What is SSDI?

SSDI is a federal program that provides benefits to individuals who have worked and paid into Social Security through payroll taxes but are now unable to work due to a disability. The amount of your SSDI benefits depends on your past earnings and the amount you’ve contributed to Social Security.

Eligibility for SSDI:

• You must have worked for a certain number of years (based on your age) and paid Social Security taxes.
• You must have a disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death.

What is SSI?

SSI is a need-based program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are disabled, blind, or age 65 and older, and have limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, you do not need to have a work history to qualify for SSI, making it more accessible to individuals with limited or no work history.

Eligibility for SSI:

• You must have a limited income and resources (this includes cash, property, and assets).
• You must be disabled or over the age of 65.

Is It Harder to Get SSI or SSDI?

Work History and Income Limits:

SSDI can be more difficult to qualify for if you have a limited work history or haven't worked long enough in jobs that pay into Social Security. On the other hand, SSI is focused on financial need, so if your income and resources are low, it might be easier to qualify for SSI even if you haven’t worked much.

Medical Evidence:

Both programs require substantial medical evidence, but SSDI may be harder to qualify for in terms of medical requirements. You need to show that your disability is severe enough to prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA). SSI, while it also requires medical evidence, can sometimes be easier to qualify for if you meet the financial criteria.

Approval Process:

The approval process for SSDI and SSI can be long and difficult, but SSDI may be more challenging in terms of meeting the work history and disability criteria. With SSI, it’s crucial to meet the income and asset limits, which can also pose a challenge for some applicants.

Which One Is More Likely to Be Approved?

• SSDI: The approval rate for SSDI can be more difficult because applicants need to prove they’ve worked enough and contributed to Social Security, in addition to showing their disability.
• SSI: While the approval rate for SSI is higher in some cases because it’s based on need rather than work history, the process can be more challenging for those who have assets or income that exceeds the program’s limits.

Common Challenges for Both Programs:

• Medical Documentation: Both SSDI and SSI require comprehensive medical documentation, and if your condition is not severe enough, it may be difficult to qualify.
• Initial Denials: Both SSDI and SSI have high initial denial rates, and applicants often have to go through an appeals process.
• Complex Application Process: The paperwork and documentation required for both programs can be overwhelming, and missing even one small detail can lead to a denial.