The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides several programs covering a diverse range of benefits for a diverse population. Before you apply, it's best to understand which program is aimed at your situation. Read on and find out about SSA benefit programs.
Several SSA Programs for Your Consideration
The SSA doesn't make things easier for applicants to automatically know what program they need benefits from. The names are similar, and things can get confusing. Here are the main SSA programs:
- Social Security Retirement – This benefit is related to both age and work history. To gain benefits, claimants should meet both age and work history requirements to be paid retirement benefits.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – This program is for workers who are not old enough to retire but meet the medical or mental health and work history requirements.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – This program covers people of all ages who are disabled but don't have any (or enough) work history to earn SSDI. Even children and young people can be covered by SSI benefits.
More About SSI
Many young adults don't have enough work history to be covered under SSDI. But SSI, while there are no previous work requirements, has stringent income and asset restrictions that are not used when considering any of the other SSA programs. If a child is considered disabled, the parents must pass the income and assets restrictions. If it's an adult or young adult, they must also pass the income and asset restrictions. Those attending college full-time may also be required to use their parent's income to qualify.
Income and Assets
Not everything owned by a young person is counted when it comes to meeting income restrictions. For instance, if the young adult is receiving any other government benefits, such as food stamps or housing assistance, it is not counted. Also not counted is any money used to purchase items that are directly related to the disability. In most cases, the primary residence of the young adult is not counted nor is one vehicle. However, savings accounts and other property does count. Young adults are not allowed to earn any income and all money that they get must be reported to the SSA.
When it comes to qualifying for benefits, young adults must meet the same requirements as SSDI. They must prove that their condition makes it impossible to work at a job. If you have been turned down for SSI, speak to a disability lawyer and find out what you can do to appeal the denial and get your benefits started.
