In San Diego and throughout California, SSI and SSDI disability benefits are offered for you, as a disabled person, to receive the financial benefits that you need to live and work (if possible) every day. These benefit programs both offer cash, but their financial eligibility requirements for receiving that compensation differ greatly

When you consult with your Social Security disability lawyer, they will explain that the main difference between the SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is that SSDI benefits are available to you if you’ve collected enough work credits over the years to be considered “insured” for the program. Alternatively, SSI disability benefits are given to lower-income individuals who may have never worked or who haven’t earned enough work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits.

There are a few more significant differences between SSDI and SSI benefits, such as.

  • SSDI benefits are generally higher than SSI – Of course, depending on your situation, but SSDI payments in 2022 were about $1,358, while the average SSI payment is only approximately $586 per month.
  • SSDI may pay benefits that pay for a time before you applied – If you’re disabled, then SSI payments can only start as early as the first entire month after you file your claim. But SSDI payments could be paid retroactively for up to a year before you applied.
  • SSDI commonly has higher approval rates than SSI. If you are eligible for SSDI benefits, you may receive more medical treatment than those eligible for SSI. Also, usually, the judge may  often give more credibility to you if you have a long work history than if you didn’t

You must realize that many disabled people don’t distinguish between SSDI and SSI benefits. In reality,  they are two completely different governmental programs.

Programs are indeed managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA), and the SSA will determine your medical eligibility for disability benefits.

Determining which program to apply for and sorting out the critical differences between the two programs is an area that will be analyzed and selected by you and your experienced San Diego Social Security disability lawyer and their team. Their advice and legal guidance will be invaluable and will help ensure you get the benefits you need and rightfully deserve.

What Can I Do To Improve My Chances of Receiving SSDI or SSI Benefits?

First and most importantly, never try navigating this complex legal application process yourself. Consulting with a knowledgeable, thorough, experienced California Social Security Disability lawyer is critical to your success.

As daunting and stressful as this application process may appear, your law team will know precisely what must be done and how to do it. When applying for Social Security Disability benefits, various documents must be filed and done correctly, or your case may be kicked back or simply denied.

However, some specific tips will improve your chances of getting the benefits you need; some of them are.

  • File Your Claim as Soon as Possible – Don’t hesitate; this is usually a lengthy process, and the sooner you get started, the sooner you’ll get the money you need.
  • Make an Appeal within 60 Days – If you are initially rejected, your law team will appeal quickly while your case is “in the system” and active.
  • Provide Thorough and Full Details of Your Medical Treatment – This is vital  for you to get the help you need. Accordingly, your SSDI or SSI law firm is entirely familiar with what’s necessary and presenting the information correctly.
  • Provide Proof of Recent Treatment – This is vitally needed information and shows that you are still suffering from your injury or ailment and being actively treated.
  • Report your Symptoms Accurately – Always be accurate with your medical information, and don’t embellish it or lessen its value.
  • Provide All the Medical Evidence – All medical records are relative and needed.
  • Provide Details of your Work History – This will help prove what you did for so long and what you cannot do now due to your condition.

Can I Receive Both SSDI and SSI Benefits?

The answer is yes; you can receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) simultaneously. If you qualify for both, then Social Security uses the term “concurrent” for these benefits.

However, if you receive SSDI benefits, then it may reduce the amount of your SSI payment or make you ineligible. That’s due to differences in the programs and can be complex to determine.

SSDI and SSI may be given to you if you meet Social Security’s definition of a disability: a physical or mental health condition that’s severe enough. However, SSDI may provide you with payments regardless of your financial situation.

Each applicant is unique, and your California Social Security disability law team will know how to determine if you can receive “concurrent” benefits and exactly how to apply.

What Are Some Conditions That May Qualify Me for Social Security Benefits?

Of course, each disability case is different. Still, Social Security commonly defines “disability” as conditions that don’t allow you to perform any gainful activity due to a medical or physical impairment. Additionally, these impairments may result in your death, or you have had them and are expected to have them for twelve months or more.

Your California SSDI or SSI lawyer will be aware of the Social Security Administration’s listings of medical impairments that qualify for benefits, which can be highly confusing.

However, some more common types of disabilities that may automatically qualify you for benefits are:

  • Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue issues may include Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, chronic back pain, and more.
  • Mental issues include mood disorders – Including PTSD, Depression, Schizophrenia, etc.
  • Cardiovascular conditions  – These may include angina, high blood pressure, heart diseases, and more.
  • Cancer –  Of many types.
  • Nervous system disorders – Including blindness, Parkinson’s diseases, and many more.

I Am Disabled and Need Help Applying for SSDI or SSI; What Should I Do?

First, be aware that filing and obtaining SSDI or SSI benefits can (and usually is) vitally important to you and your family. However, if you’re beginning this legal process, it can be overwhelming and complex and involve numerous documents, medical records, etc.

Consulting with an experienced and knowledgeable California Social Security Disability law firm will ensure you file correctly and comprehensively and present your case professionally the first time. Your lawyer will give you and your family the best legal advice on what documents you must compile, complete, and file to win.

Never try this alone; consult with a winning, aggressive, and empathetic California  Social Security law firm and allow their experience to get what you, and your family, rightfully need and deserve.