What are the Different Social Security Benefits Available?

If you cannot work due to a disability, you may be eligible for various Social Security benefits and other financial assistance programs. Understanding the available benefits and how they work can help maximize your support and stability. The key benefits include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), workers’ compensation, and concurrent benefits for those who qualify for multiple programs.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI is a federal program that provides benefits to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to a qualifying disability. To be eligible, you must have a sufficient work history and meet the SSA’s definition of disability, meaning your condition prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA) and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Key Features of SSDI:

• Benefits are based on your average lifetime earnings before your disability.
• You must have worked long enough and recently enough to qualify (based on work credits).
• After receiving SSDI for 24 months, you automatically become eligible for Medicare.
• SSDI benefits can also extend to dependents, including minor children and disabled adult children.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is a needs-based program designed to assist disabled, blind, or people over 65 with limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require a work history and is based purely on financial need.

Key Features of SSI:

• Funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes.
• Available to those with low income and limited assets.
• Provides monthly cash assistance to help cover basic needs.
• SSI recipients typically qualify for Medicaid for healthcare coverage.
• Some states offer additional state-funded SSI benefits to supplement federal payments.

Concurrent Benefits: Qualifying for Both SSDI and SSI

Some individuals qualify for both SSDI and SSI benefits, known as concurrent benefits. This occurs when someone meets the work requirements for SSDI but still has low income and limited resources that make them eligible for SSI as well.

How Concurrent Benefits Work:

• SSI can provide additional financial support if your SSDI payment is low due to a limited work history.
• Receiving SSI can help cover essential expenses while waiting for SSDI approval, as SSDI applications can take months to process.
• Qualifying for both programs means you may receive Medicare through SSDI and Medicaid through SSI, offering comprehensive healthcare coverage.

Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability

If you were injured on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in addition to SSDI. However, receiving workers’ compensation can affect your SSDI payments due to benefit offsets.

How Workers’ Compensation Affects SSDI:

• The total amount you receive from workers’ comp and SSDI combined cannot exceed 80% of your average current earnings before your disability.
• If your combined benefits exceed this limit, SSDI payments may be reduced to ensure compliance.
• Once workers’ compensation benefits end, SSDI payments can increase accordingly.
• Unlike SSDI, workers’ compensation is handled at the state level, meaning rules vary depending on where you live.

Other Social Security Benefits

In addition to SSDI and SSI, there are other forms of Social Security benefits you may qualify for:

Disabled Adult Child (DAC) Benefits:

• Available to individuals over 18 with a disability that began before age 22.
• Eligibility depends on a parent’s work record and their receipt of Social Security retirement or disability benefits, or if a parent is deceased. 
• Provides monthly payments similar to SSDI.

Survivor Benefits:

• If you were dependent on someone who has passed away and paid into Social Security, you may be eligible for survivor benefits.
• Widows, widowers, and dependent children may qualify.
• Benefits are calculated based on the deceased person’s earnings record.

Maximizing Your Benefits

Understanding which benefits you qualify for and how they interact is essential to getting the maximum financial assistance available. Here are some tips to help:

• Apply for concurrent benefits if you qualify for both SSDI and SSI.
• Seek legal guidance if you’re unsure which benefits apply to your situation.
• Monitor income limits to ensure you remain eligible for need-based benefits like SSI.
• Keep track of medical records and work history to strengthen your SSDI application.

Getting the Support You Deserve

Multiple financial assistance programs are available for individuals unable to work due to disability, including SSDI, SSI, workers’ compensation, and concurrent benefits. Each program has unique eligibility requirements and payment structures, so understanding your options can help you secure the support you need. If you’re unsure which benefits apply to you, seeking help from an experienced Social Security Disability attorney can make the process easier and improve your chances of approval.