WHY AN SSDI CLAIM IS BETTER THAN AN SSI CLAIM

SSDI = The regular Social Security disability insurance claim, also called Title 2.

SSI = Supplemental Security Income, also called Title 16.

Why should you file an SSDI claim instead of an SSI claim, if possible?  You may need to file both claims; however, here is why an SSDI or Title 2 claim is usually better:

1. SSDI will usually pay a much higher benefit than SSI.  (See below).
2. SSDI has no "means test," doesn't require you to be poor or have very limited resources or very restricted household income.  SSI qualification is based on resources and household income, including, for example, your spouse's income.
3. SSDI will come with Medicare, whereas SSI comes with Medicaid.

*The maximum SSDI benefit for an individual is $2,633 in 2016.  The maximum federal SSI benefit for an individual is $733 in 2016.

**To file an SSDI or Title 2 claim, the claimant must have acquired a sufficient number of quarters of work credits.  Generally, this means he or she has worked at least 5 out of the last 10 years.  

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