Jessica found herself in a tight financial bind. She was unable to find a job that paid enough to support herself due to a disabling medical condition. An award of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits was not enough to support Jessica and her daughter. However, she soon learned that she might be eligible for Supplemental Security Income. She didn’t know much about the program until she took the time to learn three important things about Supplemental Security Income.
You Can Get SSDI at the Same Time as SSDI
SSDI is another disability program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The requirements and benefits differ, though. Both programs provide benefits to disabled persons. However,
It’s true that you can get both SSDI and SSI at the same time. However, the SSA generally provides simultaneous benefits to people who are approved with small monthly SSDI payments.
Not All of Your Income Is Counted
To receive SSI, you must meet strict income and resource guidelines. For example, the SSI limit for resources for an individual is $2,000. When your resources and income exceed that amount, your benefits may be reduced, delayed, or eliminated.
However, only the following income counts toward your income limit:
- Wages you earn from working;
- Money received from other sources, like workers’ compensation, unemployment benefits, and veterans’ benefits;
- Money received from friends and family; and
- Free food or shelter.
Not all of your resources will be counted either. To the SSA, resources include cash, bank accounts, personal property, and anything you own that could be sold and used for food or shelter.
You Don’t Need Work Credits to Get Supplemental Security Income
SSDI requires beneficiaries to have accumulated a certain number of work credits.
The SSI program does not require any work credits, but it does require that beneficiaries have limited income and resources.
If You Can’t Work Anymore, Find Out More About SSDI and SSI
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have more than 50 years’ experience in the legal field. Much of their work involves Social Security disability cases. For a free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100. Though our office is located in Anaheim, we assist clients throughout Southern California.
