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What’s the Difference Between SSDI and SSI in Ohio?

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Find the Right Path to Financial Relief from Social Security Disability

When a serious health condition takes away your ability to work, life as you know it changes. You’re asking questions like: How do I get by? Is any help available?

Social Security Disability benefits could be the answer. They exist to give people financial relief during times like this. Social Security runs two very different programs:

You may have heard terms like SSI vs. SSDI benefits. At Horenstein, Nicholson & Blumenthal (HNB), our disability lawyers have helped thousands of people across Ohio understand SSI vs. SSDI, and which one is right for them. We can help you, too.

A key difference between SSDI and SSI is what your past work and income make you eligible to receive…

  • SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is for people who have worked and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes.
  • SSI (Supplemental Security Income) covers people who don’t have the work history needed for SSDI and also have limited financial resources.

The Ohio disability attorneys at HNB can apply the rules of SSDI vs. SSI to your personal situation and guide you toward the benefits you deserve.

We’re driven by a reputation we’ve built over 40 years: “Helping me, that’s HNB.”

Tell Us About Your Case

    How Do I Qualify for SSDI vs. SSI?

    Both disability benefit programs require you to prove that your health prevents you from doing substantial work. But the rules about your job history, finances, and family situation are different.

    • SSDI is based on your work history. If you’ve worked and paid into Social Security through your paychecks, and now you can’t work for at least a year due to a health problem, you may qualify for SSDI. The more you worked, the more likely you are to meet the SSA’s “work credits” requirement for SSDI.
    • SSI, on the other hand, is based on your financial need. You don’t need a work history. Instead, the Social Security Administration looks at your income, resources and family situation (single, married, divorced, widow or widower, and more). If you have limited financial means and meet the medical requirements, you may be eligible.

    Not sure whether you qualify for SSDI or SSI? The experienced SSI and SSDI lawyers at HNB can look at your situation and help you decide the best path forward.

    We can review your case and let you know your options FOR FREE.

    We can review your case and let you know your options FOR FREE.

    What’s the Difference in the Benefits You Receive with SSI vs. SSDI?

    Another important difference between SSI vs. SSDI is what you actually get when you qualify.

    • SSDI pays monthly checks calculated using your past earnings. The average monthly payment as of 2025 was around $1,500, but it can be higher or lower depending on your work record. It usually will only be a portion of what you made when you worked full time. SSDI also comes with Medicare after a waiting period, even though you’re not the usual retirement age for Medicare.
    • SSI benefits have a set rate not based on any work or earnings history. In 2025, the government put the maximum monthly amount at $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples—but this can be reduced if you have income or financial support from other sources. SSI recipients get Medicaid for health coverage.

    SSDI typically pays more than SSI when you have enough work credits to qualify. SSI can help people who have never worked, worked little, or haven’t worked in a long time.

    The type of disability benefits you receive shapes your financial future and your access to medical care, so it’s important to understand the differences when you apply for benefits.

    At HNB, our experienced Ohio disability lawyers know how to build strong cases, avoid delays, and fight for the support you need to stabilize your life.

    We’re here to:

    Talk to the skilled SSI/SSDI lawyers at HNB to help you sort out your best options for getting life-changing support for a more peaceful life.

    You pay no attorney fee until we win your claim and get you on better financial footing.