Minnesota Social Security Benefits Programs

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is based upon the qualifying criteria needed to apply for Social Security; it is not based upon the financial resources or income of the spouse or family members. This program is funded through Social Security taxes paid by workers and employers.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program that is funded by general revenue taxes and is based upon both medical condition and financial resources.

Individuals who are deemed disabled by the Social Security Administration will have their earnings frozen. In other words, the SSA will not count the years that the individual was unable to work and on SSDI. By not figuring these zero earnings years, the result is a higher monthly benefit at age of retirement. Benefits amounts are based upon date of birth, date of disability and recorded FICA earnings. All year’s earnings are indexed to current year’s amount and the lowest 5 years are dropped. The low 5 years may fall anywhere in the work history, not necessarily the first or last years. The benefit amount is then computed on all remaining years.

24 months after the individual became eligible for SSDI; they will automatically become Medicare eligible. Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) is free. Medicare Part B (Supplemental/Physicians) is available for a monthly premium.

Resource Link:

- Social Security - Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Benefits (Act Title II)

- Social Security - Federal Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance (20 CFR Part 404)