Social Security is often thought of as a program that provides benefits to older Michigan citizens. However, it is so much more than that. It is actually multiple programs that provide a source of income for various types of Americans based on certain statuses or needs. Two such benefit options are Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance.
According to The Motley Fool, SSI and SSDI are both programs for people with disabilities. SSDI eligibility depends on your work history while SSI eligibility does not. SSI is more for people who have low income and no assets. SSDI is for anyone who has worked enough to be able to qualify for the benefits.
An additional difference is that SSI is available for you if you are over the age of 65 even if you are not disabled. SSDI is not available to anyone over the age of 65 who does not have a disability because this group can collect retirement benefits from the system.
If you get SSI, you cannot have much of an income. If you do earn money, it reduces your benefit amount. It could also make you ineligible for benefits since SSI is strictly based on income.
Finally, the amount of the benefits paid through SSI and SSDI vary as well. SSI has a set benefit amount. You can only get that set amount. SSDI depends on various factors about your work history. Not everyone gets the same benefit amount. This information is for education and is not legal advice.