A recent article in the Wall Street Journal delivered a message that more Americans need to hear during a time when the Social Security Administration has been taking a lot of heat for its handling of the disability program. That message is pretty simple: critics of the program are barking up the wrong tree in attempting to determine the cause of the programâs financial challenges.
SSI program scrutinized for expansion
Supplemental Security Income, though less well-known than Social Security disability benefits, is an important benefit program aimed at assisting disabled adults and children with âlimited income and resources.â Unlike Social Security disability, Supplemental Security Income is not a social insurance program but a welfare program. Given that the program paid out roughly $20 billion over the last two years, it should come as no surprise that it has come under scrutiny.
Social Security benefits and children
Most people would probably assume that Social Security benefits are only available to adults, whether the retired or the disabled, but in fact Social Security benefits are also available to children. Both Social Security disability benefits and a separate program known as Supplemental Security Income provide benefits to children who meet certain qualifications.
How can public benefits impact my SSDI payments?
Many of those who receive disability benefits through the Social Security disability program also receive other forms of government benefits. Before applying for SSDI, it is important to understand how receipt of other benefits can affect SSDI payments.
