| Topic | SSDI (Title II) | SSI (Title XVI) |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Earned insurance from FICA-covered work | Needs-based cash assistance |
| Work credits | Required (age-based + recent work) | Not required |
| Income / resources | Not means-tested (other benefits may offset) | Strict limits on income and resources |
| Payment amount | Based on your earnings record | Federal benefit rate minus countable income |
| Medicare / Medicaid | Medicare after 24 months of entitlement (with exceptions) | Medicaid in most states immediately |
| Waiting period | Five months (ALS excepted) | None |
| Who may also qualify | Some spouses and children of the worker | Aged, blind, or disabled with low resources |
Some people receive both (“concurrent” benefits) if their SSDI check is low and they still meet SSI resource rules. SSA can take both applications on one visit. This campaign focuses on SSDI but will flag obvious SSI issues during screening.