Best & Anderson, P.A. Personal Injury Blog

People often ask about the differences between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and there are distinct differences between the two that only an experienced Social Security Disability Attorney can explain to you.

The Social Security Administration is the agency that is responsible for the two major programs that provide benefits based on disability: SSDI and SSI. SSDI is a disability insurance program financed with Social Security taxes paid by workers, employers, and self-employed people. To qualify for SSDI, the worker must earn a certain level of credits based on taxable work. SSDI disability benefits are payable to blind and disabled workers, widows, widowers and adults disabled since childhood if they are otherwise eligible.

SSDI benefit amounts are determined by a formula which takes into account your earnings record and allows for yearly increases in the individual benefits in order to reflect adjustments in the cost of living. The amount of your benefits is based on your average earnings for all of the years you have been working and not just your most recent salary.

SSI is a need-based government assistance program, and SSI disability benefits are payable to adults or children who are disabled or blind, have limited income and resources, meet the living arrangement requirements, and are otherwise eligible.

If you would like to learn more about SSDI or SSI benefits and which you may be eligible for, please contact the experienced Orlando, Florida Social Security Disability Attorneys Best & Anderson today to schedule your free initial consultation.