Are You SURE Are REALLY Applying For Both SSI and SSDI?

To find out what you are applying for, you can ask your lawyer, contact Social Security, read any paperwork you were sent, or check your online Social Security account.

Sometimes people think they are applying for SSI, when really they won’t be eligible for the SSI part. It’s probably better to know if you are or you aren’t so you don’t have to learn all the SSI financial rules for no reason!

Am I Applying For Both SSI and SSDI?

🌟 If you are not poor, you can’t get SSI. The end. You may think you are applying, but it doesn’t matter, because you won’t get SSI. The rules are complex, but in general people who qualify for Food Stamps usually qualify for SSI: How Poor Do I Have to Be to Get SSI? 

🌟 If your SSDI check is going to be more than $800, you can’t get SSI. Again, you may think you are applying, but it doesn’t matter, because you won’t get SSI. How Much Will My SSDI Be? (Tip: As long as you are low income, you should still go to your SSI interview. There is a funny loophole where you might get some extra SSI backpay.)

🌟 There is another form of disability called Disabled Adult Child. If you qualify for this and your benefits are going to be more than $800, you can’t get SSI. Adult Child benefits are if you first became disabled before age 22, and one of your parents is now deceased, retired, or disabled: Disabled Adult Child Benefits

🌟 If your disability check is going to be less than $800, you may be able to get some of both.

Exception

Massachusetts and California add a state supplement making the limit higher than $800. Can you still qualify for SSI if you are over $800 but under state supplement amount? We have not been able to locate the policies for this. Please comment below if you know more.

Thanks for Reading

🌷 This page is part of the free online guide: The Sleepy Girl Guide to Social Security Disability 

🌷 How to tell The Difference Between SSI and SSDI

🌷 Art on this page by Robin Mead and Elizabeth D’Angelo.

🌷 Page Updated: 8/1/19

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