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

Do SSDI and SSI Pay the Same Amount in Benefits?

SSDI and SSI monthly benefit payments are not calculated in the same way. This is mostly because of SSDI’s work history requirement.

When you qualify for SSDI, Social Security will look at up to 35 years of your monthly earnings and average them. Then it applies a formula to that average to determine your primary insurance amount (PIA), your monthly benefit payment.

Your PIA could be affected by other types of benefits you receive. Workers’ compensation, for example, can affect how much you receive in SSDI, but VA disability benefits won’t.

Everyone’s situation is unique, and two people who apply for disability can receive drastically different amounts each month.

Because SSI doesn’t look at your work history, SSI payments start at a maximum amount that is the same for everyone. From there, the benefit can be reduced based on income from other sources, like work, a pension or another benefit program.

Typically, SSDI pays more than SSI. Even the maximum SSI payment before any reductions is lower than what the average SSDI recipient receives each month.

Can I Apply for SSDI and SSI Benefits at the Same Time?

There are cases where you could apply and get approved for both SSDI and SSI.

One of the most common situations is when someone worked enough to qualify for SSDI, but their jobs paid low wages. If their SSDI payment is low enough, they could qualify for SSI as well.

Of course, if you receive both SSDI and SSI, you’ll have to be careful to stay under SSI’s asset limits. Accumulate too much money, and you’ll risk having your SSI benefits paused or cut off completely.

The obvious advantage of qualifying for both is more money each month.

But these benefits also come with health care coverage.

SSDI recipients can enroll in Medicare. Coverage begins 24 months after the date they were first eligible, so the remaining wait is usually much shorter by the time a claim is approved.

SSI recipients can enroll in Medicaid as soon as they are approved for benefits, with no waiting period.

It’s hard to overstate how important this medical coverage can be when you’re dealing with work-stopping health problems.

If you think you might qualify for both SSDI and SSI, talk to our Ohio disability attorneys about your claim.

Why Work With an Ohio Social Security Disability Attorney?

Getting help from a lawyer when you’re trying to receive SSDI or SSI benefits can make the process easier, help you avoid mistakes and even increase your chances of winning benefits.

The reality is that applying for disability takes a ton of work. It’s hard to meet the government’s standards, and gathering all the evidence is time-consuming.

On top of that, most people don’t get approved for benefits on their initial application.

Roughly 60% to 65% of Ohioans get denied disability benefits, according to recent data from the SSA.

So don’t go it alone. The disability lawyers of HNB will guide you through this step by step.

We’ll help you figure out which benefit you could qualify for, assist you with your application and support your appeal if you get denied.

We understand how difficult it can be to focus on building a convincing disability claim when you’re worried about your health and your finances.

Our team has won more than $500 million in benefits for our clients. We understand what the SSA looks for in a disability claim.

We also handle long-term disability claims and can tell you whether you’re eligible for those benefits as well as Social Security Disability.

Whether you’re applying for SSDI or SSI, you won’t pay an attorney fee unless you win benefits.

Contact HNB Today.