Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes) and is designed to help the aged, blind and disabled, who have never worked to put money into the Social Security system or adults who have not worked to have enough money paid into the Social Security system. Children born with disabilities often qualify under this program depending on family income. Persons found eligible for SSI receive Medicaid for insurance coverage. This coverage becomes effective one (1) month after the date a person is found disabled. Many states supplement the federal government’s SSI payments. South Carolina does not provide any additional supplement to SSI.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is paid to people who are not able to perform gainful employment due to some injury or illness that places them out of the workforce for a substantial period of time, may deem them unable to ever work again or will ultimately result in death. Persons found disabled under this program begin receiving benefits six (6) months after the date they are deemed disabled. Medical insurance coverage is provided by Medicare and it becomes active two (2) years after the date of disability.
