For millions of Americans, Social Security payments are a lifeline. More importantly, this is for the retirees, military veterans, or those who have some type of disability. These are administered by the Social Security Administration, or SSA, who oversees those who are qualified for these benefits.
Types of Social Security Disability Benefits
The SSA provides two significant programs that support people with disabilities. Such programs get designed based on the individual’s specific needs and criteria for eligibility.
1. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
This program is provided for those who have worked and contributed to the Social Security system. In order to qualify for SSDI, following requirements need to be met:
The person must have a disability.
The individual must have worked for enough years and paid Social Security taxes while on the job.
SSI not only provides financial assistance to individuals with disabilities but also provides benefits to certain family members.
2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require a work history. It provides assistance to individuals who are 65 years of age or older or suffer from a disability. SSI is intended to cover basic living expenses such as food, clothing, and housing.
Reasons for Losing Social Security Payments
Although Social Security payments are a lifeline to many beneficiaries, in some circumstances, these payments may be suspended or terminated. For SSDI beneficiaries, the SSA has outlined two primary reasons why payments may stop:
1. Earnings Above Threshold
If an SSDI recipient goes back to work and his or her earnings for any month are above $1,550, then the SSA stops payment. The SSA permits work during a “trial work period,” which is as long as 9 months. Then, if the person’s earnings are higher than the “Substantial Gainful Activity” threshold, payment is terminated.
2. Being incarcerated
An SSDI beneficiary will have his monthly payment stopped if he remains in prison for more than 30 days. After his release from prison, he must apply for SSDI benefits once again.
Tips to save your payment
To avoid any interruption in SSDI payments, beneficiaries are advised to take the following steps:
- Immediately report any changes in your job status or income to SSA.
- Do not earn more than the income limits set during the trial period.
- Personal account should be renewed in SSA.
- SSDI Recipients
- Preventing a cutoff
- By recommending to follow what’s below;
The Difference: SSI Vs SSI?
| Program | Work History Required | Eligibility Age | Benefit Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) | Yes | Any age | Disability benefits for qualified workers and certain family members |
| Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | No | 65+ or disabled | Basic living expenses, including food, clothing, and housing |
Such persons with disabilities along with retired folks also enjoy quality life through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
It is, however, of greater importance that one adheres to SSA guidelines and requirements in order to gain these benefits. This may be achieved when proper information and awareness drive knowledge about the risk of losing Social Security disbursements and seeking the derived help that the recipients require.
FAQs
Q1. What is SSDI?
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) provides benefits to individuals with disabilities who have a work history and paid Social Security taxes.
Q2. What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
SSDI requires a work history, while SSI provides assistance to low-income individuals aged 65+ or with disabilities, regardless of work history.
Q3. Can I work while receiving SSDI benefits?
Yes, but there are income limits. If your income exceeds $1,550 per month after the trial work period, your benefits may be suspended.
Q4. What happens to SSDI benefits if I go to prison?
SSDI benefits are suspended if you are incarcerated for more than 30 days.
Q5. How do I avoid losing my SSDI benefits?
Report changes in income or work status to the SSA, stay within income limits, and update your personal details regularly.
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