Difference of SSI & SSD?

[ga1964]

I recently applied for SSI & SSD for the 1st time.  Needless to say, I was turned down and I am now in the progress of filing an appeal.  When I went to see my Case Manager at the Health Department, I found out my Case Manager had left (The 3rd one in 3 years).  I was seen by a temporary Case Worker that has her own case load.  I asked her for assistance and she told me to get an Attorney.  I called the Attorney that handled my bankruptcy last year, she said she had handled some cases, but for people over 50.  She told me if I got a letter from one of my doctors stating I was disabled, it would qualify me for benefits.  I asked my I.D., he said as long as my numbers were doing well, he could not say I was "disabled".  When I was 1st diagnosed, he told me to file for disability if I did not have insurance, I did at the time.  I don't have insurance now, so I thought I would qualify.  I told my Therapist what I was going through, and she said she would write a letter and see if my Psychiatrist would sign it. 

I picked it up yesterday afternoon.  In the letter he said I have been diagnosed with "Major Depressive Disorder without Pschycotic Features on Axis I (or 1)", not sure?  Does anyone know exactly what this means and how it could affect my appeal?  I used to work 10-12 hour days, but I'm down to 3-4 hours a day, if I'm lucky, due to having chronic lower back pain, waking up sick, and a bunch of other side effects from my meds.  They keep my numbers up, but I pay for it in the "end". 

Also, can someone explain to me what the difference is between SSI & SSD?

Thanks for all input.         

[Assurbanipal]

Also, can someone explain to me what the difference is between SSI & SSD?

         

Kinda late here, but for what it is worth...

SSI used to be the anti-poverty program for the aged, blind and disabled.  It is designed to supplement your income if you are significantly below the poverty level.  It is means tested (i.e. it goes down as your income goes up).

SSDI is the disability pension benefit provided by Social Security.  Like a pension it is not means tested [it does not decrease if you have income from savings or other disability insurance (although the insurance may have a clause that reduces it, Social Security will not be reduced because you have other income)].  SSDI is based on your Social Security earnings just like the Social Security Old Age benefit.  Based on what you have said about your work history in the forums, it will probably provide a higher benefit to you than SSI.  SSDI is potentially retroactive in payment -- SSI is not.

Both SSI and SSDI are administered by the Social Security Administration and use basically the same tests to determine whether or not you are disabled. 

SSA explains the programs here: http://www.ssa.gov/disability/

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