What's the difference between

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income

The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. Although both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program. Both programs are different. The Social Security benefit programs are "entitlement" programs. This means that workers, employers and the self-employed pay for the benefits with their Social Security taxes. The taxes that are collected are put into special trust funds. You qualify for these benefits based on your work history (or your spouse or parent). The amount of the benefit is based on these earnings.

SSI is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources. Resources are assets or things that youown. The program is paid for by general tax revenues -- not from the Social Security trust funds. The benefits amount is based on Federal and State laws which take into account where you live, who lives you and what income you reveive.

Look at the chart below to help you understand the difference between the two programs

Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits based on earnings Financed by employer and wage contributions No income limit No resource limit Must have enough work credits Medicare Benefits Types -Retirement (age 62 & older) -Survivor -Diability (includes blindness) Provides benefits to eligiable family members Benefit amount based on average lifetime earnings Other income does NOT affect benefits (Except wages may effect benefits under age 65 or disability benefits) Where you live or who lives with you does NOT affect benefits.

SSI Benefits based on need Financed by General Revenues Limited income Limited resources No work credits required Medcaid (Medi-Cal in Calfornia) Benefits Types: -Aged (age 65 and older) -Disability (any age, including children) -Blindness (any age, includes children) -No family benefits Benefits amount based on Federal and State laws Other income May affect benefits- report any income you receive Where you live or who lives with you May affect benefits-report all changes

 

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