For decades, the Social Security Administration has been helping millions of Americans who suffer from debilitating conditions that prevent them from working by providing financial relief. There are two types of Social Security disability available, Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, and Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI.
Social Security Disability Insurance is for Americans who have been paying into the program through payroll tax contributions. Supplemental Security Income is available for Americans who have not paid into the SSDI program, but who meet certain minimum financial thresholds. If it can be proven that your financial situation meets these criteria, you may be eligible. Supplemental Security Income is also available to the blind and disabled children.
In order to qualify for either program, you must also prove to the administration that your condition is serious enough that you are not able to maintain gainful employment. Your medical condition can take many forms: you may have a serious injury such as a back, neck or brain injury; you may be suffering from a serious illness such as cancer or heart disease or you may be suffering from a mental condition such as depression or schizophrenia which prevents you from working.
Both types of Social Security Disability benefits are designed not to fully cover a victim’s medical expenses and rehabilitation costs, but rather to provide some help paying for living costs while a victim is not working. The application process is not always easy, especially while you are already suffering from a debilitating condition. It might be in your best interest to speak with a professional to learn how they can help and maximize your chance of getting your application approved.
Source: findlaw.com, “What is the Difference between SSDI and SSI?” Accessed April 3, 2017