This article describes the two types of disability benefits paid out by the Social Security Administration (SSA):
- Title II benefits, which are known as Social Security Disability Income (SSDI);
- Title XVI benefits, which are known as Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
The State of Oklahoma may also provide a small supplement to eligible individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled. These payments will be shown on the Family Support Services Division (FSSD) disability case.
Social Security Disability Income
Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) is commonly referred to as SSA within Child Support Services. SSDI is based on earned income, meaning the claimant has worked and paid into the system long enough to be fully insured. These benefits are included as income. If the claimant’s sole income is SSDI and it is lower than minimum wage, the actual amount of the benefit is used to compute guidelines rather than imputing minimum wage.
Supplemental Security Income
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is based on unearned income, meaning the claimant did not have a minimum work requirement in order to begin receiving these funds. The benefit is paid from the government’s Social Security program based on need. SSI income is specifically excluded as income. The claimant can receive a combination of SSDI and SSI. Only the SSDI can be included as income.
Using FCRL with SSDI and SSI
FCRL uses SDX and BEN to differentiate between the two types of benefits.
SDX is used to denote a person is receiving SSI benefits. This also provides an eligibility date and a redetermination date if applicable.
BEN is used to denote a person is receiving SSDI benefits. It also shows if the SSDI was received as an adult or as a child, as widow benefits, etc. If the SSDI was received as a child, it terminates at the age of 18. Widow’s benefits are drawn from the SSDI of the deceased spouse and are not an indicator of disability.
Using PY with SSDI and SSI
FCRL is the primary screen to determine if a person is receiving any disability benefits. However, the PY screen can be helpful. Occasionally FCRL will not have the information available yet and searching PY could provide the needed information. PY also uses SDX and BEN to identify SSI and SSDI.