Frequently asked questions
Answers + resources
What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?
SSI = Supplemental Security Income
SSDI = Social Security Disability Insurance
SSI is a needs-based program. You do not need to have earned any work credits or have paid Social Security taxes in order to receive Supplemental Security Income. This means you can qualify for SSI even if you have never worked.
In fact, SSI is designed to assist low-income and low-resource individuals who may have never been able to earn wages due to a disability or disabling condition.
Individuals who are disabled or blind will need to have paid Social Security taxes to be eligible for insurance benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance program.
Additionally, to be eligible for SSDI benefits, you will need to have earned the minimum required work credits.
To be eligible for Supplemental Security Income, a disabled individual will need to meet different criteria, including (but not limited to):
- Having limited income
- Having limited resources
- Being a United States citizen or National
- Living in the U.S. or Northern Mariana Islands
Why would I work with you (A Professional Advocate) instead of a Lawyer? Aren't they better?
Lawyers can be compassionate, effective advocates for their clients in a variety of scenarios. When lawyers went to school, they learned how to argue cases, handle court procedures and to write legal case briefs. Those are great skills to have!
However, lawyers do not leave law school understanding Social Security Administration policy and procedures or what makes someone eligible for benefits. They don’t usually have expertise in mental health conditions or understand medical jargon. The truth is a disability claim is not just about legal expertise; it is about understanding both the applicant and disability.
If a lawyer does decide to practice in this area, they have to learn it on-the-job: taking cases, studying, getting experience as they go.
Just like I did.
I have represented people at various stages of the Social Security Disability process for over 10 years (Initial, Reconsideration and Administrative Law Judge Hearings). I know the process forwards, backwards and in-between.
I obtained specialized certification in a SAMHSA supported best practice model that is designed to help homeless and at-risk people with applying for SSI/SSDI benefits. After a few years, I became a state lead, developing training and teaching other professionals on how to help their clients.
In order for me to get permission to become an Eligible for Direct Payment Non-Attorney by the SSA, I had to pass an exam to prove my knowledge in SSA policy and meet additional requirements, such as pass a background check, have a minimum level of education, take annual trainings and maintain professional liability insurance to maintain my credentials.
I am also a licensed mental health professional and social worker who has worked in a variety of settings, including in the medical and behavioral health field. That means when you tell me about your conditions and medications, or and when I get a stack of medical records, I have a good understanding of what it all means. When you talk to me about your daily struggles, know I have years of experience walking alongside and working to support folks with limitations and challenges.
In the same way you may build a trusting relationship with a therapist or other helping professional, my goal is to make you feel safe and comfortable sharing your story from a trauma-informed, equitable and ethical place. My job is to dig deep to understand the whole story, and to paint an accurate picture for SSA so that they understand why you aren’t able to work.
I have a great respect for the legal profession and enjoy learning alongside and collaborating with them in this field of work. In the event that your case appears to be best handled by a lawyer (such as an Appeals Council or Federal District Court level claim), I am happy to refer you to one practicing in this specialty.
It’s not just about the Paperwork. It’s about the Person.