Tag: social security disability

Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) seem very similar on the surface, but they are actually quite different. They function like two sides of the same coin, helping those who need help most in the areas where they are most vulnerable. If you are considering applying for SSI or SSDI benefits, make sure to read this article so you know which program or programs you should apply for. Applying for the correct program or programs makes sure you will get all the benefits you are eligible for.

What is Social Security Disability (SSDI)?

Social Security Disability Insurance is funded via payroll taxes, and as the name suggests, it’s considered a form of insurance. This insurance is automatically earned by people who have worked for five of the ten years preceding disability, and by so doing, have contributed to the national Social Security trust fund. Aside from the work requirement, to qualify for SSDI disability benefits, candidates must be between 18 years old and full retirement age. Once an insured person reaches full-retirement age they become eligible for retirement benefits instead of disability benefits.

The Social Security Administration does not pay SSDI benefits for the first five months after a person becomes disabled, which is why it’s very important to apply as soon as it becomes clear that the benefits will be needed. Those who reach retirement age while on SSDI will have their disability benefits converted to retirement benefits.

Spouses and children of people who receive SSDI benefits may be able to receive dependent benefits (auxiliary benefits) while they are still in high school or under the age of 18 for children or while they are caring for a child under the age of 16 for spouses. After receiving SSDI for two years, beneficiaries become eligible for coverage under Medicare.

What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Supplemental Security Income is a need-based program that is funded by general fund taxes. To qualify for SSI, candidates must have less than $2,000 in assets for individuals or $3,000 for couples. Their income must also be very limited. 

SSI benefits begin on the first of the month when after the month application was first submitted. These benefits come in the form of monthly cash payments. People who receive SSI benefits are also eligible for Medicaid, food stamps, and often times housing assistance or other similar programs.

What’s the Difference?

Aside from the differences in definition outlined above, SSI and SSDI have several distinctions.

Approval Rates

Approval rates for SSDI are generally higher than they are for SSI. This is likely because judges and claims examiners tend to give more credibility to applicants with a long work history, and because SSDI applicants have higher incomes and insurance coverage which allows them to see a doctor on a regular basis. 

Taxes

The majority of SSDI and SSI benefits are not taxable, but SSI is less likely to be taxed than SSDI due to differences in average income. If total income is less than $25,000 for an individual or $32,000 for a married couple filing jointly, then benefits are not subject to income tax. Total income above that threshold becomes subject to tax. If a married couple filing jointly receives SSDI benefits as well as another source of income, taxation is more likely. 

Qualifications

SSI is for people who haven’t worked five out of the last ten years and have limited income and resources. SSI can apply to citizens and nationals of the United States, as well as aliens who meet certain requirements, and the recipient must live in the U.S. or Northern Mariana Islands unless they are living abroad for education or military reasons. Marital status also affects eligibility for SSI because a spouses income and resources can be deemed family resources. People who are older than full retirement age can qualify for SSI if they meet the income and resource limits regardless of whether they meet the disability requirements. Otherwise, the test for disability with SSI and SSDI is the same.

Means Testing

Means testing looks at the annual income of Social Security beneficiaries and uses that data to determine what kind of benefit check they should receive, if at all. The theory behind means testing is that it should help ensure that benefits are going to people who really need them, which is how the program was originally designed in the mid-1930s. This will help save the program money in the long run, delaying asset reserve depletion.

The SSI program is means-tested. The SSDI program is not means-tested, but beneficiaries are subject to losing eligibility if their work-related income rises over a certain threshold called substantial gainful activity.

Can I Apply for Both SSDI and SSI?

Yes. It is possible for you to qualify for both. As long as your SSDI monthly benefit is lower than the maximum payment for SSI then you can get both types of benefits. This means you can also qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid too. If you have worked five of the 10 years prior to your disability but your work was minimal you should consider applying for both types of disability.

Knowing whether you qualify for SSI or SSDI or both makes you more likely get all the benefits you may be entitled to. If you are trying to decide what type of benefit to apply for, it also helps to get advice and assistance from a disability lawyer or disability attorney throughout the process. Barnes Disability has an experienced team of professionals that can assist you through every part of the disability process, so contact us today for a free consultation.

What is Coronavirus?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the new coronavirus, named the COVID-19 virus, is a newly discovered infectious disease. This new virus strain is a new version of six other known coronavirus strains. COVID-19 is believed to have successfully mutated to a point where it crossed over from animals to humans. The disease is now easily transmitted from human to human, and has spread to many countries around the world, causing havoc to health systems and economies alike.

