What Is The Difference Between Title 2 And Title 16 Disability?

Do you struggle with a disability that prevents you from being able to work and enjoy life as you otherwise would? If so, you may find yourself experiencing significant difficulties, financial and otherwise. You may also wonder whether or not you qualify for disability benefits and, if so, what type and how much you might receive. This is completely understandable. It can be tremendously stressful to be unable to work and provide for yourself and those you love.

The good news is that for individuals who meet the necessary qualifications, there are different types of disability benefits that may be available. The Social Security Administration has two programs that provide disability benefits to eligible individuals – Title 2 and Title 16. Often, those who are disabled wonder which type of benefits they may qualify for, and how those benefits are administered. These are important and understandable questions to ask.

Title 2 – Social Security Disability Insurance

Title 2 is a benefits program more commonly known as Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI for short. To qualify to receive SSDI benefits, an applicant must be able to satisfy specific criteria, including:

1. The Applicant Has A Disabling Condition: To qualify for SSDI benefits, the applicant must be able to show, through sufficient medical proof, that they have a condition that the Social Security Administration considers to be a disability. To make this determination, the Social Security Administration will often consult its Blue Book. This is a listing of impairments and their accompanying symptoms, which may qualify for benefits. If your condition is not in the Blue Book, this does not mean that you will be prevented from receiving benefits – it merely means that you may have to provide additional medical proof to substantiate your condition.
2. The Condition In Question Has Rendered The Applicant Unable To Work For At Least One Continuous Calendar Year Or More: This must be a continuous calendar year – it cannot be a few months, after which the applicant returns to work and then takes time off again. Records from employers and doctors may be needed to establish that the condition has rendered the applicant unable to work.
3. The Applicant Worked A Qualifying Job For A Sufficient Length Of Time, Through Which He Or She Paid A Portion Of Their Salary Into The Social Security System: Applicants who worked and paid into the Social Security system for a sufficient length of time are generally considered “insured.”

It is also important to understand that the amount of SSDI benefits awarded will not be based on the particular medical condition in question. Instead, a determination of payment of benefits will be based on the insured individual’s salary and how much they paid into the system over a period of time. In 2023, the maximum SSDI amount that can be awarded is $3,627 per month.

Title 16 – Supplemental Security Income

Title 16 is a benefits program more commonly known as Supplemental Security Income, or SSI for short. As is the case with SSDI benefits, an individual who applies for SSI benefits must be able to show that they have a qualifying disabling condition that has resulted in an inability to work for at least one continuous calendar year or more. Regardless of which type of benefit an individual is applying for, proof to establish these two criteria will be relatively the same.

Unlike the case with SSDI benefits, however, an individual seeking SSI benefits need not have worked a qualifying job through which they paid into the Social Security system. This is because the SSI program is funded through general tax revenue and not by payroll taxes attributed to particular individuals.

Ultimately, in order to receive SSI benefits, an individual must meet the preceding criteria and also be able to establish that they have income and resources below a certain threshold established by the Social Security Administration. These limits will vary from year to year, so consulting with an attorney as to your particular circumstances is always advised.

As is the case with SSDI benefits, the amount you might receive if approved for SSI benefits will not be dependent upon your particular medical condition. In 2023, the maximum SSI amount is $971 per month for an individual and $1,371 per month for an eligible couple.

Sackett Law – Your Disability Attorneys

At Sackett Law, our knowledgeable and experienced team of attorneys is here for you. We understand every aspect of the law surrounding claims for disability benefits, and we know the best legal strategies to pursue on your behalf. We will always fight for you, and we will consistently offer you the excellent representation and guidance that you need. Whatever issue you’re facing, we’re here to help. Give us a call today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.