SSDI and SSI Basics
SSDI and SSI Basics
Social Security administers two programs for people who have become disabled and need monthly benefit payments to make up for their inability to work and earn a living.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSDI is a program designed for people who have worked and paid taxes into the Social Security system for years prior to becoming disabled. If an individual is judged disabled, the individual will receive SSDI benefits regardless of the individual's assets or family income.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI, unlike SSDI, is a "needs-based" program. SSI is designed to pay benefits to disabled people who need help with basic living costs, even if they haven't worked or paid taxes into the Social Security system. To qualify for SSI payments, a claimant cannot have family assets or income over a certain limit.
Medicare and Social Security Disability Insurance
Medicare and SSDI
Medicare Eligibility for Social Security Disability Beneficiaries Individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are generally eligible for Medicare. Here's how it works:
- Eligibility Period:Medicare eligibility for SSDI beneficiaries begins after a 24-month waiting period from the date of disability benefits.
- Automatic Enrollment:After the waiting period, beneficiaries are automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A (hospital insurance) and B (medical insurance).
- Age Exception:If an SSDI beneficiary turns 65 during the waiting period, they may become eligible for Medicare based on age, regardless of their disability status.
Additional Information
- SSDI beneficiaries may be eligible for additional Medicare benefits, such as Part C (Medicare Advantage) or Part D (prescription drug coverage), depending on their individual circumstances.
- To learn more about Medicare eligibility and benefits as an SSDI beneficiary, contact the Social Security Administration or visit their website.
Medicare Benefits
Medicare Benefits for SSDI Beneficiaries SSDI beneficiaries receive the same Medicare benefits as other eligible individuals, including:
- Part A: Hospitalization, skilled nursing care, home health services, and hospice care
- Part B: Physician services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services
- Optional Part D: Prescription drug coverage
Can I apply for Medicare if I’m already receiving disability?
Having a disability affects your Medicare options in two ways:
1. You can be enrolled automatically (earlier than age 65) if approved by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits based on certain disabilities. What disabilities qualify for Medicare under 65? They include Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) and End-stage renal disease (ESRD).
2. After drawing SSDI for 24 months (two years), you are automatically enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B (also known as “original Medicare”) starting at the 25th month and will receive a Medicare card in the mail. In some cases, you can receive Medicare in less than two years if Social Security determines that your disability started before the disability application date.