The Social Security Administration (SSA) utilizes strict guidelines to confirm eligibility for receiving Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.
It is commonly understood that you must meet the medical requirements to be considered for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Oftentimes, though, applicants overlook the necessity of meeting the non-medical qualifications for SSI.
The following information contains the key points in qualifying for SSI through non-medical requirements. Ready to apply for benefits? Complete this form to discuss your claim!
The Key Differences: SSI vs. SSDI
There are two types of Social Security Disability benefits programs available to those in need: SSI and SSDI. In both types of disability programs, you must be able to prove without a doubt that you are considered medically disabled.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines a disability as a medical condition considered severe enough that it lasts at least one year or is expected to end in death. This medical condition must be severe enough that it limits your ability to do even sedentary work.
The main difference between the two assistance programs is that SSI is for low-income applicants, whereas SSDI is based on work credit history.
SSI Non-Medical Requirements
Supplemental Security Income benefits are eligible to any individual who is:
- 65 or older;
- Blind or disabled.
The individual must also fit the following criteria:
- Limited income;
- Limited resources;
- U.S. citizen;
- Not absent from the country for 30 days or more;
- Not confined to an institution at the government’s expense;
- Applies for any other benefits or payments programs which they may qualify.
The SSA defines limited income as any money you earn, money you receive from other sources (workers’ compensation, unemployment, VA benefits, etc.), and free food or shelter.
Limited resources refers to things you own such as cash, bank accounts, stocks, land, vehicles, personal property, life insurance, and anything that may be converted to cash to use for food or shelter.
Begin Your Journey to SSI Benefits
Understanding how to apply for disability benefits and whether you qualify can be confusing, especially when you are trying to make sense of the SSA guidelines and non-medical qualifications for SSI.
That’s why we have a team of advocates with years of knowledge ready to help you make sense of Social Security Disability benefits and determine what program is right for you. We take the difficulty out of the application process by doing the hard work for you.
Contact us today to get started on your journey to receiving SSI benefits!