As a Social Security disability law firm, we encounter many clients who ask us about the difference between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). We have provided a brief outline of SSDI and SSI benefits below.
For additional information about SSI or SSDI, contact an attorney at our firm. We have offices located throughout Alabama including Anniston, Albertville, Birmingham, Cullman, Decatur, Florence, Gadsden, Huntsville, Montgomery, Talladega and Tuscaloosa.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is for people who do not work or who have severely limited work capacity. People eligible for SSDI will typically have a physical disability or mental disability that limits their ability to work.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is for people who work but have limited income and limited resources. To be eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income, a person must not have resources that exceed $2,000; there are a few exceptions including a home and car of limited value.
How Do I Know Which Is Right for me?
Knowing which benefits to apply for can be a difficult decision. You don't have to make that decision on your own. Let our experienced SSDI/SSI attorneys provide you with the information necessary to make an informed decision.
We are pleased to offer a free consultation to discuss your legal needs. At your consultation, you will meet with an attorney who will ask questions about your situation to determine the best course of action. If you decide to retain our firm for your case, we can assist with initial applications and appeals if necessary.
Contact Pitts & Zanaty, L.L.C.
If you need to speak with a lawyer about Supplemental Security Income, contact Pitts & Zanaty, L.L.C. We represent clients throughout Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. If you are unable to travel to one of our offices, we can also provide you with information through the mail.
No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Social Security Administration (SSA) says that a successful applicant for disability benefits must be completely disabled. This is unlike some other programs and insurance policies that assist partially disabled persons. The disability must be a physical or mental impairment that is expected to last at least one year (or has already lasted one year) or will result in the applicant's death. This does not mean, however, that the applicant has to be permanently disabled.
If your application is denied, you may appeal the decision. There are several levels of appeal: reconsideration of your claim; a hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ); review by the Appeals Council; and review by the federal district court. You have a limited time in which to file the appeals, however. The advice and assistance of an attorney can help you make a stronger case during the appeals process.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) says that you must not be able to perform "substantial gainful activity," which means the type of activity a person normally does for pay or profit. If your monthly earnings are below a certain amount (which SSA sets every year), however, you will not be considered to be performing substantial gainful activity. If you are receiving disability benefits but wish to try working, you can take part in nine months' worth of a work trial period, during which SSA will not stop your benefits if you are still disabled.
Yes. To receive Social Security Disability benefits, you must have both a disability and a sufficient work history. The required work history depends on your age when your disability began; you must have worked for a certain number of years. Your work also must be recent enough to qualify.
No. Your disability benefit will be based on your earnings history, not the specific nature of your disability.
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs are both run by the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSDI provides benefits to people who are unable to work because of their disabilities. To be eligible, applicants must have a qualifying work history and be disabled or blind. SSI is a needs-based program. To be eligible for SSI, applicants must have limited income and resources and be aged, disabled or blind.
Benefits typically are paid beginning in the sixth month after the disability started. The application and decision process may take a long time, so it is best to apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled.
Workers' compensation benefits may reduce your Social Security Disability benefits, but you can receive them at the same time. If the total benefits exceed 80 percent of your average current earnings, your Social Security Disability benefit will be reduced.
