Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for workers, including their family members, who have paid enough social security taxes and can no longer work because of a disability.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is federal cash assistance for disabled people, including children under 18, with little or no income or resources.
What is the benefit amount for SSI and SSDI?
In 2009, an SSI recipient can receive a maximum of $674 per month. An SSDI recipient’s payment can exceed $674; the payment is determined by how much the person has paid into Social Security.
Can individuals receive both SSDI and SSI?
Yes, but the combined amount cannot exceed the SSI maximum, which in 2009 is $674.
Do disabled children qualify for benefits?
Yes, disabled children can qualify.
How does one apply for disability benefits with Social Security?
To apply for disability benefits, the applicant must have an interview with Social Security, either over the phone or in person. It is important to compile a thorough medical, educational, and employment history before the interview. More information and materials can be found at www.ssa.gov or by calling the national Social Security line at (800) 772-1213. If you were referred to this site by an agency with whom we partner, our services can facilitate this process and increase your chances of approval.
Do SSI recipients qualify for other types of assistance?
In most states people who are eligible for SSI also will receive Medicaid. Some states have other aid available for people on SSI.
Can children receive dependents' benefits if they have a parent who is on SSI?
No, there are no benefits from SSI for the dependents of SSI recipients. However, there are benefits for the dependents of SSDI recipients.
Can Social Security review my eligibility for benefits in the future?
Social Security will review a recipient’s eligibility for disability benefits approximately every three years, although it can be as little as one or as many as seven depending on the severity of the disability. Other circumstances also effect eligibility, such as a change in income, assets, or living arrangements.
Can SSA take me off benefits in the future?
Yes, disability benefits can be terminated if after they review your disability they find that you are no longer disabled, or if you no longer meet other eligibility requirements regarding income, assets, living arrangements, etc.
How does one apply for food stamps?
In order to receive foods stamps you have to apply with your county human services department. In certain circumstances it is also possible to apply for food stamps at the time of your disability interview. Please mention to the Social Security employee that you are interested in food stamps, so he or she can tell you the process in that county or state.
How does one apply for Medicaid?
In some states, a person who becomes eligible for SSI benefits is immediately enrolled in Medicaid. In other states, it is necessary to apply for Medicaid separately. Please ask your Disability Outreach advocate if your state requires a separate Medicaid application, or if the benefits are granted automatically.
Can a working SSI recipient lose his or her Medicaid?
Section 1619(b) of the Social Security Act provides that, in most cases, even if your earned income is too high to permit a SSI cash benefit, you may still be eligible for Medicaid as long as you need Medicaid in order to work and your earnings are under a “threshold” amount.
Are SSI benefits taxable?
SSI benefits are not subject to income tax.
Can a non-citizen receive SSI?
Most non-citizens are not eligible for SSI. There are a few exceptions, such as those listed as Lawfully Admitted Permanent Residents (LAPR). Please use the following link for a complete list of those who qualify as LAPRs: www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-non-citizens.htm
How does my state benefit from citizens becoming eligible for SSI?
The disabled individual receives a stable monthly federal cash benefit so that their basic needs are met. The Medicaid benefit usually associated with SSI eligibility provides stable treatment and access to care, which helps some disabled individuals reenter the workforce. SSI-eligible individuals will no longer be solely dependent on state benefits, and will have better access and coverage to health care.
How does Disability Outreach identify disabled Medicaid MCO plan members?
Disability Outreach uses technology, experience, and plan integration to identify potentially eligible members. Using claims-data, we can filter, sort and query data known to suggest disabling conditions. We also work very closely with plan case managers to identify members who have a sudden onset of disability, such as low birth weight babies, catastrophic injuries, or recently diagnosed diseases.
How does Disability Outreach engage members who are experiencing homelessness, have disconnected numbers, have moved residences, ect?
Due to the vulnerabilities of many Medicaid managed care members, addresses and phone numbers can change frequently. In order to effectively advocate for your plan and members, Disability Outreach believes that field advocacy is an essential component of what we do. We have a telephonic home office, as well as on-the-ground advocates who can use a variety of methods to make contact with your members.
How does DO advocacy benefit a Medicaid MCOs bottom line?
In order to manage the risk that is associated with offering comprehensive, caring coverage to disabled members, an MCO must maintain its fiscal health. By shifting disabled members to the appropriate category of coverage, your plan is capitated at a significantly higher rate than it would be for an average Medicaid recipient. The higher capitation helps your plan manage the added risk that is associated with providing coverage for disabled members.
What percentage of Medicaid Managed Care plans' membership is potentially eligible for disability benefits?
The Kaiser Commission estimates that 12% of Medicaid Managed Care Plan members are disabled. (“Medicaid’s Disabled Population and Managed Care” March 2001).
