Question 1

How is disability defined?

Accepted Answer

The Social Security Administration defines disability as the inability to do a “substantial gainful activity,” or SGA. SGA requires significant physical or mental activities, or a combination of both, while working either part-time or full-time. Generally, if an individual earns more than $1310 per month (unless they are blind) they are considered to be performing SGA. In order to meet the definition of being disabled, disability, your medical conditions must prevent you from performing work activities. “Gainful” means that the work can be done for pay or profit.  There are two types of Social Security disability benefits: Supplementary Security Income, and Social Security Disability Insurance.

Question 2

How is SSI different from Social Security Benefits?

Accepted Answer

A recipient of SSI can also receive Social Security benefits, and can apply for both programs with the same process. However, the two programs are different in a number of ways. SSI benefits are not determined by work history – meaning how long the recipient worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI and Social Security are funded differently. SSI financed by general funds of the U.S. Treasury, collected from personal income taxes, corporate and other taxes. Social Security taxes collected under FICA do not fund the SSI program. SSI recipients may be eligible for other federal benefits. In most States, SSI recipients also can get medical assistance under Medicaid for expenses such as hospital stays, doctor bills, and prescription drugs, as well as food assistance.

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