Security benefit is based upon work (calendar quarters) and taxes paid into the system. It is like an insurance policy, that is: you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.
As of 2007, per $1,000, you earn a maximim of four credits per year: the amount of money needed to earn one credit goes up every year. Generally, most people need 40 credits for ten years of work to qualify for benefits.
Sources
Pamphlets from Social Security, Understanding the Benefits--Disability Benefits--Supplemental Security Income.
For additional information, please see: www.ssa.gov., and/or contact your local Social Security Office, or a Social Security Representative.
Note to the reader: The information presented is by no means complete--but merely a brief summary. There is far more information in terms of qualifying for social security benefits and qualification for disability benefits.
