SSDI and SSI
Social Security has two programs that provide cash benefits to people with disabilities or who are blind:
Social Security Disability Insurance
SSDI provides benefits to disabled or blind individuals who are “insured” by workers’ contributions to the Social Security trust fund. These contributions are based on your earnings (or those of your spouse or parents) as required by the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA).
For more information on SSDI, click here
Supplemental Security Income Program
The SSI program makes cash assistance to aged, blind, and disabled individuals (including children under age 18) who have limited income and resources. The Federal Government funds SSI from federal tax revenues. In addition, Massachusetts provides a supplement to the monthly Federal amount and rolls it into one monthly check.
For more information on SSI, click here
For information on SSI in Massachusetts, click here
Abbreviated Comparison of Social Security Benefit Programs and Work Incentives
| Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) | Supplemental Security Income (SSI) |
| Based on an individual’s work history | Based on an individual’s work history |
| No asset limit | Asset limit for eligibility |
| An individual either receives their full cash benefit or none at all, based on earnings | Benefits gradually decrease as wages increase |
| Health coverage is available: Medicare – Generally a 24-month waiting period | Health coverage is available: Medicaid – Automatic Coverage |
| Most Commonly Used Work Incentives: | Most Commonly Used Work Incentives: |
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Fact sheet content from Rhodes to Independence
The SSI and SSDI programs share many concepts and terms, however, there are also many, very important differences in the rules affecting eligibility, benefit payments and work incentives. For a more complete description of the differences, click here
