What is the Difference Between SSI and SSA?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) lies in the eligibility criteria and the source of funding.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
- Needs-based program that provides cash benefits to low-income individuals who have limited resources.
- Recipients must be either a U.S. citizen or national, or a noncitizen in certain alien classifications, reside in one of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands, and not be absent from the U.S. for a full calendar month or 30 or more consecutive days.
- Medical standards for determining disability are generally the same in both programs for individuals age 18 and older, while children from birth to age 18 have a separate definition of disability.
- Funding comes from the general funds of the U.S. Treasury, including personal income taxes and other taxes.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):
- Insurance program that pays benefits to people who have worked long enough in jobs covered by Social Security and now have a disability.
- Recipients must be "insured," meaning they worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.
- Medical standards for determining disability are generally the same in both programs for individuals age 18 and older, while children from birth to age 18 have a separate definition of disability.
- Funding comes from Social Security taxes and is based on contributions by employees and employers to the Social Security trust fund.
Both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), a federal agency responsible for managing various social security programs, including retirement, survivor's benefits, and Medicare. While some individuals may be eligible for both SSI and Social Security benefits, the medical standards for determining disability and the eligibility criteria differ slightly for adults and children.
Comparative Table: SSI vs SSA
The main difference between Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is that SSI is an entitlement program for people with limited income and resources who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled, while SSDI is an earned benefit with work requirements to qualify. Here is a table summarizing the key differences between SSI and SSDI:
| Feature | SSI | SSDI |
|---|---|---|
| Program for | People with limited income and resources who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled | People with work history who have become disabled |
| Financed by | General tax revenue | Social Security taxes |
| Monthly Benefit Maximum (2023) | $914 for individuals, $1,372 for couples | Varies based on work history |
| Income Limits | Income from other sources can lower the benefit amount | No income limits, but higher income may result in higher taxes |
| Asset Limits | Limited resources, typically $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples | No specific asset limits, but assets may affect eligibility |
| Eligibility | Based on age, disability, or blindness, and limited income and resources | Based on work history and disability |
| Medical Eligibility | Determined by the Social Security Administration (SSA) using the same medical criteria as SSDI | Determined by the SSA using the same medical criteria as SSI |
| Enrollment in Medicare | Automatic for SSI recipients | Not automatic, enrollment is separate |
It is possible to receive benefits from both SSI and SSDI if you are eligible for both programs. In this case, your SSI benefit may be reduced if your income from all sources, including SSDI, exceeds the SSI limit.