What is the difference between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
The primary difference between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is who is eligible to receive benefits from each program. SSDI is a government-funded program that provides financial assistance to individuals who become disabled and are unable to work due to a medical condition. This program is funded through payroll taxes. In order to be eligible for SSDI, an individual must have worked and contributed to Social Security for a minimum of five years prior to becoming disabled. In contrast, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a government-funded program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are disabled and have limited or no income. Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require an individual to have worked in order to be eligible. Instead, individuals must meet certain income and resource requirements, such as having a limited amount of cash or other assets, and must meet certain residence requirements. In addition, SSDI benefits typically provide higher monthly payments than SSI benefits. However, SSDI benefits are only available to individuals who have worked and paid into the program in the past. Therefore, individuals who have not worked may not qualify for SSDI benefits and must rely solely on SSI.
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