Disability Compared

I want to start by clarifying that when I am talking about disability, I am not talking about the short and long-term disability benefit you receive from your employer.  I am talking about Social Security disability.  This is a permanent benefit that provides an income for those who are unable to work.  This is provided from the Social Security Administration and is a federal program.

 I would like to compare the two disability benefits that Social Security has and explain the general process that happens to reach a decision.  These two programs are SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Income).

Social Security Disability Income

• Only those who have paid enough social security taxes while working can receive this benefit.  The key number is 40 work credits but does vary by age.   You can earn up to four credits a year.
• There is no maximum or minimum amount for this benefit.  It is based on how much you have paid into the "system."
• There are no income limits or resource limits to qualify. 
• Family members can draw from your benefit as well (specifically children)
• Is retroactive to the date you can prove your disability began.
• The application can be done online.  Other paperwork can be done online too.
• If you return to work, you lose the benefit.

Supplemental  Security Income

• Program is available to newborns who meet weight and health requirements, young adults with no work credits, adults that don't have enough work credits, and those 65 and older who meet income requirements.
• Payout is usually based on how much income is coming into the home two months before the disability, and has a maximum payout of $674 this year for singles and $1011 for couples.
• There are income and resource limits to receive the benefit.  They usually coincide with Medicaid or are close.
• If you receive SSI you are almost automatically eligible for Medicaid.  You just need to apply and provide proof of the benefit.
• Family members should still be able to draw benefits from you.
• Is not retroactive.  Benefit begins the month of application and payment the month after application.
• The application must be done by calling 1-800-772-1213 to set up an appointment.  Social Security is moving toward allowing this to be online also like SSDI is.
• If you return to work and don't make of $674 a month, you can still receive this benefit.

The general process for applying for disability goes like this.  You call Social Security to set up an interview appointment or apply online at www.ssa.gov.  From there a "lead" is set up for you and the process begins.  Your claim is then sent to the local office.  Some preliminary paperwork is done and sent to the claimant.  Then the case is sent to DDS (Disability Determination Services) where the medical evaluation of your claim takes place.  When that is complete, it is sent back to the local office where the non-medical determination is made.  They have 30 to complete the claim from here.  From start to finish it normally takes 120 days or more to process a claim.  For more information on this process you can read my blog post from 6/22/10.

I trust this has been useful information.  There will most likely be more posts in the future that share more detail about these programs and the process for applying for them.

Helping you get the upper hand to change your life forever,

Peter Bunn
Rising Leader

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