Updated as of February 26, 2024.
Social Security Benefits
What are they?
- Cash payments
- Two kinds:
- SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
Similarities
- Federal benefits
- Disability requirement for eligibility
- Citizenship
- Eligibility for the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass program
Differences
SSI is a needs-based program
- Must be poor
- Limits on both income and resources
Find out more in the SSI (Supplemental Security Income) – Fast Financial Facts Bridges Resource Library entry.
SSDI is an insurance program
- Based on sufficient work history (6 to 40 quarters/1.5 to 10 years – depends on age of disability onset)
- Available to qualified adult children of disabled/deceased parents eligible to receive SSDI
- Limits on income, but no limits on resources
Find out more in the SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) – Fast Financial Facts Bridges Resource Library entry.
Downloads Available
BWE Calculation Spreadsheet (two worksheets: SSI Calculation & BWE Calculation)
IRWE Calculation Spreadsheet (two worksheets: SSDI Calculation & IRWE Calculation)
Contact the Bridges Helpdesk for More Information
Email: Helpdesk@imagemd.org
Text: Send to: (410) 357-1546
Voice mail: Call (410) 357-1546, leave a voice mail message, and we will return your call
This unique project is being coordinated through The IMAGE Center of Maryland, a center for independent living in Towson, and it is funded by a grant from the Maryland Department of Education Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services.