Some Californians can understandably be confused about the differences between Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). For starters, the two different benefits are drawn from two different funds: SSD benefits have their own trust fund, while SSI benefits come from general tax revenue. However, perhaps the biggest difference between these two benefits is that to qualify for SSD benefits, a person must have enough work credits. But, that is not the case with Supplemental Security Income.
As a recent article pointed out, SSI benefits can be awarded to Californian families who are caring for disabled children or children with terminal diseases. Cancer, for instance, is a type of terminal illness that has no respect for age. Thousands of children throughout the country are going through various stages of cancer, and their families do their best to provide the care and medical treatment these children need.
But, what if a family is already struggling when they find out about the diagnosis of cancer for a child? That family’s financial resources, meager though they may be, will no doubt take a huge hit. This is especially true given the skyrocketing costs of medical treatment in the United States.
Applying for SSI benefits may be a useful step for families who find themselves in this type of situation. As this recent article pointed out, SSI benefits are awarded on a needs-based system. So, the focus is on families with limited financial resources. Families in Los Angeles may be in this type of quandary right now, and for those families, it may be a good idea to get more information about the SSI application process.
Source: Tribune Star, “Social Security: Benefits available for children afflicted with cancer,” Brian Hewitt, Sept. 12, 2015
