Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB)?
Social Security has two different benefit programs for individuals who are disabled.
Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB, also known as SSDI, or Title 2 benefits); and
Supplemental Security Income (SSI or Title 16 benefits).
Because of its name, it is a common misconception that must apply for “Disability Insurance” if you are disabled. Actually, both programs provide disability benefits.
What is Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB)?
Generally, Disability Insurance Benefits are based on your payroll contribution to Social Security. To qualify for DIB, you have to have earned enough Social Security credits, in the right time frame, by paying into Social Security through payroll taxes.
There are several circumstances in which you may not have enough credits for Social Security Disability Insurance:
What is the “date last insured” in Social Security disability cases?
Social Security a bit like car insurance: you pay your premiums to obtain insurance covered.
When it comes to Social Security, your premiums are your payroll taxes and the coverage is disability insurance.
In order to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, you have to have paid enough into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. Once you have worked long enough, you become insured for Disability Insurance benefits should you become unable to work.
What happens when you stop paying your premiums?
