SSD vs SSI

Social Security Disability Insurance

Supplemental Security Income

Eligibility

A disabled or blind individual must have paid Social Security taxes to become insured for benefits.

A disabled or blind adult or child must meet all of the following categories:

• Have limited income;
• Have limited resources;
• Be a U.S. citizen or national, or in one of certain categories of aliens; and
• Live in the United States or Northern Mariana Islands.

Payment

The monthly disability benefit amount is based on the Social Security earnings record of the insured worker.

The monthly payment is based on need and varies up to the maximum federal benefit rate.  Some states add money to federal SSI payments.

Medical Coverage

The worker will get Medicare coverage automatically after receiving disability benefits for two years.

In most states, beneficiaries are automatically eligible for Medicaid.

Complete explanation of the benefit