Issues this guide separates
Use this guide to organize program differences, work history, income/resources, Medicare, Medicaid, and filing strategy.
| Issue | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Use This Guide To Organize Program Differences | Document Use this guide to organize program differences with dates, source records, and a short explanation of why it matters to the current disability issue. |
| Work History | Connect work history to specific activities and work demands instead of using a conclusion without examples. |
| Income/Resources | Organize dated records for income/resources and keep the non-medical eligibility issue separate from the medical disability question. |
| Medicare | Document Medicare with dates, source records, and a short explanation of why it matters to the current disability issue. |
| Medicaid | Document Medicaid with dates, source records, and a short explanation of why it matters to the current disability issue. |
| Filing Strategy | Use the current SSA notice to identify how filing strategy affects the next filing or review step. |
Records for SSDI vs SSI
- SSI notices and payment records
- bank and resource records requested by SSA
- household or living-arrangement information
- medical evidence and appeal documents when disability is also disputed
Questions to prepare
- Is SSA reviewing medical disability, financial eligibility, or both?
- Which month or household change is in dispute?
- What income or resource did SSA count?
- What does the current notice say about appeal rights?
Official starting points
Before taking the next step
Use the exact SSA notice and current appeal or benefit status. A general page about ssdi vs ssi cannot determine eligibility or predict an outcome, and it should not replace an official filing instruction.