SSDI vs SSI in Nevada: Social Security Disability Benefits Explained
You’ve worked hard and paid into the Social Security system. Now you need disability benefits, but you’re confused about which program fits your situation. Should you apply for SSDI, SSI, or both?
Harris Disability Law knows how overwhelming these programs can seem. Our Las Vegas disability attorneys help clients understand their options and secure the benefits they deserve.
Social Security offers two main disability programs:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for workers who paid into the system
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for people with limited income and resources
Each program serves a different purpose and comes with its own rules. The wrong choice could cost you valuable benefits. Our job is to make sure you understand these programs and help you get the most accurate decision from Social Security.
Contact our office for help with your disability claim.
SSDI and SSI: Understanding Your Options
How do Social Security disability programs work? Let’s look at the two main programs that can help when you’re unable to work due to disability.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
You’ve paid into the Social Security system through your payroll taxes. SSDI is your insurance program – designed to protect workers who become disabled.
In 2024, the maximum amount one can receive is up to $3,822 per month. However, most receive less than that. The average monthly benefit amount as of November 2024 is $1,542.35.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI helps people with limited income and resources. You don’t need a work history to qualify. The program provides up to $943 monthly for individuals and $1,415 for couples in 2024.
Key Differences Between SSDI and SSI
Feature | SSDI | SSI |
|---|---|---|
Funding Source | Social Security taxes | General tax revenues |
Work Requirement | Yes – requires work credits | No work history needed |
Resource Limits | No asset limits | $2,000 individual/$3,000 couple |
Harris Disability Law knows how to determine which program fits your situation. Some clients qualify for both SSDI and SSI – what Social Security calls “concurrent benefits.”
We’re here to help you understand your options and get the benefits you deserve.
Do You Qualify for Disability Benefits?
How do you know if you’re eligible for disability benefits? The requirements depend on which program fits your situation.
Work Credits for SSDI
Your age and work history matter for SSDI benefits. For example, if you’re under 24, you can qualify with as little as 6 work credits. This is understandable, as younger individuals have had less time to accumulate work experience and earn their credits.
For more information about this, check out the table in our SSA work credits article here.
Financial Requirements for SSI
SSI has strict rules about money and resources (things you own like money in bank):
- Resource limits: $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples.
- Monthly income limits: $2,019 for individuals
For SSDI, there are no limits on savings or resources. But you can’t earn more than $1,550 per month from working in 2024.
Medical Requirements
Both SSDI and SSI use the same medical standards. Your condition must keep you from working for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. Social Security looks at 14 categories of disabilities:
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Special Senses and Speech
- Respiratory Disorders
- Cardiovascular System
- Digestive System
- Genitourinary Disorders
- Hematological Disorders
- Skin Disorders
- Endocrine Disorders
- Congenital Disorders
- Neurological Disorders
- Mental Disorders
- Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases)
- Immune System Disorders
Harris Disability Law knows how the SSA works. Your medical evidence must prove your disability meets these requirements.
How Much Money Will You Receive?
The amount you receive depends on your lifetime earnings, SSDI or SSI status and other factors.
The Social Security Administration looks at your work history to calculate your SSDI benefits. They use your lifetime earnings and a formula called Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME). Right now, the average SSDI payment is $1,542, though some people receive up to $3,822.
SSI works differently. Social Security starts with the Federal Benefit Rate and looks at your other income. The maximum you can receive in 2024 is:
- $943 for individuals
- $1,415 for couples
SSDI and SSI: Side-by-Side Comparison
How do you know which program fits your case? The rules can seem overwhelming. For example:
- Work credits matter for SSDI
- Income and resource limits apply for SSI
- Medical requirements must be met
- Documentation needs vary
Here’s a detailed look at SSDI and SSI side by side:
Feature | SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) | SSI (Supplemental Security Income) |
|---|---|---|
Funding Source | Social Security taxes | General tax revenues |
Work Requirement | Yes – requires work credits | No work history needed |
Resource/Asset Limits | No asset limits | $2,000 for individuals / $3,000 for couples |
Monthly Income Limits (2024) | $1,550 per month | $2,000 for individuals / $3,000 for couples |
Maximum Monthly Benefits (2024) | Up to $3,822 | $943 for individuals / $1,415 for couples |
Average Monthly Payment (2024) | $1,537 | $698 |
Healthcare Coverage | Medicare (after 24-month waiting period) | Usually Medicaid (often immediate) |
Medical Criteria | Same for both programs – must prevent working for 12+ months or result in death | Same for both programs – must prevent working for 12+ months or result in death |
Other Income Impact | Workers’ compensation and certain public disability benefits may reduce payment | Almost all income affects payment amount (some exclusions apply) |
Our firm knows the ins and outs of both programs. We’ll help you understand which program fits your situation and guide you through the application process.
Need Help with Filing a Claim with the SSA?
It’s important to apply for disability benefits as soon as possible after becoming unable to work. The process can take 6-12 months (or longer) since an overwhelming number of claims file every year.
We’re here to make it easier. Our firm knows how Social Security works, including the complicated eligibility requirements and medical criteria.
If you think you may qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits, contact us today.
Harris Disability Law has been helping individuals in Nevada get the benefits they deserve for over 20 years. We can help you navigate the complexities of Social Security and guide you towards a successful claim.
Contact our office today ti discuss your case for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) are both government programs designed to provide financial assistance to individuals with disabilities. The key difference is that SSDI is based on work credits earned through your employment history, while SSI is a needs-based program with income and resource limits. SSDI is funded through Social Security taxes, whereas SSI comes from general tax revenues. Both programs require you to meet medical criteria to qualify.
How long does it take to get approved for SSDI or SSI benefits?
The approval process for SSDI or SSI typically takes 6-12 months or longer, depending on the complexity of your case and the number of claims being processed by the SSA. Initial applications can take a few months, and if your claim is denied, the appeals process may add additional time. It’s important to submit complete and accurate documentation to avoid delays. Having an experienced disability attorney can streamline the process and improve your chances of approval.
How much money can I receive in disability benefits?
The amount you can receive depends on the type of benefits for which you qualify. For SSDI, the exact payment is calculated based on your lifetime earnings using your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME), with payments ranging up to $3,822 in 2024. For SSI, payments are based on the Federal Benefit Rate, with a maximum amount of $943 for individuals and $1,415 for couples in 2024. Other income or resources may also impact the amount you receive under SSI.
What medical conditions qualify for disability benefits?
Social Security evaluates 14 categories of disabilities to determine if your condition qualifies for SSDI or SSI. These include physical conditions such as musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory disorders, and cardiovascular issues, as well as mental disorders and certain cancers. Your condition must prevent you from working for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. Thorough medical evidence is crucial to proving your disability meets the required criteria.
Can I qualify for both SSDI and SSI?
Yes, it’s possible to qualify for both programs simultaneously, known as “concurrent benefits.” This typically occurs when an individual qualifies for SSDI but receives a low benefit amount, making them also eligible for SSI. Qualifying for both can maximize your total benefits and healthcare coverage.