Although we often think of disability as something that occurs as we age, the reality is that anyone can become disabled at any time. A tragic accident or a debilitating illness could leave you incapacitated and unable to work tomorrow. If that were to occur, would your family suffer financially without your income? The odds are good that it would. Fortunately, we have several programs in the United States that are aimed at helping workers who cannot work because of a disability. Both the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) might provide you with income while you are disabled. The Oklahoma City estate planning attorneys at Parman & Easterday explain the difference between SSI and SSDI.
Are You Disabled?
The first hurdle you must get past if you wish to qualify for either (or both) SSI or SSDI is to prove that you meet the definition of “disabled.” SSI and SSDI are administered by the U.S. federal government through the Social Security Administration (SSA), and both programs use the same definition of “disabled” when evaluating an applicant. Specifically, for the purpose of the SSI or SSDI program, you must meet the following tests:
- You cannot do the work you did before;
- The SSA determines that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
- Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death
Are You Eligible for SSDI?
Eligibility for SSDI is linked to your work history. Specifically, you must have worked sufficiently prior to your disability to qualify. Working earns you the “work credits” needed to qualify for SSDI. The number of “work credits” you need will depend on your age at the time of application. Most applicants need to have earned 20 credits during the preceding 10 years. A work credit is earned by earning a designated amount ($1,410 for the year 2020) up to a maximum of four credits a year if you earned $5,640 or more. If you qualify for SSDI, your dependents may also qualify for monthly benefits based on your work record. Because SSDI benefits are based on your work history, the monthly benefit you receive will almost always be higher than the current SSI benefit.
Are You Eligible for SSI?
Qualifying for SSI, on the other hand, is not based on your work history. Eligibility for SSI is based solely on your income and resources. To qualify, you must have income and resources below the program limits. The resource limit for an individual is $2,000 and for a married couple $3,000. Unlike the SSDI program, SSI benefits are not available to family members, but eligibility for SSI can automatically make you eligible for other assistance programs, such as Medicaid, and SNAP (food stamps). In addition, some states provide a state supplement which is added to the Federal SSI benefit payment. The amount of the state supplement varies between states, from $10 to $200.
Note: It is possible to receive both SSDI and SSI if your SSDI benefit is small enough that you meet the income limit for the SSI program.
Contact an Oklahoma City Estate Planning Attorney
For additional information, please join us for an upcoming FREE seminar. If you have questions or concerns about applying for SSI or SSDI, contact the experienced Oklahoma City estate planning attorneys at Parman & Easterday by calling 405-843-6100 to schedule your appointment today.
You can apply for both SSDI and SSI online through the Social Security Administration’s website. Unfortunately, two out of three initial applications for SSDI are denied, so if you feel you might be entitled to SSI or SSDI benefits it is usually in your best interest to consult with an attorney before completing the application.
In 2020, the maximum SSI benefit, referred to as the “Federal Benefit Rate (FBR),” is $783 per month for individuals and $1,175 for couples. The FBR increases annually if there is a Social Security cost-of-living adjustment.
Yes. You have a right to appeal if your application is denied. Consult with an attorney right away to make sure you appeal within the time limit and to increase the odds of winning on appeal.
Since founding Parman & Easterday in 1985, Larry has led over 1,000 free, community-service education programs and helped more than 10,000 Oklahoma families go from putting off their estate plan to getting it done. His goal for every client is the same: to become the person their family calls "the one who took care of everything."
Larry is the author of three books: The Straight Shooter's Guide to Estate Planning; Estate Planning Basics; and Guiding Those Left Behind in Oklahoma. He served as Oklahoma's Secretary of State and Secretary of Commerce, and his firm is the only member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys in the state.
- Choosing the Right Successor Trustee: Key Considerations - October 8, 2026
- Aging in Place: A Medicaid Waiver Can Fill the Gap - October 6, 2026
- Does Every Estate Go Through Probate? - September 29, 2026