Medical institutions have described COVID-19 as a respiratory disease. This means that the virus primarily attacks the lungs. Some patients have, however, reported gastro-intestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Although clinical trials are in progress, no vaccine or cure has been identified for the disease as of April 2020. Coronaviruses have caused epidemics like the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak in 2015 and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003.

Coronavirus Precautions 

The World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention have recommended washing hands, and maintaining social distancing as the best measures for preventing the spread of the virus. The virus is mostly spread through respiratory droplets, which get into the air through sneezing and coughing. The droplets then find their way into the body of an uninfected person may lead to infection and symptoms. Avoiding crowded areas and maintaining distance from other individuals are thus necessary precautions that help minimize the spread of the virus.

People are also being urged to stay at home and only travel when absolutely necessary. Where possible, individuals should work from home or take paid or unpaid leave until the situation is under control. As many countries are struggling to reduce the impacts of coronavirus on their health and economic systems so governments have taken drastic measures to better protect their citizens against the pandemic. Most countries have limited their citizens travel and are enforcing quarantine of infected people.. As the global number of fatalities and infections  rise alarmingly, citizens in many places have found themselves under stringent conditions of curfews and even total lockdowns. 

According to statistics, a major portion of the global death toll is older people and they are certainly the most vulnerable group. Others who have been  severely affected are those with certain underlying medical conditions such as:

• asthma
• chronic lung disease
• serious heart conditions
• undergoing cancer treatment
• history of smoking
• previous bone marrow or organ transplant
• prolonged use of corticosteroids
• severe obesity
• diabetes
• chronic kidney disease
• liver disease
• those who are immunocompromised

Surprisingly, COVID-19 is relatively mild in children and infants. 

Coronavirus and Short-Term Disability 

If diagnosed and found sick or unable to perform their normal work duties due to coronavirus illness, people who are covered by a Short Term Disability plan are eligible for benefits. These short-term benefits may be accessed through private purchase or employers. Individuals should review their insurance coverage to see if they qualify for such benefits. In the event a policyholder acquires a medical condition or disability that prevents them from working, short term disability insurance generally provides up to 80 percent of their gross income. People  diagnosed with COVID-19 can apply for Short-Term Disability if they are not able to work because of their illness or if they are required to quarantine.. 

Coronavirus and Long-Term Disability 

In long term disability insurance, benefits are paid if and only if you have been living with a disability or medical condition for a long time. Unless you develop a chronic illness as a result of coronavirus infection, you are not likely to be eligible for long term benefits due to COVID-19. Medical quarantine also qualifies for the criteria of inability to work due to infection with the virus. It is necessary, however, to draw a line between social quarantine and medical quarantine. Working from home (social isolation) does not qualify under medical quarantine, which is recognized by insurance policies. 

Social Security Disability and Coronavirus

 The long-term health effects of COVID-19 are still unknown. However, many diseases leave people with lasting limitations in their functioning and can impact their ability to work long-term. Social Security disability benefits are available to those who are unable to work for at least 12 months because of a medically determinable impairment. If you are permanently limited by a coronavirus infection in a way that leaves you unable to work for at least twelve months, you could qualify for Social Security disability benefits. However, if your symptoms last less than 12 months you are not likely to be eligible even if you are hospitalized for an extended time.

Social Security Operations During the Pandemic

The effects of coronavirus are far-reaching and can be felt in almost every aspect of our lives. Millions of American businesses have been forced to close their doors, and citizens asked to stay at home. With the economy at such a standstill, many elderly and disabled citizens depend on Social Security benefits to make ends meet. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has indicated that it will continue operating normally amidst the epidemic. While many employees are working from home, the Social Security Administration is still processing new applications, disability appeals, and issuing checks, among its other normal operations. While things are moving more slowly, Social Security is still working.

Retirees and those on disability will receive their normal benefit amounts at their normal payment intervals. However, SSA has said that people should contact the agency through its online resources at www.ssa.gov or by telephone because its field offices are closed to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Also, the SSA has extended submission deadlines, and several other services have been postponed. Hopefully, SSA will be back to normal operations soon, but in the meantime, follow the recommendations for social distancing and stay healthy.

Need help figuring out your SSD eligibility? Talk to us today.