Helping Disabled Americans Receive Benefits Since 2010

The main difference between SSDI and SSI is the revenue source through which they are funded. SSDI is funded through FICA and Social Security taxes. SSI is not financed through Social Security, but rather through general tax revenues. The qualifications for SSDI and SSI also differ.

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program pays benefits to you and certain family members if you are “insured,” meaning that you worked long enough – and recently enough – and paid Social Security taxes on your earnings. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources.

Most times, a social security disability claim is denied for the following reasons:

• The claim is not backed up by enough medical documentation
• The medical evidence does not meet the disability requirements to make the claim
• Errors in the application

Many social security disability claims are denied at first, and there are a few options of how to move forward if your claim was denied. The best way to move forward is to appeal your case, instead of re-applying. This prevents you from having to file claims one after the other when you are unsure of the reason your claim was denied. With the help of an attorney, the appeal process can be simple.

For the most part, these benefits are tax-free, as to qualify to receive benefits you must not be able to work for a year or more as well as meet their income eligibility requirements. While most benefit recipients will not pay taxes, there are situations where you may need to pay federal income taxes on your Social Security benefits.

If your total benefits exceed the below limits, you will need to pay taxes on a portion of your benefits.

• If you file taxes Single – You will need to pay taxes if your combined income is more than $25,000
• If you file taxes as Married filing Jointly – You will need to pay taxes if your combined income is more than $32,000