Like other West Virginia residents who find themselves unable to work due to a disabling condition, you may need to learn what financial assistance is available to you in this situation. The Social Security Administration offers two different programs and understanding the difference is important as each one is intended for different needs.
Social Security Disability, also called Social Security Disability Insurance, is akin to an insurance program insofar as you may be eligible for benefits based upon the contributions you make. These contributions are made through employment deductions. You may also qualify for benefits based upon your spouse’s contributions or your parent’s contributions in select cases. Regardless of whose contributions are used, you must meet the definitions of disabled in order to receive SSD. Under this program, medical expenses are covered by Medicare.
Like SSD, you must meet specific criteria in order to be deemed disabled for the Supplemental Security Income program. SSI differs from SSD in that it does not require employment contributions. This program is designed to help those with limited or no income or resources. It is funded by the larger pool of tax revenue. Under this program, medical expenses are covered by Medicaid. The amount of money you can receive through SSI is calculated on a formula that may take into account some of your earnings.
There are some situations in which you may be able to receive both SSD and SSI. When this happens, you are said to receive concurrent benefits. This information is not intended to provide legal advice but general information about Social Security Disability in West Virginia.
