Title 2 vs. Title 16 Disability: Key Differences Explained

If you’ve never heard of Title 2 and Title 16 disability, you’re not alone. Many people are unaware of these programs, at least when you see them as Title 2 and Title 16 or as Title II and Title XVI. However, understanding what they are and the difference between Title 2 and Title 16 is essential when you are disabled and unable to work.

Title II and Title XVI are two disability programs administered by the Social Security Administration. Title 2 of the Social Security Act is the Social Security Disability Insurance program. Title 16 is the Supplemental Security Income program. Chances are that you’ve heard about them as SSDI and SSI.

This blog explains all you need to know about the SSDI and SSI programs, including what it takes to be eligible for each and the disability benefits they pay. As you read through the information, help is available from National Disability Experts with answers to questions about the programs, including whether you qualify for benefits through either or both of them.

Title 2 Disability: Social Security Disability Insurance

You must be “insured” to receive benefits through Title 2 of the Social Security Act. To be eligible for SSDI benefits, you must be disabled. The “insured” requirement is met by contributing to the Social Security trust fund by working and paying Social Security taxes on your earnings.

Eligibility for Title 2 Disability requires that you worked long enough and recently enough at jobs subject to payment of Social Security taxes. You earn work credits based on your monthly earnings. One work credit is earned in 2024 for each $1,730 you earn in wages, with a maximum of four work credits per year.

You typically need 40 work credits, 20 earned in the 10 years immediately before your disability began, to qualify for benefits. However, it’s possible to qualify for SSDI with fewer work credits depending on your age at the onset of your disability.

The amount you receive from Title 2 Disability is determined by your earnings during your work history. The maximum monthly SSDI benefit in 2024 is $3,822, but the average SSDI recipient receives $1,537. There is a five-month waiting period from the onset of the disability before monthly benefit payments begin.

If you qualify for SSDI, you become eligible for health insurance coverage through Medicare. Medicare coverage begins 24 months after you start receiving monthly SSDI payments.

Title 16 Disability: Supplemental Security Income

Title 16 Disability is available to disabled or blind adults or adults 65 and older who are neither blind nor disabled. Benefits are also payable to children younger than 18 who are blind or disabled.

Title 16 benefits are limited to adults and children with little or no income and with resources that do not exceed $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for eligible couples. SSI benefits provide a source of money through the monthly benefit payment for food, shelter, and other necessities.

Monthly benefit payments through the Title 16 disability program are limited to $943 in 2024 for individuals. When both spouses qualify for SSI payments, married couples may receive $1,415 monthly. There is no waiting period for the start of benefit payments through Title 16 disability.

You may be eligible for a state-funded supplemental payment, depending on the state where you live. Only the following states do not offer a supplemental payment to their residents who qualify for SSI:

  • Arkansas
  • Arizona
  • Georgia
  • Mississippi
  • Oregon
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • West Virginia

If you qualify for SSI benefits, you may also be eligible for health insurance coverage through Medicaid, depending on the eligibility rules of your state. There is no waiting period for Medicaid coverage as there is for people qualifying for Title 2 benefits.

You Must Be Disabled For Title 2 And Title 16 Disability

Anyone applying for Title 2 and adults applying for disability benefits through Title 16 must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity because of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment. The impairment or combination of impairments must be expected to last for at least one year or be expected to result in death.

Children younger than 18 applying for benefits through Title 16 are disabled if they have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment causing a marked and severe functional limitation. The impairment or a combination of impairments must be expected to result in death or to last for a continuous period of at least one year.

Learn More About Title 2 Vs Title 16 Disability

If you have questions about Title 2 vs Title 16 disability or need representation to appeal a denial of a claim, you can learn more by contacting a disability professional at National Disability Experts for a free consultation. No matter where you live, let us show you how to get the disability benefits you deserve.

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