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Social Security and Disability: What You Should Know About Your Benefit

By: Kevin Lilley

AUGUST, 2024

JJ Gouin/Getty Images

Servicemembers past and present are used to decrypting all manner of acronyms, but when it comes to Social Security benefits, some may find themselves out of their element.

That includes two programs which may provide additional income for the disabled or for those age 65 and older (or both): SSDI and SSI.

The Basics: SSDI

What: Social Security Disability Insurance

Who: Available to those who meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of “disabled” (check your status via this questionnaire) and have made qualifying contributions to the Social Security trust fund through earnings contributions via the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA). Age is not a factor.

When: Benefits being in the sixth full month of disability.

How Much: Amount varies by work history. Average 2023 monthly benefit was $1,352.32.

More: SSDI at Benefits.gov.

[SOCIAL SECURITY 101: Understanding Spousal Benefits and Survivor Benefits]

The Basics: SSI

What: Supplemental Security Income

Who: As with SSDI, those deemed disabled can qualify for this program. It’s also open to those age 65 and over, regardless of disability. However, eligible applicants have limited or no income or resources.

When: Benefits begin the first full month after the date of the claim. SSI recipients also become immediately eligible for Medicare in most states.

How Much: Amount varies by income. Average 2023 monthly benefit was $676.60.

More: SSI at SSA.gov.

More to Know

This breakdown covers the surface-level details on these Social Security programs, but there’s much more to learn as you factor these and other potential payments into your financial planning.

While MOAA can assist with some guidance, especially as the benefit relates to your time in service, consider consulting a financial adviser for a personalized perspective. Need an adviser? Check out MOAA’s advice on finding the right one for you.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin Lilley

Lilley serves as MOAA's digital content manager. His duties include producing, editing, and managing content for a variety of platforms, with a concentration on The MOAA Newsletter and MOAA.org. Follow him on X: @KRLilley