What Is Social Security Disability?

Social Security Disability is a federal benefits program, managed by the Social Security Administration that provides monthly benefits for disabled workers and certain members of their family. To be eligible for Social Security benefits, you must be insured, meaning you have to have earned a certain number of work credits.

You must have a severe impairment or combination of impairments that meets Social Security’s definition of disability. Your condition must be severe in that it interferes with your ability to do basic work activity and must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months.

The program also provides medical insurance in the form of Medicare benefits after an individual has been on Social Security Disability for the period of 24 months.

What Is The Difference Between Social Security Disability Insurance And Supplemental Security Income Or SSI?

Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income or SSI, are two disability programs administered by the Social Security Administration.

The primary difference is that the Social Security Disability program provides benefits based upon an individual’s work history, whereas the SSI is a need-based disability program that provides monthly benefits to people over 65 who have little income, are blind or disabled.

SSI defines disability the same way as Social Security Disability, but it again applies to people with limited income and assets. To meet SSI income requirements, you must have less than $2000 in assets ($3000 if a couple) and no or very limited income.

Most people who qualify for SSI will also receive Medicaid from the state in which they live. There is no waiting period for SSI benefits.

What Are The Eligibility Requirements For Social Security Disability?

You have to be insured for the benefits, meaning you’ve had to work for enough quarters and pay the Social Security tax. You must show that you have a severe impairment or a combination of impairments that has prevented you from working for a period of at least 12 months or is likely to keep you from working for a period of at least 12 months or end in your death.

The impairment is such that it renders you disabled for any jobs that you’ve held in the past 15 years, and that you are incapable of doing any other work in a meaningful way because of your impairment.

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