Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
The SSI program makes cash assistance payments to people who are elderly, blind, or disabled (including children) who have limited income and resources. The Federal Government funds SSI from general tax revenues.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI provides benefits to people who are disabled or blind who are "insured" by workers’ contributions to the Social Security trust fund. These contributions are based on your earnings (or those of your spouse or parents) as required by the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA). Title II of the Social Security Act authorizes SSDI benefits.
Social Security Account Information
- Get your Social Security Statement
- Get a benefit verification letter
- Review your earnings once a year
Learn More with these DORS' videos:
- Never Work Without a Net: Safety Nets for Workers Who Get Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI)
- Never Work Without a Net: Safety Nets for Workers Who Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Benefits Planning
You may be wondering what will happen to your Social Security cash benefits and medical coverage if you go back to work. A number of special rules put in place by Social Security, called work incentives, are now available to encourage you to try work. Work incentives have made it possible for many SSI/SSDI recipients to earn more than they ever thought possible. There are trained and certified benefits counselors, sometimes called benefits planners, to help you understand the impact of work on your personal circumstances.
Additionally, after you achieve employment and your case with DORS is closed, you may be able to receive benefits planning through a
Ticket to Work Partnership Plus Employment Network. Your counselor can assist you with connecting with these services.
Finally, you may also access benefits planning services through the
Maryland Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Project (WIPA).
