When a disability appears, the worker may not have had enough work credits to qualify for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance). There are several reasons apart from being young.
Sometimes you have spent many years studying or you simply dedicate your time to bringing up your children. It is true that SSDI can be of great value when a disability appears, but there may be other options.
Money is something everyone needs and it is of vital importance to act quickly. Applying for SSDI may take some time, but what usually takes too long is the time Social Security spends in making a decision.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can replace SSDI benefits
If you are on a low income and you do not have enough work credits to get Social Security Disability Insurance, you can always apply for Supplemental Security Income. As a matter of fact, it can provide you with a monthly check of up to $914 in 2023 or $943 in 2024.
Apart from having a disability, being blind or being 65 years old or older are other ways to have access to SSI payments. Even if you and your spouse have a qualifying disability and a low income, you can both receive SSI.
Currently, the SSI maximum amount is $1,371 for 2023. However, it will soon be $1,415 in 2024. After the Cost of Living Adjustment, all Social Security benefits and SSI will go up by 3.2% from December 29 onward.
Some people may also get SSI and not SSDI as an essential person. Nevertheless, the maximum amounts are much lower is it would be just a small supplement worth up to $458 in 2023 or up to $472 in 2024.
Can I get SSDI and SSI (disability benefits) at the same time?
According to Social Security, it is possible to get SSDI and SSI if you have a low income. Of course, you will have to meet the rest of the requirements. But it is something many applicants do.
Since you can make an appointment, you can apply for both SSDI and SSI at the same time. Those who qualify for Supplemental Security Income receive their payment on the first day of the month.
In that case, if you also get SSDI, your check from Social Security arrives on the 3rd of the month. If it is on a holiday, it will arrive on the previous business day. Like the December 29 SSI check for January 1, New Year.
Another way to supplement your SSDI, SSI or even a retirement check is to apply for SNAP benefits. They can give you checks worth up to $973 for a four-member family. TANF is another possibility if your financial situation is not good at all. WIC can also help women with children.