Supplemental Security Benefits are paid to low-income individuals who are also disabled. There is no requirement of a past work history. Current information about SSI payment rates and resource limits can be viewed here: SSI Payment Rates and Resource Limits
How does the SSA define assets? The SSA counts the following as resources:
• cash;
• money in a checking or savings account;
• cash value in life insurance policies (over $1,500);
• stocks and bonds;
• household goods and personal effects (over $2,000);
• motor vehicles (except for one); and
• real estate (other than the home in which a claimant resides).
SSDI, SSD, Title II, DIB—They are all the same!
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is funded through payroll taxes. SSDI recipients are considered “insured” because they have worked for a certain number of years and have made contributions to the Social Security Trust Fund in the form of FICA Social Security taxes.
SSDI candidates must be younger than 65 years old and have earned a certain number of “work credits” by having enough quarters of coverage (QC). A QC is the basic unit for determining whether a worker is insured under the Social Security program. The amount of earnings required for a quarter of coverage (QC) in 2015 is $1,220.
Determination of the quarter of coverage amount for 2016: The law specifies that the quarter of coverage (QC) amount for 2016 is equal to the 1978 amount of $250 multiplied by the ratio of the national average wage index for 2014 to that for 1976, or, if larger, the 2015 amount of $1,220. If the amount so determined is not a multiple of $10, it shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $10. Sound confusing? Don’t worry! Your Disability Advocate can assist in explaining Social Security Disability calculations.
One may also see the term “Social Security credit” (or “credit”) used elsewhere. There is a five-month waiting period for benefits, meaning that the SSA won’t pay benefits for the first five months after a person becomes disabled. The amount of the monthly benefit after the waiting period is over depends on the claimant’s earnings record.
Under SSDI, a disabled person’s spouse and children (dependents) are eligible to receive partial dependent benefits, called Auxiliary Benefits. After receiving SSDI for two years, a disabled person will then become eligible for Medicare.
Kim Engler / Disability Advocate
Disability Advocates Group has been championing the cause of the disabled for over 20 years. We view each claim as a unique challenge entitled to individualized strategy to help ensure a successful outcome. Remember, we don’t get paid unless you get paid!