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Understanding the Difference between “SSI” and “SSDI” Disability - MSN.com
Using acronyms to identify a type of Social Security benefit can, itself, result in misunderstanding the benefit. For example, many who engage the AMAC Foundation’s Social Security Advisory Service use the acronym “SSI” to mean “Social Security Income” – but that is not what “SSI” means to Social Security. Similarly misleading may be Social Security’s acronym “SSDI” which denotes “Social Security Disability Insurance” benefits. In reality, both SSI and SSDI are both disability programs, but each has a completely different purpose, different target beneficiaries, and complete different eligibility criteria.
SSI is a Federal benefit for those who have very little income and very few assets – largely disabled persons not yet 65 years old, or non-disabled persons 65 for older.
Conversely, SSDI is an earned benefit for workers who become disabled before reaching their SS full retirement age.
These descriptions, of course, are simplified, but this article by Andrea Arlett Nabor Herrera, appearing at MSN.com, provides an easy-to-understand review of both benefits as welll as the eligibility criteria for both. Click here to read the article.
Social Security is a complex topic. If you’re unsure about how these basics apply to you, or if you have any questions about your individual situation under Social Security or enrollment in Medicare, note that the AMAC Foundation provides a free-to-the-public advisory service to help Americans navigate the complexities of these programs. All questions are answered quickly, at no charge. Learn more about it here…