SSDI and SSI both provide additional income to individuals who no longer work because of a disability. These two programs assist two different groups of people. SSDI is accessible to people who worked previously, but are prohibited from working because of their disability, whereas SSI exists for people who have low income and do not meet the financial criteria to gain SSDI.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Pennsylvania

Employment taxes fund SSDI, and qualifying individuals must have enough employment-tax-based credit, at least twenty quarters of coverage (QCs) in the last decade, nd full SSA insurance. Their disability must last at least a year or their lifetime. Qualifying individuals receive automatic Medicare payments after two years’ worth of SSDI.

Disabled workers are not the only SSDI recipients; their spouses, their children, and adults with lifelong disabilities also are potential SSDI recipients. In addition, disabled workers’ credit forms monthly SSDI payments. For instance, qualifying individuals with larger paychecks receive larger SSDI payments.

Qualifying individuals do not receive SSDI payments automatically. Claimants have to wait five months for the SSA to determine that they indeed have lifelong disabilities, and during those five months, claimants do not receive benefits. However, the SSA decides some cases faster when claimants have serious medical issues that are listed on its Compassionate Allowance list. Potential beneficiaries have the right to dispute rejections, and administrative law judges usually hear such cases.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Pennsylvania

General tax money funds SSI. Individuals’ job history does not determine whether they are qualified; as a result, if they do not have enough QCs to qualify for SSDI, they may qualify for SSI. Senior citizens, disabled adults, and disabled children qualify for SSI. They receive SSI checks every month according to their individual income levels and resources but no more than the federal maximum. However, in some states, qualifying individuals receive additional payments from the state government, and in most states, disabled workers automatically qualify for Medicaid after qualifying for SSI.

If you believe that your loved one collecting Social Security Disability benefits in Philadelphia may need the help of a representative payee, you should talk to a lawyer at Larry Pitt & Associates. To learn more, please contact us to schedule an appointment with an experienced Philadelphia Social Security Disability attorney at any of our office locations serving Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties.