A person may be qualified for government aid through the Social Security Administration (SSA) if they cannot work due to an illness. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are the two main programs accessible to people with disabilities. However, many people wonder if it is possible to be denied SSI while receiving SSDI.
It is possible to be granted SSDI but denied SSI. These two programs have different qualifying requirements. SSDI is based on a person’s employment history and the number of social security credits they have incurred, whereas SSI is a need-based program.
This article will examine the distinction between these two programs and explore the answer to the above question in detail.
Approval for SSDI but Denial for SSI
Yes, it is possible to be granted SSDI but denied SSI. This is due to the fact that the requirements for participating in these two programs vary. SSDI is based on an individual’s employment history and the number of Social Security credits they have incurred, whereas SSI is a needs-based program.
Even though both programs offer financial support to people unable to work, each program has different requirements and qualifying standards. For instance, a person might not be approved for SSI if their income or resources are too high.
However, they might still be qualified for SSDI if they have worked and gained enough Social Security credits. But even if someone meets the income and resource requirements for SSI, they might not qualify for SSDI because they have not gained enough credits.
It is significant to note that both programs use identical disability eligibility standards. A person must have a disability that prevents them from working and supporting themselves to qualify for either program.
The same physical or mental impairment that prohibits a person from engaging in Significant Gainful Activity (SGA) and is anticipated to endure for at least 12 months or longer is the disability definition used by the SSA for both programs.
Difference In Eligibility Criteria For SSI And SSDI
While SSI and SSDI offer financial support to people with disabilities, the eligibility requirements for each program vary. While SSDI is based on a person’s employment history and Social Security credits, SSI is a need-based program.
Determining which program a person may be eligible for requires understanding the various eligibility requirements.
Appealing A Denied SSI Or SSDI Claim
Individuals can appeal the decision if they are refused SSI or SSDI compensation. Although the appeal process can be difficult and time-consuming, people must know their options and rights.
Individuals can manage the appeals process and improve their chances of receiving disability benefits by speaking with an expert lawyer or advocate.
Resource For Individuals With Disabilities
There are other resources accessible to people with disabilities besides SSI and SSDI. Medicaid, Medicare, and programs for vocational rehabilitation may be among these resources. People with disabilities must consider all their options and available support systems to make sure they get the help they require.
How Are SSI And SSDI Benefits Calculated?
Different criteria determine how much SSI or SSDI benefits an individual will get. The Federal Benefit Rate (FBR), established annually by the federal government, is the foundation for SSI benefit calculations. In 2023, the FBR will be $794 per month for individuals and $1,191 per month for couples.
However, suppose a person has resources or income that exceed the eligibility criteria. Their actual benefit amount may be less than the FBR in that case. A person’s typical lifetime earnings determine the SSDI benefit amount.
The Social Security Administration uses a formula to determine the benefit amount, which considers a person’s past earnings history and the age at which they became disabled. The SSDI compensation amount is typically greater than the benefit amount for SSI.
When a person is approved for both SSI and SSDI, they will get both benefits. However, the amount of the SSI payment will be deducted from their total payout. It is because, unlike SSDI, which is based on a person’s past wages, the SSI payout is need-based.
The overall benefit amount has been reduced to prevent the individual from collecting more benefits than they are entitled to based on their income and resources.
The Role Of Medical Evidence In SSDI and SSDI Claims
Medical documentation is a key factor in evaluating eligibility for SSI and SSDI benefits. An individual must present medical documentation to support their disability claim to be authorized for disability benefits. Medical records, test findings, and statements from attending physicians can all be considered part of this evidence.
To ascertain if a person’s handicap satisfies the legal definition of disability, the SSA will examine this evidence. People must offer as much medical documentation as possible to support their claims.
If a person’s claim is rejected, they might need to submit more medical documentation to back up their appeal. Individuals needing assistance gathering and presenting the required medical evidence for their case should speak with a skilled medical specialist and an experienced attorney or advocate.
Final Thoughts
It is possible to receive SSDI benefits and be denied SSI. This is because the eligibility criteria for each program are different. While SSI is a need-based program offering financial assistance to disabled people who do not have money and resources, the SSDI criteria are a bit different.
The SSDI benefits consider a person’s work history and the number of social security credits they have achieved. Although the disability eligibility criteria for both are the same, their benefit levels are different, with SSDI offering greater benefit amounts than SSI.
Remember that both programs have extensive and complicated application procedures. It is advised that those applying for disability benefits speak with an experienced advocate or attorney. People can be guided through the entire procedure by either an advocate or attorney and understand their eligibility for SSI and SSDI in a better way in order to avoid their claim being rejected.
