The Difference Between SSDI and SSI
The Washington, DC, law firm of Mathis & Mathis, P.C., represents claimants for disability benefits like Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Contact our law firm to learn more about us or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
SSDI Versus SSI
Everyone who works and pays taxes in the United States pays money into the Social Security system. Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) is a government disability benefits program that provides monthly payments to anyone unable to work due to a qualifying disability, if that person has worked the number of years required by the Social Security Administration.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based government benefit program for people who are unable to work because of a disabling medical condition. "Needs-based" is the important part of the definition of SSI. SSI is only available to people with very low income and few assets.
Learn more about the Social Security Administration's definition of disability and the eligibility requirements for SSDI and SSI.
Mathis & Mathis, P.C. — A Washington, DC, Disability Benefits Law Firm
Founded in 1985 by a former attorney for the Social Security Administration, Mathis & Mathis is a family law firm with an exclusive focus on representing disability benefits claimants. Our advocates have helped thousands of claimants access the benefits they deserve.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Legal Help With a Disability Benefits Claim
Legal fees for disability benefits advocates are set by federal law. Every disability benefits lawyer or advocate receives the same legal fees. At the successful conclusion of your case, the Social Security Administration will withhold attorney fees in the amount of 25 percent of past-due benefits, up to a maximum of $6,000. At Mathis & Mathis, we require no up-front payments. When your case is complete, we will ask you to reimburse us for the cost of all medical records we have obtained — generally a cost of less than $100.
Is It Worth the Hassle to Apply for SSDI or SSI?
For some claimants, the time and bureaucratic hassle of applying for SSDI or SSI seems to outweigh the benefits of receiving disability benefit payments — until the application is finally approved. However, becoming an approved SSDI or SSI recipient carries additional benefits, including:
- When you are approved for SSI, you automatically become eligible for Medicaid benefits.
- When you are approved for SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare benefits 24 months after eligibility for your disability benefits begins, regardless of your age.
- Once you reach retirement age, the years you were a qualified recipient will count as "working years," which will increase your retirement benefits for the rest of your life.
Contact Mathis & Mathis, P.C., for a Free Consultation
Find out whether a lawyer or a certified claimant's representative can help you with your SSDI or SSI claim. Schedule a confidential and no-obligation consultation with the family-run law firm of Mathis & Mathis, P.C.
Call toll-free 888-309-9781 or use our online contact form.
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Every legal matter is different. The outcome of each legal case depends upon many factors, including the facts of the case, and no attorney can guarantee a positive result in any particular case.
