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What's The Difference Between Disability And SSI?

Last updated: August 6, 2023

When it comes to disability and SSI, many people are confused about the differences between the two. Disability and SSI are two distinct programs that provide benefits to people with disabilities, but the differences between them can be confusing. In this article, we'll explain what's the difference between disability and SSI and how they affect individuals.

What's The Difference Between Disability And SSI?

Disability and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) are two related concepts in the United States social security system, but they have different meanings and implications.

Disability

Disability is a medical condition that limits a person's ability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a physical or mental impairment. Disability benefits are provided through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is a federal program that pays monthly benefits to disabled individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years.

SSI

SSI is a need-based program that provides monthly payments to eligible individuals with limited income and resources who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. Unlike SSDI, SSI does not take into account an individual's work history, but rather their financial situation.

What Is Disability?

The first thing to understand is what disability is. Disability is a condition, illness, or injury that prevents a person from doing some or all of the activities that are considered normal for their age group. Disability can be physical, mental, or both, and it can be temporary or permanent. To be considered disabled, a person must be unable to work or earn a living, and they must be unable to perform the activities of daily living, such as bathing and eating.

What Is SSI?

SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income, a federal program that provides monthly payments to people aged 65 or older, blind or disabled. SSI is intended to provide financial assistance to people with disabilities who are unable to support themselves through work or other sources of income. Unlike disability, SSI does not require that the person be unable to work or earn a living.

Who Qualifies For Disability And SSI?

There are different criteria for determining who qualifies for disability and SSI. To be eligible for disability, a person must have a physical or mental impairment that prevents them from performing the substantial gainful activity. To be eligible for SSI, a person must be aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled, and their income and resources must meet certain requirements.

What Benefits Do Disability And SSI Provide?

The benefits of disability and SSI vary depending on the individual's situation. Disability provides a monthly payment to individuals who are unable to work due to a physical or mental disability. SSI provides a monthly payment to individuals who are aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled and who meet certain financial requirements. Both disability and SSI also provide additional benefits, such as medical care, hospitalization coverage, housing assistance, and other expenses.

How Do Disability And SSI Affect Individuals?

Disability and SSI can both have a significant impact on an individual's life. Disability provides a monthly payment to individuals who are unable to work due to a physical or mental disability, and it can help them to cover the costs of medical care, housing, and other expenses. 

SSI provides a monthly payment to individuals who are aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled and who meet certain financial requirements. Both disability and SSI can help individuals cover the costs of medical care and other expenses. They can also provide additional benefits, such as assistance with housing and other expenses.

What's The Difference Between Disability And SSI? Key Points

Disability and SSI are two distinct programs that provide benefits to people with disabilities. Disability is a condition, illness, or injury that prevents a person from doing some or all of the activities that are considered normal for their age group, while SSI is a federal program that provides monthly payments to people who are aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled. 

To be eligible for disability, a person must have a physical or mental impairment that prevents them from performing a substantial gainful activity, while to be eligible for SSI, a person must meet certain financial requirements. Disability and SSI both provide monthly payments, medical care, and other benefits to individuals with disabilities, and they can both have a significant impact on an individual's life.

If you are interested in more articles like this, here’s one about the difference between SSDI Vs SSI.

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Zoey Appleton
Zoey has worked with Cheri for years and has been creating the best articles not only for Disability Help but for our readers. Her job hits close to home for she has a brother with special needs. She hopes to see science and technology pave the way for a better life, with Disability Help to cover it and share it with those that need it.
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