Many people get somewhat confused when it comes to telling the difference between the two main Social Security Administration programs. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) are both government-run programs that assist people who are disabled to receive monthly benefits payments, however, these two programs are quite different when it comes to determining your eligibility. To learn more about which of these two programs could help you financially to get through your disability, read on.

The Similarities in SSDI and SSI.

Both programs pay monthly monetary benefits to those who cannot work due to a physical or mental disability.

Both share the same requirements in determining a medical disability.

The Differences

The main differences in these two program are the eligibility qualifications.

Social Security Disability Insurance

SSDI exists to help people who have worked at a job for a certain amount of time and earned a certain amount of money. These people have been paying into the SSA system throughout their entire working past through a deduction from their paychecks and the SSA has been putting that money aside to use if they are no longer able to work.

The amount of money you are able to "draw" each month depends upon how much money you have earned in the past and your age. The SSA uses a system of work credits to calculate your SSDI eligibility, and in general earning $1,200 earns you one credit. You must have at least 40 credits to qualify for SSDI, and 20 of those credits must have been earned in the previous 10 year time period. For those under the age of 31, the SSA uses a special calculator.

Supplemental Security Insurance

If you do not have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI, you still have an option for monetary payments if you are disabled through the SSI program. However, the SSDI program is only available to those who make very little money and own very little property. Generally, you must own less than $2,000 in property, not including your home and some personal possessions.

The SSA allows you to leave some of your income off of the calculation, however. Online calculating tools can assist you in getting a rough idea of how close you may come to qualifying for SSI. Normally, those who qualify for other government assistance programs such as housing programs and food stamps, will also qualify you for SSI.

The application process for both of these programs can be confusing, complicated and time-consuming. Consult with a Social Security attorney for guidance and help with appealing any denial of benefits.

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