Most people know that there is a possibility to get Social Security retirement benefits. However, not everyone knows about SSDI or SSI. Both of them can be disability benefits in the United States.
To qualify for SSDI you must have worked and paid enough taxes. As a disability may develop at a young age, you may not have enough time to earn enough Social Security work credits. SSI uses different criteria.
If you would like to know if you can get SSDI, you can simply get a Social Security statement. With this statement, you can see if you are entitled to retirement, disability, or if your family can get survivor benefits.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET SSI IF I DO NOT QUALIFY FOR SSDI?
If you meet all the requirements, you can get SSI even if you do not qualify for SSDI. Therefore, it is time to find out the requirements that you must comply with to get Supplemental Security Income. Some can even get both of them at the same time.
SSDI applicants must have a disability for more than one year before they can get it. This disability must meet the strict definition the Social Security Administration gave.
For SSI, your disability must also meet this criterion. However, you will also have to meet income requirements. Remember that Supplemental Security Income is just for seniors age 65, blind people, or people with a disability with a low income.
Hence, if you do not meet the income requirements, you cannot get SSI. Apart from your income, the Social Security Administration will check if you have resources or not. That is, if you have money in your bank account or not. There are also residency requirements, only some non-citizens may be eligible.
HOW MUCH COULD I GET FROM THE SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME IN 2024?
After the latest COLA increase, all SSI benefits have gone up by 3.2%. The previous amounts were $458, $914, and $1,371 in 2023. These amounts are for an essential person, a single person, or a married couple respectively.
SSI recipients can get up to $1,415 if they are an eligible married couple in 2024. If you live on your own and you qualify for Supplemental Security Income, you can get up to $943.
Essential persons can get up to $472 in 2024. As you can see, the increase could be up to $29 if you are an individual. Married couples can receive up to $44 extra per month.
Apart from SSI, you may qualify for SNAP benefits. This would be ideal if you cannot afford to buy food. Do not put off your application for any benefits to avoid delays.