SSD
Social Security Disability

SSI
Supplemental Security Income

SSD is a financial assistance program for those people who have earned enough Social Security "credits" to qualify for disability on their own work record.

Eligibility IS NOT based upon income or assets.

SSI is a financial assistance program for those people who have NOT earned enough Social Security "credits" to qualify for disability on their own work record.

Eligibility IS based upon income and assets.

Can apply at local Social Security office as soon as person becomes disabled. File by phone, internet, mail, or by visiting the nearest office.

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Must have a physical or mental impairment that prevents substantial work and that will last at least 12 months or result in death.

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First benefit check is paid the 6^th full month after the date that the disability BEGAN. (There is a five month waiting period before benefits start.)

First benefit check is paid the 1^st full month after the date a person filed his/her claim, or, if later, the date on which he/she becomes eligible for SSI.

Appeals of unfavorable determinations (denials) must be filed at the local Social Security field office within 60 days of the date the determination letter was received

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Monthly payment is based on disabled person's lifetime average of Social Security taxed earnings.

Monthly payment is a standard, minimum amount.

Certain members of the disabled person’s family may also qualify for benefits based on disabled person's work record.

SSI payments are for the disabled individual only.

People receiving SSD are automatically eligible for Medicare after they have received SSD benefits for two years. They may also be eligible for Medicaid if their income and assets are low enough.

People receiving SSI do not qualify for Medicare because they haven't paid into the system. Generally, people who get SSI will qualify for Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), State Supplement, and other types of assistance.

Benefits can stop if you work at a level considered "substantial." For 2007, usually work generating average earnings of $900 or more a month are considered "substantial." (Different amounts apply to people who are disabled because of blindness.)

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Benefits can also stop if the Social Security Administration decides that your medical condition has improved to the point that you are no longer disabled.

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