Depending on your work history, you may be eligible for different kinds of disability benefits. Both SSDI and SSI have different qualifications, so contact a specialist who can help determine your eligibility.

2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social
Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are both
federal programs that provide cash payments to
people who meet qualifications to be considered
“disabled”.

3. SSI
Supplemental Security Income is a type of welfare
benefit for those who have either not worked in
their lives or have not worked for 5 out of the last
10 years

4. To get SSI, you will have to prove that you are
disabled, or that you won’t be able to work for
at least the next 12 months. You also can’t have
more than $2,000 in liquid assets ($3,000 for
couples).

5. Whether or not you qualify will be based on the
income of the entire household, not just your
income, so if your household income exceeds the
SGA limits you are unlikely to qualify.

6. SSDI
Social Security Disability Insurance is available to
those who have worked for approximately 5 full
years out of the last 10. It is an insurance benefit,
not welfare. Net worth and most household
income will not disqualify you from receiving
these benefits.

7. What’s the difference?
Slide 7 – What’s the difference?
The main difference between SSDI and SSI
is that SSDI is available to workers who have
accumulated a sufficient number of work credits,
while SSI disability benefits are available to low-
income individuals who have either never worked
or who haven’t earned enough work credits to
qualify for SSDI.

8. Can I get both?
You may qualify for both SSI and SSDI if you meet
the low-income requirements and have paid into
Social Security. 2.2 million people receive both SSI
and SSDI.

9. I want to
know more!
If you have more questions regarding the
requirements for these two programs, you
can read the details here:
http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/
bluebook/AdultListings.htm.