There may come a point in which you are experiencing a diminished quality of life and therefore require financial assistance from the Social Security Administration (SSA). With this, the SSA has a few benefits programs that you may choose from. Namely, there are Social Security Insurance (SSI) benefits and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Continue reading to learn the difference between the two and how an experienced New Jersey SSDI benefits lawyer at The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur can help you apply for the correct one.
What are SSI benefits?
First of all, SSI benefits are considered to be an income supplement for adults and children who require financial assistance when paying for food, clothing, shelter, and other basic needs. More specifically, the eligibility factors are as follows:
- An applicant must be 65 years of age or older, blind, or disabled.
- An applicant may prove that they have limited income and resources.
- If claiming disability, an applicant may prove that they are inhibited from engaging in any substantial gainful work.
- If claiming disability, an applicant may prove that it has lasted or can be expected to last for 12 months or more.
- If claiming disability, an applicant may prove that it can be expected to result in death.
With this, as of 2023, the maximum federal benefit rate for SSI is $914 per month for an eligible individual and $1,371 per month for an eligible couple. In the state of New Jersey, the SSA may administer a state supplement so that an eligible individual or couple may receive a higher payout.
How are SSI benefits different than SSDI benefits?
On the other hand, SSDI benefits are considered to be a program for individuals who cannot work due to a mental or physical condition. To receive financial aid, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
- An applicant must have an eligible mental or physical condition disclosed on the SSA’s list.
- An applicant must have worked for a certain period before incurring a mental or physical condition (i.e., they must pass the recent work test).
- An applicant must have worked for a certain number of years in their adult life (i.e., they must pass the duration of work test).
With this, as of 2023, the maximum amount of SSDI benefits an eligible individual may receive is $3,627 per month. However, the average amount is typically much lower than this. But spouses and ex-spouses may be entitled to survival benefits, while adult children with disabilities may be entitled to benefits under their parent’s account.
At the end of the day, you cannot ignore your SSI or SSDI benefits application for much longer. Instead, you must retain the services of a skilled New Jersey SSDI benefits lawyer from The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur today.
