The question of whether to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits at the same time as receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments comes up for many people. But it can be a confusing question, since both types of benefits have different requirements and limits.
For one thing, applying for Social Security disability insurance benefits is a separate application process from applying for SSI benefits. To get Social Security disability benefits, you must prove that you meet Social Security’s definition of disability. This means that you have to show that you are unable to work because of a physical or mental condition. If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, for example, it’s likely that you would qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
But you don’t need to show that your condition is disabling in order to receive SSI benefits. You can qualify for SSI based on having a severe financial need. This is a more limited category of eligibility than Social Security’s disability coverage, so it doesn’t require a medical diagnosis. You can receive SSI payments if you’ve been declared eligible for Supplemental Security Income under Title XVI of the Social Security Act.
Social Security also offers two types of disability benefits, one called “regular” and the other called “blind.” Both cover the same basic needs and pay the same amount. But there are important differences in how they’re paid out, how long they last, and how much they pay.
When you file for Social Security disability benefits, you will be asked to provide proof of your disability and the extent of your income. You’ll also be required to provide documentation of your inability to work, including doctors’ reports. You can apply for both regular and blind disability benefits, but there’s a difference in the amount that you’ll receive.
The difference in amounts depends on your earnings record. If you haven’t worked in the last five years, you won’t qualify for any Social Security disability benefits. On the other hand, if you’re disabled and haven’t worked in the past five years, you may qualify for SSI payments and/or regular disability payments.
There’s a further difference in the amount that you’ll receive depending on the age of your youngest child. If you’re younger than 18, you may receive $1,250 per month for the first child, plus $500 for each additional child. If you’re older than 18, you may receive $2,000 per month for the first child, plus $1,000 for each additional child.
A person who is blind may receive up to $1,230 per month. Blind people also qualify for Medicare Part A, which covers the costs of hospital and medical care. The person who is blind may also qualify for Medicare Part B, which covers the costs of outpatient care.
To qualify for disability benefits, you must be unable to work because of a medical condition. You must also be under age 65, and your Social Security application must be filed before the age of 62. The rules governing Social Security disability insurance vary slightly, depending on the kind of benefit you’re applying for.
In order to qualify for regular disability benefits, you must be unable to work because of a physical or mental impairment. If you suffer from diabetes, for example, you may be eligible for regular disability benefits.
You must also have earned more than the maximum earnings limit, which is currently $2,700 a month. However, you’re entitled to Social Security benefits if your earnings have fallen below the limit, and you’ve been receiving benefits based on your earnings record. If you reach the maximum limit, and you are still working, your benefits will be reduced to the maximum amount that you are currently receiving.
The maximum amount that you’re entitled to receive as a Social Security disability benefits recipient is $1,120 per month, unless you are the parent of a child who is younger than 18. In that case, the maximum amount is $2,000 per month, for up to four children.
Blind Social Security recipients are entitled to the same monthly benefits as those who are not blind, except that they are allowed to take a larger share of their benefits as a lump sum. They may also receive supplemental payments based on their earnings record.
The amount of benefits that are available depends on the type of benefit that you’re applying for. Regular disability benefits are available for people who meet the Social Security definition of disability. There are two types of regular disability benefits, one that is payable to people who have worked in the past, and one that is payable to people who haven’t worked in the past.
Blind Social Security recipients are entitled to the same monthly benefits as those who are not blind, and they are also allowed to take a larger share of their benefits in the form of a lump sum.
The maximum amount that is payable to a blind person is $1,230 per month, or $1,580 if the beneficiary has at least two children.