What types of disability benefits are available?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees two disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE (SSDI)

To be eligible, you must have paid into the Social Security system through income tax deductions. In addition, you must have acquired enough work credits. Generally, the older you are, the more work credits you will need. Disability benefits under this program are available regardless of your financial resources, however.

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI)

As the name implies, this program provides supplemental income exclusively to those who are disabled, blind or over the age of 65. Unlike SSDI, there is no requirement to have paid into the Social Security system. In order to get these benefits, you must meet the financial requirements. These benefits are “means tested,” however, which means you must have limited financial resources to receive them.