I was recently asked which pays more in benefits? Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
If you are wondering about the difference between SSDI and SSI, read this post.
As for which pays more, the answer is “it depends.”
SSI benefits are based on the annual Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) which sets the maximum SSI benefits you can per month. For 2009, the FBR is $674 for individuals ($1,011 for couples). That mean the most an individual on SSI can receive is $674 per month. Couples who are both on SSI can receive a maximum of $1,011 per month.
Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are based on your payroll contribution to Social Security. The more you have paid into Social Security, the more monthly benefits you may be entitled to.
Simply put, SSI is capped at $674 per month (based on the 2009 SSI Federal Benefit Rate). Depending on how much you have paid into Social Security, SSDI may pay more in benefits.
If you want to get an idea of how much you may be entitled if you become disabled, Social Security has online benefit calculators which can estimate benefits amounts. Social Security also mails you a “Social Security Statement” every year before your birthday which describes your estimated benefits.
=========================================================Disclaimer: This is NOT legal advice. This site provides general information about Social Security disability cases in Colorado. To discuss your particular circumstances, please contact a lawyer in your area. Please review the full disclaimer .
