If you are struggling with a disability that has rendered you unable to work for at least a year or more, you may be considering whether or not to file a claim for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration.
If you believe you may be entitled to benefits, you should know that two types of disability benefits may be available. These benefits are provided under Title Two and Title Sixteen of the Social Security Act. They are more commonly known as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Let’s take a closer look together at the differences and similarities between these types of benefits.
Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits
Title Two benefits are more commonly known as Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI benefits for short. SSDI benefits are intended for individuals who are “insured.” Although this term may sound like it means that the applicant must have a specific insurance policy, this is not the case. Instead, it means that the applicant must have worked a job for a sufficient amount of time and that they regularly paid taxes from their income at that job into the Social Security system. Individuals who have done so are considered “insured” by the Social Security Administration for purposes of receiving SSDI benefits.
In addition to being “insured,” those who apply for SSDI benefits must meet two other conditions of eligibility:
- The applicant must have a qualifying medical condition: To determine whether a condition qualifies for benefits, the Social Security Administration will often consult its listing of impairments, more commonly known as the “Blue Book.” The Blue Book is a guide that contains a variety of conditions, as well as their accompanying symptoms. If a condition is not listed in the Blue Book, that doesn’t mean that a claim will always be denied. Instead, it may simply mean that additional proof is necessary.
- The condition has rendered the applicant disabled for at least one continuous calendar year or more: Those seeking benefits must also be able to establish that their condition has rendered them disabled for at least a year. Depending upon the severity of the condition, you may be completely unable to work for long periods of time. In other cases, however, you may only be disabled temporarily. In those cases, short-term disability benefits may be available depending on your circumstances, but SSDI benefits will not be. Consulting with an attorney regarding options when your condition is a short-term disability is always a wise decision.
Those who meet these conditions and seek SSDI benefits should know that the amount of benefits does not depend upon the severity of the condition itself. Instead, it will be determined by a variety of factors, including your work and earnings history. In 2025, the maximum SSDI benefit that an individual can receive is $4,018.
Supplemental Security Income Benefits
Title Sixteen benefits are more commonly known as Supplemental Security Income or SSI benefits for short. As with SSDI benefits, those who apply for SSI benefits must have a qualifying medical condition that has rendered them unable to work for at least one continuous calendar year or more.
Unlike the case with SSDI benefits, however, an individual does not have to be “insured” to receive SSI benefits. Instead, they must have income and resources below a certain limit established by the Social Security Administration. This is because SSI benefits are not funded through payroll taxes but instead are funded by general revenue. The income and resource limit necessary to receive benefits may change annually, so it is essential to consult with an attorney regarding your particular eligibility.
As with SSDI benefits, SSI benefits are not calculated based on an applicant’s particular condition. Instead, they are based on a number of factors, including an individual’s income and resources. In 2025, the maximum amount of SSI benefits is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 per couple. In some cases, an applicant may receive more than this amount if they live in a state that supplements the federal SSI payments from the Social Security Administration with state funds. That amount will differ from state to state and will also be affected by each applicant’s particular circumstances.
Call GCC Law Today
At GCC Law, we are proud of our reputation for excellence and commitment to helping our clients pursue the benefits they need and deserve. We know and understand every aspect of the law pertaining to disability benefits, and we’re ready to put that knowledge to work for you. Regardless of whether you are pursuing SSDI benefits, SSI benefits, or both, we’re here to help. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call today. We look forward to hearing your story and getting started on your claim.