How Do SSI and SSDI Differ In Oregon?

Also called Title II, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) is earned when Social Security taxes are taken from your paycheck and paid into the system. When Social Security taxes are taken from your paycheck and added to the system, you earn credits. For instance, one credit can be earned by making a salary of $1,130 or more per fiscal quarter.

You are eligible to earn a maximum of four credits per year, or $4,520. As a general rule, to be granted Social Security Disability benefits you need to have earned a total of 40 credits by the year you apply, with 20 of those credits having been accrued in the last 10 years.

Your monthly benefit amount is determined by your average income earned during the years you worked. For 2014, the maximum monthly benefit is $2,642.

To qualify for SSD you must show documented proof that your disability existed prior to your Last Date of Insured (LDI). In other words, your LDI is five years prior to the last date you were employed providing you have 40 credits.

At the time you submit your disability application, you will be assigned a case- worker who will assess your records and provide you with your LDI. If your claim for benefits goes to court, a Judge may only consider medical documents up to that date. Please note, if your LDI is near your benefits application date, it is suggested that you also file a claim for Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI), as being approved for benefits can be a long and laborious process.

Title XVI, or Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI), is paid based on need and applicants must be deemed low-income and have very limited resources. This benefit is paid via U.S. Treasury general funds, rather than Social Security Trust Funds like SSD. Your monthly benefit amount is determined based on household income and assets. For 2014, the monthly maximum SSI benefit amount for an individual is $721.