FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Michigan Social Security Disability Insurance SSDI

Provided by William Crawforth, Michigan Social Security Attorney & Lawyer

The following is a list of frequently asked questions that Attorney William Crawforth is often requested to explain to his contacts and clients. You may wish to read the entire page of questions and answers or just select your specific questions by clicking the links below.

• Difference between SSI and SSDI?
• What can I do to get my Social Security benefits raised?
• Does my spouse or children get benefits?
• Do I receive Medicare when I receive SSI or SSDI?
• Do any other benefits I receive reduce my SSDI benefits?
• Article: Social Security Disability in a Nutshell

Difference between SSI and SSDI?

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is the welfare part of Social Security. It is a “needs based” benefit based on the assets and income in your household. Generally, the less assets and income your household possess, the more your monthly SSI will be. SSI for 2020 is $783 for an individual per month, and for a couple it is $1175 per month.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is based on the money you paid into the system during your working years and has nothing to do with current assets or income. Generally, the more you paid into the system during your working or career years, the more you will get from SSDI.

What can I do to get my Social Security benefits raised?

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit is up to a maximum of $783 for an individual for 2020.  A couple receives $1,175 for 2020. Social Security Income (SSI) benefits are fixed for everybody and not based on what you actually need to live.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefit is based on what you paid into the system during your working / career years and can vary between approximately $200 to $2000 per month or more.

Do my spouse or children get benefits?

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) = No.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) = Yes. Your spouse and children share 50% of what you receive. For example, if you receive $2000/month, your spouse and children will receive $1000, if you have minor children. If there are no minor children, the spouse gets nothing unless he or she is also disabled and meets the non-disability criteria.

Do I receive Medicare when I receive SSI or SSDI?

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) = No.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) = Yes, but only after you have been on the benefits for 24 months.

Do any other benefits I receive reduce my SSDI benefits?

Yes, but only Worker’s Compensation.

If you have questions about the Michigan Social Security Law Services provided by William Crawforth, call Toll-Free 800-864-1244, local (734) 622-0143 or click here to contact us.