The government funds many federal programs that support the hardworking citizens of the country. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are some of these benefits that can be availed by any citizen or resident of the country who suffers from some form of disability. These programs are administered and governed by the Social Security Administration. But both these programs differ in terms of their eligibility criteria and the benefits offered.

Understand the difference
While the SSA governs both the Social Security Disability Insurance and the Supplemental Security Income, the type of benefits will differ owing to set eligibility criteria. It is also crucial to understand what the Social Security Administration deems prudent when it comes to the definition of disability.

• Social Security Disability Insurance
  Anyone who has worked for a long tenure during their active years of service and has regularly paid social security taxes will qualify under the insurance scheme to receive benefits. These benefits can also extend to one’s immediate family under special circumstances. One will start receiving compensation under the scheme immediately after confirming disability with the SSA.
• Supplemental Security Income
  The SSI federal program provides benefits to those who suffer from any form of disability and are operating with limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, this program is funded by general tax revenues (barring social security taxes only). Here again, the benefits will be paid to eligible adults and children (under qualifying circumstances) upon declaring their current personal and economic status with the administration. Key benefits primarily include cash to meet one’s domestic survival expenses (food, clothing, and shelter)

Minimum requirements to file for SSDI benefits
An application to the Social Security Administration must be supported by the following documents, proofs, and forms.

Information about self

• Social Security Number and age proof for basic eligibility
• All medical information and records pertaining to general hospice and disability care
• A complete summary of employment, before disability
• Most recent W-2 forms or federal tax returns

Information about family

• Proof of age and Social Security Numbers for all family members qualified to receive benefits on behalf of the applicant
• In cases where the spouse of the applicant is also eligible to receive benefits, a proof of marriage must be given to the administration

Note that the age proof submission will vary depending on the present status of the applicant or family member. For example, benefits for a child suffering from disability will discontinue after attaining the legal age of 18 (19 for those still in school). Whereas the benefit for a widow or widower will be receivable between the ages of 50 and 60.

Denial of approval for benefits
Post submission of all relevant documents, the SSA will scrutinize and verify the information for legitimacy before approving the said benefits. However, if an application is denied under any circumstance, an appeal can be made to review the decision.

• In case the application is denied for lack of information that supports one’s disability, it is possible to update the said information online. The status will be reviewed based on the premise of an appeal for a medical decision.
• In case the application is denied for non-medical reasons, a general appeal can be made to challenge the decision of the administration.

Disability Starter Kit
The Social Security Administration provides all relevant information in an information booklet available for download online. The Disability Starter Kit guides applicants through the entire process and is available in multiple languages including English and Spanish.