Social Security Q-and-A

Question: What is the difference between Social Security disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability?

Answer: The Social Security Administration runs two major programs that provide benefits based on disability: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and SSI. SSDI is financed with Social Security taxes paid by workers, employers, and self-employed persons. To be eligible for a Social Security benefit, the worker must earn sufficient credits based on taxable work to be "insured" for Social Security purposes. Disability benefits are payable to blind or disabled workers, survivors, or adults disabled since childhood, who are otherwise eligible. The amount of the monthly disability benefit is based on the Social Security earnings record of the insured worker.

SSI is a needs-based program financed through general revenues. 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. The monthly payment varies up to the maximum federal benefit rate, which may be supplemented by the State or decreased by countable income and resources.

To learn more about SSDI and SSI disability benefits, visit www.socialsecurity.gov and visit the links along the top of the page for Disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Question: Can I get both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and Social Security benefits at the same time?

Answer: Many people eligible for SSI may also be entitled to Social Security benefits. In fact, the application for SSI also is an application for Social Security benefits. Eligibility for SSI depends on your income and resources, so if you receive a large Social Security check, you won't be eligible for SSI. However, if your Social Security payment is low and your overall income and resources are low, you might be eligible to receive an SSI payment to supplement your Social Security benefits. To learn more about SSI, read the publication You May Be Able To Receive SSI at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11069.html.

This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at 800-772-1213. (c) 2010, McClatchy-Tribune News Service. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.