Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is different from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The Social Security Administration (SSA) pays SSI benefits based on financial need, not based on disability.

However, the program focuses on helping the elderly, blind, and disabled who have low or no income. You may be eligible if you are older than 65 years of age, blind, or disabled and meet the following SSI requirements:

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What Are the Differences Between SSDI and SSI?
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  • Are a U.S. citizen or a qualified noncitizen
  • Have limited income and resources
  • Are a resident of one of the states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands
  • Are not in a prison or hospital at the expense of the government

You must submit an application and give SSA permission to contact other entities about your financial situation.

The SSA will look into all sources of income, including other Social Security benefits, workers’ compensation, unemployment benefits, and Veteran Affair benefits.

They might also count any money friends or family give you. 

 The SSA will look into your resources, such as:

  • Cash.
  • Bank accounts, stocks, and bonds.
  • Property.
  • Insurance.
  • Vehicles.

You might not be eligible if you have more than $2,000 in resources as an individual or $3,000 as a couple. The SSDI program has no limit when it comes to the amount of assets or resources.

You will also lose SSI benefits if you:

  • Leave the country for 30 consecutive days.
  • Have an unsatisfied felony.
  • Have an arrest warrant.
  • Go to prison, jail, correctional institutions, detention centers, halfway houses, or boot camps.
  • Give away resources to be below the SSI limit.

You can receive both SSDI and SSI at the same time. You will just need to apply.

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By Admin