The United States’ Social Security Administration (SSA) has two federal programs to provide financial help to disabled citizens: Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays a disabled citizen and some family members monthly for the duration of the disability.
SSDI vs SSI at a glance
SSDI
SSI
Based on
Work credits earned by paying Social Security taxes
Financial need, with no work history required
Benefit amount
Calculated from your earnings record
Generally lower and more uniform, set federally
Resource limit
No asset limit for eligibility itself
Roughly $2,000 individual / $3,000 couple in countable resources
Supplemental Security Income
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a separate federal program administered by the Social Security Administration. Ask the office which program may fit your situation.
Medical information
When you apply for SSD, you will need a social security disability report with information about physicians and facilities that have treated your condition. You will also need a list of your medical tests, prescriptions, and other healthcare information.
Understanding the process
Claiming social security disability is a process about which many people are confused. Knowing what the law defines as disabled, as well as how the SSD process works, can give you a better understanding of what to expect during your own SSD case.
Contact us today
If you need help collecting the necessary documents and forms to apply for SSD benefits in Texas, we can help you with that as well.
What to prepare
The first call should turn a confusing legal issue into a clearer next step.
✓
Decision letters
Bring any SSA letters, the denial reason if there is one, and the current claim stage.
✓
Medical record
Treatment providers, tests, prescriptions, and how the condition limits work.
✓
Work history
Jobs, dates, and duties matter to SSDI; income and resources matter to SSI.
Why Ted Smith Law Group
Ted finds special meaning in assisting families and individuals with their Social Security Disability claims. Clients get his special attention in all the phases of this complex process: building, documenting and filing the best possible case, from the right medical sources.
Local office in Killeen
The firm is located on E. Stan Schlueter Loop in Killeen.
1976
Ted Smith opened his Killeen practice after Fort Hood JAG service.
“Ted Smith is the best in the area! I can't say enough good things. The whole office cares about their clients and make sure your case is taken care of swiftly and done perfectly.”
“I used Ted Smith Law group to probate my wife's estate. Ted Smith and Barbie King were absolutely terrific in supporting my Probate case. They far exceeded my support expectations.”
“The Ted Smith Law group helped me with my SSDI case. It was a lengthy process and they were there all the way through. They kept me up to date on what was needed to be done and documents that needed to be completed.”
“The Ted Smith Law Firm is #1 in both customer service and professional service. They help me with all my Will and Deed issues when my husband passed in a very timely manner. I want to thank everyone from the firm for their care and support in this very difficult time.”
Some applicants may apply for both programs. Eligibility depends on the requirements of each program and should be reviewed using current SSA guidance.
Does SSI check my bank account?
SSI considers financial information. Ask the Social Security Administration or an attorney about the current rules before applying.
Which pays more, SSDI or SSI?
Benefit amounts depend on the program and the applicant’s circumstances. The Social Security Administration provides the current calculation.
How long until I get Medicare or Medicaid?
Health-coverage timing depends on the program and current rules. Confirm it directly with the Social Security Administration.
Do SSDI and SSI use the same medical proof?
Bring information about physicians and facilities that have treated your condition, medical tests, prescriptions, and other healthcare information.
Talk through your disability claim
Contact the office to discuss your legal matter and the next step.
