SSDI provides benefits to individuals who are “insured” meaning they have made contributions to the Social Security Trust Fund through Federal Income Contributions Act (FICA) taxes from the money they have earned. In some instances, a person may qualify for SSDI based on contributions from their parents. Because the amount of SSDI varies based on the average earnings and FICA taxes contributed, the SSDI benefit varies for each beneficiary.

SSI provides cash assistance to low income people who have a disability, or are blind, or are elderly. To qualify for SSI an individual must meet income and resource guidelines.

Cash Benefits

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two of the federal cash benefit programs administered by the Social Security Administration.

Eligibility

There is a process to follow to become eligible for assistance through the Socail Security Administration's disability program. You will need to provide Social Security with the information they need to determine your eligibility for cash assistance.

How to apply for SSDI and SSI

Information you need to applu for benefits

SSDI Eligibility Criteria

SSI Eligibility Criteria

Property Essential to Self-Support (PESS)

Continuing Disability Reviews (CDR) 

Social Security Administration contacts individuals receiving SSDI and SSI periodically to update their records and determine whether their condition has medically improved or if he or she can perform SGA. This process is called a Continuing Disability Review (CDR).

When a CDR is scheduled by SSA depends on how an individual's disability is classified, specifically:

Medical Improvement not Expected (MINE) - CDR occurs every 7 years

Medical IMprovement Possible (MIP) - CDR occurs every 3 years

Medical Improvement Expected (MIE) - CDR occurs every 6 to 18 months

Vocational Re-examination Cases - CDR pending training/rehabilitation program completion.

Click here to contact Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation

Learn more about Continuing Disability Reviews (CDR)

Overpayment and Appeals

If Social Security sends a notice that you are overpaid, there are three things you can do:

1. You can request to appeal the overpayment if you disagree there is an overpayment or with the amount of the overpayment.

Learn more about overpayments and appeals

2. You can ask to have the overpayment forgiven, if you agree you have been overpaid, but believe you should not have to pay the money back. You must show that you did not intentionally cause the overpayment and that you cannot pay it back. Be sure to check that the amount of the overpayment is correct before you file a waiver request.

Learn more about having the overpayment forgiven

3. You can repay the overpayment. Contact your local Social Security office and set up a payment plan.