WHICH IS BETTER: SSDI OR SSI?

SSDI, or "Social Security Disability Insurance," insures workers who become disabled and lose their income prematurely (before retirement age).  

SSI, or "Supplemental Security Income" is not an insurance program; instead, it is an assistance program for aged or disabled individuals who have very little income or financial resources and need help meeting minimum living expenses.

SSDI usually has the higher monthly benefit.  It pays a monthly benefit based on the recipient's lifetime earnings, up to a maximum of $3,011 per month.  The average benefit in 2020 is around $1,250.  Also, there are no limits to income or financial resources to receive SSDI.  Therefore, I consider this to be the stronger, better of the two programs if an individual can qualify.  SSDI does require a claimant to have worked enough and accumulated a sufficient number of work credits to be covered or insured.  Individuals who haven't worked in several years may not be covered or "insured" for SSDI benefits.

SSI pays a maximum benefit of $783 per month.  This benefit can be reduced by other income, savings, certain other financial assets or even living arrangements.

The medical requirements for SSI and SSDI are the same:  a person must be unable to work based on a severe medical impairment that is going to last at least 12 straight months.  As mentioned, SSI imposes certain additional financial requirements or limitations.

SSDI comes with Medicare coverage after 29 months of continuous disability.  SSDI comes with Medicaid, which is effective almost immediately (no waiting period).

Thus, the two programs are different and are structured to serve different recipients.

If an individual has the work history to support it, I recommend filing for SSDI.  An application for SSI may also be considered in some circumstances.
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