Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two separate programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). While both provide financial assistance to eligible individuals, there are important differences between the two programs.
Social Security benefits are available to workers who have paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. These benefits are intended to provide a safety net for retirees, as well as for workers who become disabled and are unable to work. To be eligible for Social Security benefits, a person must have earned a certain number of work credits by paying into the system.
On the other hand, SSI is a needs-based program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources. Unlike Social Security benefits, SSI is not based on a person's work history. Instead, eligibility is determined by the SSA based on a person's financial situation.
Another key difference between the two programs is the amount of financial assistance provided. Social Security benefits are typically higher than SSI benefits, as they are based on a person's earnings history. SSI benefits, on the other hand, are set by federal law and are the same for all eligible individuals.
Social Security benefits are available to workers who have paid into the system, while SSI is a needs-based program for individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled. Social Security benefits are based on a person's earnings history, while SSI benefits are set by federal law. Both programs provide financial assistance to eligible individuals, but the amount of assistance and eligibility criteria differ.
In conclusion, Social Security Disability (SSDI) and SSI are two different programs that provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. SSDI is a program that provides benefits to individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system, while SSI is a program that provides benefits to low-income individuals who are disabled, regardless of their work history. Both programs have strict eligibility requirements and provide different levels of financial assistance. It is important for individuals to understand the differences between these programs in order to determine which one they may be eligible for.