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Programs like SSI and SSDI help bridge the gap between employment and being unable to continue to work due to blindness, blindness, disability, or age (over age 65). Physical or mental disabilities sometimes prevent people from working. For example, a work injury may never fully heal, preventing the worker from securing gainful employment. Additionally, as we get older, it can become increasingly difficult to keep up with the physical demands of many industries. This post explores what SSI and SSDI are, common conditions that qualify people for social security benefits, and how many people are on social security. 

Krasno Krasno & Onwudinjo helps individuals apply for and keep their social security disability benefits. We understand that life can keep you from supporting yourself and your family fully. Sometimes we all need a little help. Our compassionate Pennsylvania social security disability lawyers are here to guide you through the process of applying for benefits. We also have extensive experience fighting against denials of benefits. 

What Is Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income?

Supplemental Security Income is a government-provided benefit provided to people with limited income and who are legally blind, who have a disability that keeps them from working, or who are over 65. To qualify for benefits based on a disability, the individual must show that they have a disability recognized by the Social Security Administration and cannot work. 

As with many government programs, the SSI and SSDI application process can be quite complex and confusing for many people to go through alone. What should be straightforward often contains a host of exceptions and rules that people must navigate, all while being unable to work but needing to provide for their daily needs. Social security disability attorneys are vital resources, helping people with a disability unravel the web of regulations and paperwork needed to advocate for a successful outcome. 

Is Social Security Disability the Same as SSDI?

Because of the similarities between the names, people often use the terms disability benefits, SSI, and SSDI payments interchangeably. But SSI and SSDI generally refer to specific programs.  

Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is for people who have a disability or are at least 65 years or older and do not have sufficient income to support themselves. In contrast, to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, the person must have a disability and have earned a certain number of work credits. People earn work credits by working and paying a portion of their paycheck toward SSDI. For example, they may reach retirement age and get benefits after they stop working. 

Before applying for benefits, it is important to understand what program you qualify for and what would make the most sense financially for you. Some people may qualify for both SSI and SSDI benefits. 

How Many People Are on Social Security?

According to the monthly statistics kept by the Social Security Administration (SSA), just over 5 million Americans received SSI in February 2023. The February 2023 statistics also reveal that 63,324,000 Americans received SSDI payments during that time.

Of those 5 million people receiving SSI or disability benefits, only 1 million are over 65, whereas 4 million qualified for benefits because of a disability and limited income. Over 2.5 million people received SSI and SSDI benefits in February 2023. Of those, just over half are 65 or older, and the other half have a disability that prevents them from working.  

Social Security Income by State

As of SSI statistics for 2021, California accounts for nearly 15% of all of those who receive SSI benefits. Wyoming has the lowest number of total people who get SSI, with only 6,830 people enrolled in the program. In 2021, Pennsylvania made up roughly 4%, or 335,421, of the total individuals who receive SSI. 

A significant percentage of those who receive SSI in Pennsylvania have a disability. In fact, statistics indicate that roughly 93%, or 310,859, of Pennsylvania residents receiving SSI benefits fall under the “blind and disabled” category as of 2021.

What Conditions and Disabilities Qualify People for SSI?

SSI is available for people with a wide variety of conditions and disabilities. The SSA uses a complicated process to determine if someone is considered disabled for purposes of receiving SSI or SSDI benefits.SSA classifies types of disabilities into broad categories, such as musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory system conditions, and digestive system disorders. Some examples of conditions that may qualify you for SSI benefits include:

• Chronic back pain (often with limited function)
• Blindness or severe vision loss
• Cardio Obstruction Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Chronic heart failure
• Gastrointestinal hemorrhaging
• Kidney or renal failure
• Chronic anemia
• Chronic skin infections
• Thyroid disorders
• Mosaic (and Non-Mosaic) Down Syndrome
• Epilepsy
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Cancer
• Lupus
• Fibromyalgia

If you think that you or a loved one qualifies for SSI, you can submit an application for review. These benefits can be extremely valuable to someone who is having trouble working and keeping up with daily obligations.

You can (and should) include a full listing of all of your medical conditions in your application for SSI benefits. Sometimes if your conditions are less severe, but you have several, you can still get SSI. Your application should fully set out all of your medical conditions, even if they seem relatively minor standing alone.

Even with these somewhat stringent requirements, you may be surprised just how many people are on social security. Qualifying for benefits may not be easy, however, even if it seems like you meet SSA’s definition of disabled. Having a disability attorney help you apply for social security disability can be very helpful.

The Social Security Attorneys at Krasno Krasno & Onwudinjo Can Help

Navigating the SSI and SSDI application processes can be difficult, especially with so much depending on the outcome. A misstep can cause a delay or denial. Rather than trying to accomplish this on your own, it can help to have an experienced legal team fighting for you every step of the way. 

Krasno Krasno & Onwudinjo has helped hundreds of thousands of people secure social security and workers’ compensation benefits since the firm began in the 1930s. Clients have described working with our team as “extremely positive,” praising us on our ability to demystify the disability application process and be available to address any and all questions they may have. 

If you want to apply for disability benefits or your application was denied, call our office at 844-243-4843 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.