Q: I get Social Security disability. Will my case be reviewed to see if I’m still eligible?
A: How often we review your medical condition depends on how severe it is and the likelihood it will improve. Your award notice tells you when you can expect your first review using the following terminology:
• Medical improvement expected — If your condition is expected to improve within a specific time, your first review will be six to 18 months after you started getting disability benefits.
• Medical improvement possible — If improvement in your medical condition is possible, your case will be reviewed about every three years.
• Medical improvement not expected — If your medical condition is unlikely to improve, your case will be reviewed about once every five to seven years.
Q: What is the difference between SSDI and SSI disability?
A: Social Security administers two major programs that provide benefits based on disability: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
SSDI benefits are based on prior work under Social Security, and are financed with Social Security taxes paid by workers, employers and the self-employed. To be eligible for an SSDI benefit, the worker must earn sufficient credits based on taxable work to be “insured” for Social Security purposes.
SSI payments are made on the basis of financial need and are financed through general tax revenue. Adults or children who are disabled or blind, and have limited income and resources, may be eligible for SSI disability. The monthly payment varies up to the maximum federal benefit rate, which may be supplemented by the state or decreased by income.
Learn more by going online to read publications, Supplemental Security Income, www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11000.html, and Disability Benefits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029.html.
Send questions to Robert Fenn, Social Security Administration, Second Floor, Federal Building, 2 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44308. Fax: 330-375-5616 or e-mail: Robert.Fenn@ssa.gov.