Retirement, Survivors, Disability Insurance
(RSDI)
Supplemental Security Income
(SSI)
RSDI is an insurance program administered by the federal government. SSI is a public assistance program or welfare program administered by the federal government. 
RSDI benefits are paid to persons who are elderly, disabled, or deprived of a spouse or parent (survivors). SSI benefits are paid to persons who are disabled and have  not paid enough into the RSDI program to withdraw an adequate income.
The amount of the RSDI benefit is determined by the amount an individual has paid into the system (work history as reported to SSA). The amount of the SSI benefit is determined by the person's income.
RSDI is commonly called Social Security. Supplemental Security Income is commonly called SSI.
Individuals participating in the RSDI program may pay a monthly premium and receive Medicare. Individuals participating in this program do not pay a premium and receive Medicaid.
Individuals who receive RSDI may also be included in a TANF AU. Individuals who receive SSI cannot be included in a TANF AU.
Individuals who receive RSDI may also be included in an FS AU. Individuals who receive SSI may also be included in an FS AU.
Individuals who receive RSDI may also be included in an LIM AU. Individuals who receive SSI cannot be included in an LIM AU.
  • If an individual has paid into the Social Security system, but the amount he or she could withdraw falls below a specific limit set by Congress, the individual can receive both RSDI and SSI.  In this situation, the individual receives RSDI, SSI, Medicare, and Medicaid.  The Medicare premium is paid by the Medicaid program.  Some individuals receive both RSDI and SSI. 
  • Do not count the income or resources of an SSI recipient in TANF or LIM.
  • Do not count the resources of an SSI recipient in FS.
  • The exact RSDI amount is budgeted; do not truncate the figure or round it up.
  • Remind workers that spouses (common law and legal) and children are entitled to receive disability or survivor's benefits if a spouse/parent becomes permanently disabled or dies.  SSA has strict rules for determining which children can receive benefits, so it is important for absent fathers to establish paternity.