Social Security Benefits
There are two kinds of benefits available through the Social Security Administration for people with disabilities: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). A person may receive either SSI, SSDI, or, in some situations, may receive benefits from both programs.
(1) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal cash assistance program that provides cash benefits to people who have very limited income and resources, and who have qualifying disabilities (or are 65 years or older).
It is designed to pay for food, clothing and shelter.
Family income and resources are generally considered for children under 18; however, only the income and resources of the individual are considered when the person is 18 years or older, regardless of whether the person lives with his/her family.
SSI is a very important benefit for people with disabilities, not only for the cash assistance it provides, but also because qualifying for even $1 of SSI benefits each month provides automatic eligibility for Medicaid. Medicaid is the health insurance program that pays for health care, both in and outside of a hospital setting, for prescription medications, and for other health related benefits.
You can apply for SSI benefits at your local Social Security office. It is wise to make an appointment by calling ahead. The toll free number to locate your Social Security office and to make an appointment is 1-800-772-1213.
For more information about SSI:
• Service Coordination’s Fact Sheet: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (link to SC Fact Sheet).• Social Security Administration’s website: www.ssa.gov
• General questions and information on SSI: Check out “Frequently Asked Questions” choosing “Supplemental Security Income” on the SSA homepage: www.ssa.gov
• Information on the SSI Application Process: www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-apply-ussi.htm
• For more complete information on SSI, check out the publication, “Understanding SSI”: www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-understanding-ssi.htm
(2) Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) operates like an insurance program.
In order to be eligible for benefits, a person must have worked at a job that paid into the fund for a sufficient amount of time.
Not only is the worker eligible for benefits if he retires or is disabled and has paid into social security, but his spouse, widow, minor children, and adult children with disabilities may also be eligible for benefits on the worker’s employment record.
Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are not based on need, but rather on employment history – an eligible person may receive Social Security Disability Insurance and have unlimited resources and other income (although earned income must be limited).
People aged 65 and over who receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits also receive Medicare benefits. People under age 65 who receive Social Security Disability Insurance are eligible for Medicare after receiving SSDI for 2 years. Medicare benefits are not as comprehensive as Medicaid benefits, and require co-pays and deductibles.
To apply for Social Security Disability Insurance, you can schedule an appointment at your local Social Security Office (1-800-772-1213) or you can apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability.
For more information about Social Security Disability Insurance benefits:
• Social Security Administration’s website: www.ssa.gov
• General questions and information on SSDI: check out “Frequently Asked Questions” choosing “Disability” on the SSA homepage: www.ssa.gov
• For information about benefits for adults whose disability arose before age 22, see http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dacpage.shtml.
• For more information about Social Security Disability Insurance, including the benefits available, eligibility and qualification requirements, how to prepare for an interview, how to apply, and what to do when an application is approved; see Social Security’s Disability Planner: www.ssa.gov/dibplan/index.htm.
Working and Social Security Benefits
New programs are available that allow some people to work and to continue to receive SSI, Social Security Disability Insurance, or other benefits. For free information and assistance in applying for these programs, contact:
For people living in Baltimore City and County, Anne Arundel, Carroll, Harford and Howard Counties:
• MCIL: Benefits Resource Center
410-444-1400
www.mcil-md.org/Benefits.htmFor people living in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, Western Maryland, Tri-County Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore:
• Independence Now: Benefits InfoSource: (301) 587-4137 or 1-888-838-1776
www.innow.org/benefits-planning.htm