Social Security Disability and SSI at the Same Time?

We have been getting some questions of late of whether individuals who qualify and get approved for social security disability (SSD) are eligible for social security supplemental income (SSI). First, let’s explain the two programs briefly.

Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability is a disability benefit program through the Social Security Administration. To qualify, individuals must meet three elements.

First, an individual must have insured status, meaning they paid enough employment taxes and have worked enough to have the necessary work credits. A good bench mark for most Claimants is that they had qualified employment in five of the last ten years. For 2012, you must earn $1,130.00 to acquire one credit and $4,520.00 to earn four credits.

Second, an individual must be medically disabled from performing substantial, gainful employment. This is the element that most SSD cases are argued over before a social security judge.

Third, the alleged disability must be expected to last for twelve or more months. After receiving social security disability for two or more years, recipients become eligible for Medicare. Additionally, SSD benefits can potentially be passed on to dependents. The 2012 maximum SSD monthly payment is $2,513.00.

Need Social Security Disability? Learn how Mooney & Associates helps you get the benefits you deserve.

Social Security Supplemental Income

Social Security Supplemental Income, or SSI, is for individuals who have limited income and resources and do not meet the work credit threshold for SSD. Typically, eligibility requirements include children or adults who are blind, a child or adult who is disabled, and 65 years of age or older.

In most states, when you become a SSI recipient, you also automatically qualify for Medicaid. The 2012 maximum monthly payment is $698.00 or $1,048.00 for a couple. Income/resources requirements typically are limited to $2,000.00 for an individual and $3,000.00 for a couple. Why so low? The program is needs based.

So then the questions pops up on eligibility for both programs, simultaneously. To that, we look at the current 2012 SSI level of payment, which is $698.00 per month. If you were awarded SSD and your monthly benefits exceed $698.00 per month, you do not quality for additional SSI.

If your SSD payment is low, below the $698.00 per month, then you may be eligible for SSI benefits to raise your monthly benefit amount to $698.00. Additional SSI funds will never exceed the $698.00 monthly amount. For example, if you were awarded SSD in the amount of $500.00 per month, you may be eligible for SSI of $198.00 per month to bring you up tot he SSI maximum level of $698.00 per month.

Count on Mooney

For more information contact us. If you have applied for SSD or SSI and have been denied, contact Attorney Jason Imler or Attorney Mark Buterbaugh at Mooney & Associates to help fight for your benefits. It is important to contact our firm right when you get your denial letter so we can ensure a time appeal.