Oklahoma Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are both programs of the United States Federal Government administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), created under Title II of the Social Security Act, is designed to provide income to people who are unable to work because of a disability. SSDI is intended to be provided until their condition improves, and is intended to guarantee income if the individual’s condition does not or will not improve. Generally in order to qualify for SSDI an individual most show that they:
- have a physical or mental condition that prevents them from engaging in any “substantial gainful activity” (“SGA”), and
- the condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and
- they are under the age of 65, and
- generally, have worked 5 out of the last 10 years as of the determined date of onset of disability
SSDI is a program aimed at workers who have contributed or paid into the social security trust fund, with these payments made through the Social Security tax on their earnings. Additionally, and individual seeking to file a claim for SSDI must have recently contributed enough quarters of coverage to qualify, that is working enough over the past few years while contributing to the social security trust fund.
In contrast, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), incorporated under Title XVI of the Social Security Act, is designed to provide federal financial assistance, in the form of monthly payments, to individuals who have either never worked or have insufficient credits on their earnings record to qualify for SSDI. In order to be eligible to receive SSI benefits, individuals must prove the following:
- They are 65 or older, blind, or disabled.
- They legally reside in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Northern Mariana Islands, or are the child of military parent(s) assigned to permanent duty outside of the US, or are a student (certain restrictions apply) temporarily abroad.
- They have income and resources within certain limits
Both SSDI and SSI can provide an individual:
- a regular monthly payment that adjusts for annual cost-of-living increases
- access to medical benefits under Medicare and/or Medicaid
- prescription drug coverage
- an extension of COBRA benefits
- extension of the above mentioned benefits to dependents
- return to work incentives
If you believe that you may be eligible for either Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income, the initial step is apply directly with the SSA. The SSA’s website provides all the necessary information for you to consider when filing a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income.
The Oklahoma Attorneys at the Tulsa Injury Law Center recommend that during the initial application process you should file for both Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income.
Call our Tulsa Disability Lawyers for a free consultation on applying for Social Security disability benefits in Oklahoma