What is Social Security Disability

The federal Social Security Administration (SSA) manages two programs for people who can’t work because of a severe disability:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that is available to people with a steady work history who have paid into Social Security. It works just like an insurance plan. Most employed Americans pay FICA taxes, which go into a fund that is used to pay retirement, disability, and survivor’s benefits, along with Medicare. If you have been paying into this fund and become disabled, you can be eligible for disability benefits, based on your age, impairment, and how long you have worked. In some cases, your dependent children may also be eligible for benefits while you are receiving SSDI.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program for people with low income, few assets, and limited resources, and does not require you to have a work history. It provides people who are disabled or over the age of 65 with monthly payments to cover basic living expenses. The SSI disability program has the same medical requirements as SSDI, but it also looks at your income, your resources (such as cash, savings, land, personal property or vehicles), and your living arrangements to determine eligibility.

View our FAQ for more answers about Social Security Disability Insurance.