The Social Security Administration (SSA) has two programs for disability benefits. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). While both require that you prove disability, each differs in terms of how much money they can collect per month as well as different eligibility rules.
SSDI
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) assists those who are disabled and have a qualifying work history. In order to apply you need to have a sufficient amount of work credits. Social Security requires that you have paid into quarterly taxes a total of 20 out of the last 40 quarters (5 out of the last 10 years) from the date of your application. The amount you receive is also based on how many taxes you have paid throughout your working career. SSDI disregards how much money you have made. The maximum monthly check amount is currently $2,788.00.
SSI
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is granted to people who are disabled, blind or have limited income/resources. When applying, it is important to be able to show that you possess limited financial resources or assets. It’s also important that you can show you have low income. As with the SSDI, an individual will also need to present evidence that proves a disability will last for at least one year. The maximum SSI benefit per month is currently $783.00 for individuals and $1,175.00 for couples.
The state of Massachusetts has a higher approval rate for social security disability claims (about 40%). Within Massachusetts, there are 30 Social Security Field Offices, two Disability Determination Service, and three locations dedicated to the Office of Hearing Operations. More than 1.4 million residents of Massachusetts received over $1.8 billion monthly for Social Security and/or Supplemental Security Income Benefits (December 2018).
There is a screening tool offered by the SSA where you can check your eligibility for these two programs. The SSA will review your condition every 3 to 7 years depending on the type of disability.
