If you become disabled while living in Indiana and have few resources for income, you may wonder if you can receive Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) along with Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The short answer is yes, but you must follow the guidelines exactly to get payments from both programs that are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
The difference between SSDI and SSI
To receive Social Security Disability payments, you must have earned enough credits for the insurance to cover you. Typically, you must have at least 20 credits and have worked full-time for five of the previous 10 years. That requirement varies according to age and other conditions. For SSI, you must meet the maximum income threshold of $943 for an individual and $1,415 for a couple per month. You may be able to receive SSI payments even if your total income is higher than those amounts because not all income is considered. A couple’s earned income can be up to $2,400 per month before SSI benefits terminate.
You can access both benefit types under specific circumstances. When approved for SSDI, you may also receive concurrent SSI if you have minimal sages or have worked infrequently during the past several years. The total income, including SSDI, must be less than the current monthly SSI payment level. Note that all of your income may not count, and the value of the property you may own may also affect any SSI payout.
Applying for benefits
Many people find the application processes for SSDI and SSI confusing. The Social Security Administration has strict rules that applicants must follow closely to gain approval. Many claims are initially denied. However, that doesn’t mean you have to accept the agency’s decision. Often, applicants miss essential information on their claims forms, which results in denial.
Taking your time and ensuring you have all the necessary information on your form is essential for approval. If your claim is denied, you can go through hearings with the SSD Appeals Council and, if necessary, the SSD Federal Court of Appeals to plead your case for benefits.