Understanding SSI and SSDI Benefits for Older Adults

As we age, health challenges can make it harder to continue working. For many older adults, Social Security disability benefits provide essential financial support when employment is no longer possible. But understanding the difference between SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and knowing which one applies to you can be confusing.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what each program offers and what you should know when applying for these benefits.

SSI for Elderly Adults

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a need-based program designed to help people with limited income and resources. You don’t need a long work history (or any work history) to qualify. Instead, SSI focuses on financial need, age, or disability.

If you’re 65 or older, you can qualify for SSI even if you’re not considered disabled under Social Security’s medical eligibility requirements. You’ll just need to meet the income and asset limits.

What to Know:

1. You must have limited income and (countable) resources (generally less than $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples).
2. Your primary home and one vehicle typically don’t count toward this limit.
3. Monthly SSI payments vary based on your income and living situation.
4. Most people who qualify for SSI are also eligible for Medicaid to help cover medical expenses.

SSI can be especially helpful for older adults who didn’t work long enough to qualify for SSDI or who spent much of their lives caring for others, managing households, or working part-time.

SSDI for Seniors

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is based on your work history, not your financial situation. If you’ve worked and paid Social Security taxes over the years, you may qualify for SSDI if a medical condition prevents you from working.

For older adults nearing retirement, SSDI can serve as a bridge between leaving the workforce due to disability and transitioning into full retirement benefits.

What to Know:

1. Eligibility is based on work credits earned from past employment.
2. Your disability must meet Social Security’s definition of medical disability.
3. The amount you receive depends on your past earnings, not your financial need.
4. After receiving SSDI for two years, you automatically qualify for Medicare.
5. When you reach full retirement age (currently between 66 and 67, depending on your year of birth), your SSDI benefits convert to retirement benefits automatically. The monthly amount stays the same.

SSDI can be particularly beneficial for seniors who became unable to work before reaching retirement age but have a solid work history.

The Main Differences

While both programs support individuals who can’t work, the key difference is how eligibility is determined. SSI is based on financial need, while SSDI is based on work history.

If you haven’t worked much or at all, SSI may be the right program for you. If you’ve spent years paying into Social Security but now face serious health issues, you may qualify for SSDI.

In some cases, people can even qualify for both SSI and SSDI, known as concurrent benefits, depending on their income and earnings record.

Common Conditions That May Qualify

The Social Security Administration recognizes many conditions that can prevent older adults from working. Some of the most common include:

1. Heart disease or stroke
2. Arthritis and chronic pain
3. Cancer and/or ongoing treatment side effects
4. Vision or hearing loss
5. Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
6. Diabetes-related complications
7. Depression or other mental health conditions

If your health prevents you from maintaining steady employment as you approach full retirement age, you may still qualify for disability benefits.

Next Steps

Navigating Social Security disability programs can be overwhelming, especially when trying to understand whether SSI or SSDI applies to your situation. But knowing the basics of each program can make a big difference in getting the help you need.

If you’re unsure where to start or have received a denial, the team at Roose Ressler & Green Co., LPA can help you understand your options and guide you through the process.

The Roose Ressler & Green Co., LPA Team is located in Lorain, Toledo, and Wooster, Ohio. You can count on us as your local disability advocates to analyze your case thoroughly in order to determine what is necessary for you to receive benefits. We assess the best methods to prove the crucial facts of your case and gather the necessary evidence. Having 40+ years of experience serving Northern Ohioans, we know the ins and outs of the local disability process.