ssi & ssdi /dib
What is the Difference?If you have an illness or injury that will prevent you from working for at least one year, Social Security Disability benefits can provide the financial support you need. Unfortunately, the process of filing an application for benefits and showing the Social Security Administration that you are disabled can be complex and lengthy. At Anderson Ackerman Disability, we help individuals navigate the social security process, from initial applications, to hearings before a judge, and appeals.
Here we explain the difference between the disability programs offered by the Social Security Administration. Please contact our office for a free consultation on your claim, and so we can explain this process to you in more detail.
Understanding Disability Benefits:
SSI vs. SSDI/DIB
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), also known as Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB), are two distinct programs run by the Social Security Administration that provide benefits for disabled people. While both of these programs provide monthly financial assistance to people with disabilities, they have key differences.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a needs-based program that is designed for individuals with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or over 65 years old. Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require a work history.
Individuals must have a demonstrated financial need based on strict criteria to qualify to receive SSI benefits, even before a disability determination is made. SSI benefits are designed to help cover basic necessities like food and housing.
Eligibility:
- Limited / No Income or Financial Resources; AND
- Meet SSA’s Definition of Disability; OR
- Be Blind; OR
- Over 65 Years old.
Defined:
Your countable monthly income cannot be more than the federal benefit rate -the maximum amount you can receive in SSI from the government. In 2025, it is $967 for an individual, and $1,450 for a couple. However, not all income is counted towards the SSI limit.
In the year 2025, you cannot have more than $2,000 in countable resources as an individual, or $3,000 in your household to qualify for SSI, even if you are disabled. Not all assets are considered countable resources though.
At Anderson Ackerman Disability, we can review your assets and help determine which program you would be eligible for.
Social security disability insurance (SSDI) & Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB)
This is a program for individuals who are unable to work due to a disability and have a qualifying work history, meaning you paid into social security through payroll taxes. This work history may come from your own employment or, in some cases, from a spouse or parent’s earnings.
SSDI benefits may also be available to certain family members, including dependent children and spouses. Unlike SSI, eligibility is not based on financial need, but rather on work credits earned through their prior employment.
Eligibility:
- Satisfy the Work Credits Requirement; AND
- Meet SSA’s Definition of Disability.
Defined:
Work credits are earned when you work and pay Social Security taxes. Since 1978, you can earn up to a maximum of 4 work credits per year. They are based on your total wages and self-employment income for the year.
The amount of income it takes to earn a credit can change year to year. In 2025, you earn one Social Security and Medicare credit for every $1,810 in covered earnings each year, and you must earn $7,240 to get the maximum 4 credits for the year. So, it does not need to take all year to earn all 4 credits.
This depends on the age you are when you become disabled and requires you meet both a recent work test and a duration work test (unless you are blind). In sum, you must have worked both recently enough (recent work test) and long enough overall (duration work test) to meet the specific requirements based on your age at the time your disability began to qualify for SSDI.
If you became disabled at age 31 or older, you generally must have at least 20 credits (typically 5 years) in the 10-year period immediately before your disability began.
If you became disabled from age 24 to 31, you generally have to have worked half the time between age 21 and the age your disability began, and if before age 24, you need 6 credits in the 3-year period preceding your disability.
This test looks at your total work history to see if you have worked long enough under Social Security to receive benefits, and also varies by the age when you became disabled. It does not matter when this work happened, just that you have enough over your lifetime for your age.
Reach out to us if you have questions on how many credits you would likely need to qualify.
Key Differences
Funding source
SSI is funded by general tax revenues.
SSDI/DIB is funded by Social Security taxes paid by workers and employers.
Amount of Benefits
SSI has a fixed monthly maximum set by law, which may be reduced by other income.
SSDI/DIB is based on lifetime average earnings and is typically higher than SSI benefits.
Health Insurance
SSI recipients qualify for Medicaid immediately.
SSDI/DIB recipients qualify for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period (in most cases).
Waiting Period
SSI benefits can begin the month after the eligibility determination.
SSDI/DIB benefits have a 5-month waiting period after the established disability onset date before benefits will start.
Similarities
Administration
Both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration in benefits in the form of monthly payments.
Disability Definition
The same definition, medical criteria, and evaluation process are used to determine whether you are disabled for both programs.
Claims Process
Both programs use the same application, denial/approval, and appeals process. At Anderson Ackerman Disability, we assist you at every stage with both.
Purpose
SSI and SSDI/DIB provide income and health insurance to individuals that are unable to work due to medical impairments.
Documentation
Extensive medical evidence is required to establish and support a disability claim in both programs.
determination
The decision on whether a claimant meets the disability definition applies to both programs.
If you or a family member are going to apply or have already applied for social security disability benefits or SSI and are confused or frustrated with the process, contact our offices for a free consultation, and we can discuss how we can help you!