Both SSI and SSDI are federal disability programs run by the Social Security Administration (SSA), but they serve different groups. SSDI, or Social Security Disability Insurance, is based on your work history. SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, is based on financial need.

Think of SSDI as an insurance policy. Payroll tax contributions earn you work credits, and SSDI pays out if you become too disabled to work. SSI does not require a work history. It provides a financial floor for disabled people, blind people, and adults 65 or older with very limited income and assets.

Both programs use the same medical definition of disability: your condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and it must prevent you from doing substantial work.

SSDI eligibility depends on your work record. Most workers age 31 or older need 40 total work credits, with at least 20 earned in the 10 years before the disability began. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.



One detail many applicants miss is the Date Last Insured (DLI). If too much time passes between when you stopped working and when you filed, you may lose SSDI eligibility even if your disability is genuine. SSDI has no income or asset limits. The SSA only looks at whether you can engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). Consulting a disability attorney early protects you from missing these deadlines.

SSI requires no work history. A person who has never held a job may qualify on medical grounds alone. Instead of work credits, the SSA evaluates your income and resources. A lawyer for SSI benefits can help you understand what counts as a resource and how to document your finances correctly.



For 2026, the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Countable resources include cash and bank accounts, though your primary home and one vehicle are typically excluded. California adds a state supplement on top of the federal SSI payment, with the amount varying by living arrangement and marital status. People who qualify for SSI in California are often automatically eligible for Medi-Cal.

Stockton is served by the Social Security office at 4747 Feather River Dr, Stockton, CA 95219, near the Brookside neighborhood close to Interstate 5. Most services require an appointment. You can reach the Stockton SSA office at (877) 803-6314 or the national line at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday.

The San Joaquin County Human Services Agency at 333 E. Washington St., Stockton, CA 95219, provides information about Medi-Cal and related state benefits for SSI recipients. Initial application review can take several months, and many first-time applicants face a denial before winning on appeal. Having a lawyer for SSI benefits involved early helps you avoid filing mistakes that cause delays.

Yes. The SSA allows simultaneous applications. If you qualify medically but are unsure whether your work credits are sufficient, filing for both means the SSA evaluates you under each set of rules. An experienced disability attorney can identify which program or combination offers the strongest path forward.

A denial is not the end of the road. The appeals process can include reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, and further review. Acting promptly after a denial is critical, as strict deadlines apply at each stage. Retaining a lawyer for SSI benefits after a denial gives you the best chance of presenting a stronger case at the next level.

Milam Law serves clients in Stockton, CA, and throughout California's Central Valley, focusing exclusively on SSDI and SSI claims. The team offers a free initial consultation to help you understand your options. You can learn more on the SSI services page or the SSDI services page, then contact the firm to schedule your free consultation. Call (877) 592-1475 today for clear answers from a team that understands what is at stake. You can also find Milam Law on Google to read client reviews and get directions.